The idea of creating an ideal day started to stir in my head sometime last year. I originally planned to get a blog post out to the internet then, but it fell to the wayside.
Over the last couple of weeks, I played with the layout (which took the longest), what I wanted to include, organizing it, and other things of that nature. I guess what got me in this process was how to create one with a fluctuating schedule and two separate off days.
It’s easier for me to run errands on off days–these are days when I start writing in the afternoon while I am at my local Starbucks or home. On my early work days, I have a limited time to get writing done, but mostly free after. I can get through a chunk of my word count goal if I go to work in the afternoon.
In all this mini-chaos, I decided to have my work days on one page and writing on the other.
My ideal day for work, left, and writing day, right. I color coded to make things easier to understand when it comes to my schedule. The main layout follows my Monday, Wednesday and Friday work days. Tuesday is indicated with a T next to a color coded dot.
I tried to stick to the routine I normally do when creating this. But now I’m wondering, am I just writing down my routine? What makes this ideal then?
When it comes to writing, getting any kind of time in is ideal. I think when you’re creating your own ideal writing day, or a general ideal day, the root of it is time management. How do you spend your time normally and how do you want to change it, or what are the things you want to hold yourself accountable for?
I played with the layout on separate grid paper. I wanted to do a clock but it turned out to be a bit much with my schedule
I settled on quadrants, but here I was figuring out how I wanted to write down everything.
A view of the process
Setting up the pages for real in my bullet journal
A close up of the writing side. It’s a bit sparse, but it will get the job done until I feel like I need to add more
This is the work side of Ideal Day. I created a key at the top, color coding tasks and days.
In the end, I wanted to create something for me to take note of everyday, especially when I say I don’t have time. I’m going to use this visual as a reminder to myself, and hopefully to writers, that it can get done. Even if it’s just on a lunch break.
As writers, we put a lot of pressure on ourselves to reach word goals, get the dialogue or prose right the first time. This is something you shouldn’t stress about. This is something you should use a guideline and keep yourself accountable.
Supplies used:
Leuchtturm1917 A5 Medium notebook – grid, Red
Grid paper – to plan
Marvy Le Pen – Black, Grey, Periwinkle
Sharpie Pen – Fine – Green, Purple
Muji Polycarbonate Ballpoint Pen .7mm with grip – Red
