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Planning Vs. Scheduling: Where Do You Focus?

January 10, 2013 by Cena Block · 3 Comments

So many people collapse the distinction between planning their time and scheduling time to actually accomplish their tasks.

The fact is, planning and scheduling are two different skills.  According to Dictionary.com:

plan
is a noun, verb, planned, plan·ning

noun

  1. a scheme or method of acting, doing, proceeding, making, etc., developed in advance: battle plans.
  2. a design or scheme of arrangement: an elaborate plan for seating guests.
  3. a specific project or definite purpose: plans for the future.
  4. Also called plan view. a drawing made to scale to represent the top view or a horizontal section of a structure or a machine, as a floor layout of a building.
  5. a representation of a thing drawn on a plane, as a map or diagram: a plan of the dock area.

 

verb (used with object)

  1. to arrange a method or scheme beforehand for (any work, enterprise, or proceeding): to plan a new recreation center.
  2. to draw or make a diagram or layout of, as a building.

verb (used without object)

  1. to make plans: to plan ahead; to plan for one’s retirement.
Notice all the future-facing words used to define this one?  So – planning is always done ahead of time…. with a big picture and idea in mind.

sched·ule noun, verb, sched·uled, sched·ul·ing.

noun

  1. a plan of procedure, usually written, for a proposed objective, especially with reference to the sequence of and time allotted for each item or operation necessary to its completion: The schedule allows three weeks for this stage.
  2. a series of things to be done or of events to occur at or during a particular time or period: He always has a full schedule.
  3. a timetable.
verb (used with object)
  1. to make a schedule of or enter in a schedule.
  2. to plan for a certain date: to schedule publication for June.

What do you notice that is different about the two words?

Both Planning and scheduling are done in advance,  but a PLAN is about thinking things through to produce a design. When applied to your time – think of planning as a time design toward the desired result! To schedule – means to take the existing plan – and estimate and assign time elements to events, tasks, and projects. Scheduling is about estimating how long things will take – and executing them at a given time. A schedule puts your plan into action by assigning a time estimate and value to the actual task or activity you’re going to do on a certain date.

[Tweet “Planning and scheduling are two different skills. Do you excel at one over the other?”]

Do you excel at one over the other?

These two functions work hand in hand, but interestingly, different parts of the brain are responsible for planning, scheduling, and action.

The human brain has many parts and each is responsible for different things.  Follow this quick primer in brain physiology:

The cerebrum is divided into two equal halves called hemispheres and controls our thoughts and actions. This is what is referred to when someone is deemed ‘left-‘ or ‘right-brained’. Each hemisphere is responsible for different functions.

The Cerebrum It is the largest part of the brain, located in the forebrain, and consists of four lobes.

 

  1. The frontal lobe assists us with problem-solving, movement, planning, reasoning, parts of speech and emotions.
    This is where PLANNING skills reside. This area is what must be stimulated for adequate scheduling to occur. Note that this area is usually more developed in females.
  2. The parietal lobe is responsible for recognition, movement, orientation, and perception of stimuli.
    This is where the ACTION and physical coordination take place for executing tasks.
  3. The temporal lobe controls memory, speech, and perception of auditory stimuli.
  4. The occipital lobe controls our sense of sight. The neocortex accounts for the largest part of the cerebrum. This six-layer structure is responsible for higher information processing.

Goals and objectives produce plans, that lead to schedules so tasks are executed within the time you’ve scheduled.  It’s a suite of skills and activities that when combined are most effective. Especially for mompreneurs who are juggling SO many other tasks and priorities. Each requires different tactics, and they are different skills.  Scheduling is a planning activity and requires time to accomplish it.  Working tasks without first planning your schedule may be a recipe for disaster, especially if you have several tasks to manage at one time.

Take some time to plan first, then focus on estimating and executing! Focusing on Planning and Scheduling will help any mompreneur manage all the details, and help you reclaim your time!  If you need HELP planning your business goals – Check out my highly acclaimed Planapaloozah – a self-paced course to get your business back on course. Go here to learn more!

Do you have any tips and tricks for planning and scheduling? How do you manage it all? When do you find time for planning and scheduling? Please share your planning and scheduling tips and tools in the comment box below!

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Filed Under: Entrepreneur, mompreneur, Planning, Productivity, Scheduling, Time management · Tagged With: Entrepreneur, planning, Scheduling, Time Management

About Cena Block

Welcome readers! If this is your first time visiting my blog, thank you for stopping by. I'm Cena and I work with high performers, professionals, and entrepreneurs with ADHD. If you're an entrepreneur or high- performing professional who is distracted, overwhelmed, and feeling lost in the shuffle, let's talk. As a Certified Productivity Coach (CPC-2020) and Certified Organizer Coach (COC-2017) and Productivity Consultant, I can help. I work with clients in 3 different ways: Coach, Consultant, and Productivity. Together we help you slow down, focus and get curious. Weekly coaching sessions help you recognize when your inner critic is in your way, and provide small steps forward. ADHD brains work differently than neurotypical brains. While freedom and flexibility energize you, routines, tracking, and systems help you calm down, cut the chaos, and provide the grounding your brain needs to be at its best. Working with a Certified ADHD Coach is essential. I can help you understand how your ADHD shows up. Together we grow your business and improve your career results while finding quality time for family, your passions and yourself!

Trackbacks

  1. Time Management, Planning, Entrepreneur, Mompreneur says:
    August 5, 2016 at 8:43 am

    […] you know you are wasting your time (and NOT feeling good about the time you spend) you must put in planning, routine, schedules, and support that help you get things done in an easier […]

    Log in to Reply
  2. Virtual Assistants, Mompreneur, Entrepreneur, Business, Self employment says:
    September 30, 2016 at 1:22 pm

    […] to share whatever your current situation is with your virtual assistant. Let her help you create a plan and put systems in place to ensure every job gets done to your satisfaction. If email is your […]

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  3. 10 Essential Systems For A Productive Home Office | Organize says:
    January 10, 2017 at 4:39 pm

    […] calendar system best serves you, and move over to it – consistently. Be sure to remember that planning, scheduling and reminding are ALL distinctly different skills than managing and working your list […]

    Log in to Reply

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Cena Block is the founder of Sane Spaces.com and creator of the TSSI™. She works with smart, savvy professionals and entrepreneurs with ADHD to build systems that support success while not burning out! Take the first step: https://sanespaces.com/contact/

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