Productivity with Google Calendar
I started using Google Calendar only last year in July. Throughout high school and undergrad, I used a physical planner to manage my schedule. However, I decided to make the switch to Google Calendar. After making the switch, my life has significantly changed and I have much more control over my time. Let’s dive into the benefits of electronic planners and why you should use one.
Caveat: I use Google Calendar but the points in this article extend to all electronic planners.
Why I use an electronic planner over a physical planner
The biggest plus for me is that with Google Calendar, I can sync it across my phone, laptop and tablet. Updating my schedule is easier and much faster than a physical planner when it comes to rearranging tasks.
The other thing I like is that I can set automatic notifications for important tasks, events and reminders with Google Calendars. I prefer this than constantly having to check if a deadline is drawing close or things that need to be done that I might forget about. For this reason, I simply put in all the important tasks, no matter how minor, into my calendar during my weekly planning sessions (more on that in the next post), so that I can offload it from my mind, knowing that I can trust in my calendar. Things like renewing my car registration, my driver’s license, paying TV bills, grocery shopping, refilling my prescription medications etc. all go into the calendar, and remind me at a convenient date.
Thirdly, electronic planners are extremely accessible. You can manage your schedule all from your smartphone, which you almost always have in close proximity 90% of the time. Since we spend so much time on our phones, you don’t have to go out of your way to use your electronic calendar. Also, you don’t have to be tech-savvy to be able to use Google Calendar. It’s mostly just tapping buttons and typing, just like social media. Another plus for accessibility is that you can share your calendar to with your family and friends so that they can easily know when you are or busy.
Drawbacks of electronic planners
The only few I can think of are:
While the majority of scheduling apps are free, there are a few that are paid for. They usually offer more functions and premium services but for the most part, the free apps usually suffice. It’s one of the reasons I use Google Calendar; it’s free and offers great functionality. Most phones have a stock calendar app that you use which are decent.
You can’t access your calendar if you run out of battery on your phone or laptop. However, this is a minor and infrequent inconvenience.
If you simply prefer the feel of physical planners over electronic ones. I actually use a combination of both: I use my Google Calendar as my master calendar but I also have a whiteboard monthly planner that I use to serve as my calendar “at a glance“ for which days I’m working and which days I’m off.
Conclusion
These are just some of my thoughts and experiences that I’ve come across using Google Calendar. I hope this article was helpful to you and helps you with your productivity. If this article resonates with you, send me an email and let me know. I’d love to hear from you.
In the next post, we’ll explore the importance and benefits of planning sessions, which will be coming out in the next week. Until then, kuwa salama na kukuona karibuni hivi! (be safe and see you soon!)
