How to Make a Schedule and Stick to It

PDF download Download Article
PDF download Download Article

Are you having a hard time sticking to schedules? That's a problem many people have, but luckily you can organize and make a schedule that works. Follow the plan that helps you grow everyday!

Steps

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/a\/a8\/Make-a-Schedule-and-Stick-to-It-Step-1.jpg\/v4-460px-Make-a-Schedule-and-Stick-to-It-Step-1.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/a\/a8\/Make-a-Schedule-and-Stick-to-It-Step-1.jpg\/aid4133666-v4-728px-Make-a-Schedule-and-Stick-to-It-Step-1.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-nc-sa\/3.0\/\">Creative Commons<\/a><br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    This includes school, work, etc. These will be the things that have to be done at a certain time every day, and the times for which you do them cannot be moved around or rescheduled. Ideally, this list should be relatively short. [1]
  2. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/7\/74\/Make-a-Schedule-and-Stick-to-It-Step-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Make-a-Schedule-and-Stick-to-It-Step-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/7\/74\/Make-a-Schedule-and-Stick-to-It-Step-2.jpg\/aid4133666-v4-728px-Make-a-Schedule-and-Stick-to-It-Step-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-nc-sa\/3.0\/\">Creative Commons<\/a><br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    This includes exercising, studying, chores, shopping, personal hygiene, and so on. These are things that you need to do, but can be moved around a bit on your schedule for your convenience. [2]
    Advertisement
  3. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/2\/2a\/Make-a-Schedule-and-Stick-to-It-Step-3.jpg\/v4-460px-Make-a-Schedule-and-Stick-to-It-Step-3.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/2\/2a\/Make-a-Schedule-and-Stick-to-It-Step-3.jpg\/aid4133666-v4-728px-Make-a-Schedule-and-Stick-to-It-Step-3.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-nc-sa\/3.0\/\">Creative Commons<\/a><br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    This includes reading, socializing, watching TV, video games, etc.
  4. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/a\/ae\/Make-a-Schedule-and-Stick-to-It-Step-4.jpg\/v4-460px-Make-a-Schedule-and-Stick-to-It-Step-4.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/a\/ae\/Make-a-Schedule-and-Stick-to-It-Step-4.jpg\/aid4133666-v4-728px-Make-a-Schedule-and-Stick-to-It-Step-4.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-nc-sa\/3.0\/\">Creative Commons<\/a><br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    For example, if you've written down "6:00 PM - Revision", turn it into "6:00 PM - Revision - Chapter 7 Science, make flashcards + review vocabulary". [3]
  5. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/f\/f6\/Make-a-Schedule-and-Stick-to-It-Step-5.jpg\/v4-460px-Make-a-Schedule-and-Stick-to-It-Step-5.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/f\/f6\/Make-a-Schedule-and-Stick-to-It-Step-5.jpg\/aid4133666-v4-728px-Make-a-Schedule-and-Stick-to-It-Step-5.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-nc-sa\/3.0\/\">Creative Commons<\/a><br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Of course, go ahead and add all of step 1 activities first, then step 2's, and last but not least, step 3's. [4]
  6. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/6\/65\/Make-a-Schedule-and-Stick-to-It-Step-6.jpg\/v4-460px-Make-a-Schedule-and-Stick-to-It-Step-6.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/6\/65\/Make-a-Schedule-and-Stick-to-It-Step-6.jpg\/aid4133666-v4-728px-Make-a-Schedule-and-Stick-to-It-Step-6.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-nc-sa\/3.0\/\">Creative Commons<\/a><br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Spending 1-2 hours per step 2 and 3-type activities is ideal, but do what's best for you. [5]
  7. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/5\/5d\/Make-a-Schedule-and-Stick-to-It-Step-7.jpg\/v4-460px-Make-a-Schedule-and-Stick-to-It-Step-7.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/5\/5d\/Make-a-Schedule-and-Stick-to-It-Step-7.jpg\/aid4133666-v4-728px-Make-a-Schedule-and-Stick-to-It-Step-7.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-nc-sa\/3.0\/\">Creative Commons<\/a><br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    After you have your ideal schedule in mind, you'll know what type of agenda is best for you. Remember, don't worry about what the cover of the planner looks like so much as if it has what you need in the contents on the inside. Worst case scenario, you could turn it into a DIY project if the cover isn't your style. Explore different layouts as not all planners are the same. There are different planners for different uses, so do your research. [6]
  8. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/4\/4f\/Make-a-Schedule-and-Stick-to-It-Step-8.jpg\/v4-460px-Make-a-Schedule-and-Stick-to-It-Step-8.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/4\/4f\/Make-a-Schedule-and-Stick-to-It-Step-8.jpg\/aid4133666-v4-728px-Make-a-Schedule-and-Stick-to-It-Step-8.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-nc-sa\/3.0\/\">Creative Commons<\/a><br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Now that you've made your schedule, you're going to need to stick to it, which is going to be the most difficult part. You can't expect to cram 100 activities into 24 hours. If you have more activities to do than what you have time for, you have two options: Either have 2 different schedules that alternate between days (for example, Monday - Schedule 1, Tuesday - Schedule 2, Wednesday - Schedule 1, and so on) or you really need to prioritize and/or compromise based on your own personal daily routine. Only you can decide the best action to take here. But the whole point of this step is to make sure your schedule is possible to stick to, so make sure you do that by taking one or both of the options listed above and allowing enough, but not too much time, for each activity.
  9. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/2\/26\/Make-a-Schedule-and-Stick-to-It-Step-9.jpg\/v4-460px-Make-a-Schedule-and-Stick-to-It-Step-9.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/2\/26\/Make-a-Schedule-and-Stick-to-It-Step-9.jpg\/aid4133666-v4-728px-Make-a-Schedule-and-Stick-to-It-Step-9.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-nc-sa\/3.0\/\">Creative Commons<\/a><br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Be conscious of why you wanted to stick to a schedule in the first place and keep it in your mind. Also be aware of the consequences should you fail to keep a schedule, and the rewards if you are successful. Some pros of keeping a schedule: be more organized, resulting in less stress, can help you be more responsible, make you feel in control of your life, help you be successful in your business, work, school, and/or every day life, etc. [7]
  10. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/e\/e3\/Make-a-Schedule-and-Stick-to-It-Step-10.jpg\/v4-460px-Make-a-Schedule-and-Stick-to-It-Step-10.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/e\/e3\/Make-a-Schedule-and-Stick-to-It-Step-10.jpg\/aid4133666-v4-728px-Make-a-Schedule-and-Stick-to-It-Step-10.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-nc-sa\/3.0\/\">Creative Commons<\/a><br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    We all fall off the wagon sometimes, so if you don't get it right straight away, don't fret. Identify where you went wrong and try a new strategy. It could take months to get your schedule where you are happy with it and where you can finally stick to it. It's definitely a learn-as-you-go-type experience, but it's well worth it in the end, when you've finally got everything worked out. [8]
    11. Advertisement

Expert Q&A

Search
Add New Question
  • Question
    I want to improve my critical thinking skills. Where should I start?
    Jai Flicker
    Academic Tutor
    Jai Flicker is an Academic Tutor and the CEO and Founder of Lifeworks Learning Center, a San Francisco Bay Area-based business focused on providing tutoring, parental support, test preparation, college essay writing help, and psychoeducational evaluations to help students transform their attitude toward learning. Jai has over 20 years of experience in the education management industry. He holds a BA in Philosophy from the University of California, San Diego.
    Jai Flicker
    Academic Tutor
    Expert Answer
    Critical thinking starts with getting clear on your own thinking first. Before analyzing others' arguments, take time to ask yourself "What do I actually think about this?" Build evidence to support your own viewpoint. As you explore your own thinking more, you may find you have to update your beliefs. The key is to not get too attached to your first thought, but remain flexible. By starting to actively think about topics yourself, you'll get better at identifying the quality of thinking in what you read and hear.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
    Yes No
    Not Helpful 1 Helpful 3
  • Question
    What can I do if I'm too lazy to stick to my schedule?
    Tom De Backer
    Top Answerer
    We're all lazy. Every invention mankind has ever made was to reduce the effort a certain task costs. I would suggest that you accept that it's OK to be lazy sometimes, and even plan it in your schedule. My lazy day is Thursday - that evening I don't plan anything, no chores, no tasks no nothing. So all other days I can say "all right, I'll do this now because Thursday I can be lazy". However, remind yourself why you made your schedule, what your goals are, and let that motivate you.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
    Yes No
    Not Helpful 6 Helpful 87
  • Question
    What should I do if I get distracted?
    Alix Naumova
    Community Answer
    Put all possible distractions away. Put electronics on a high shelf or give them to someone you trust. Study in one hour stretches and give yourself 10 minute break periods.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
    Yes No
    Not Helpful 13 Helpful 62
See more answers
Ask a Question
200 characters left
Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.
Submit
      Advertisement

      Tips

      Submit a Tip
      All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published
      Submit
      Thanks for submitting a tip for review!

      Warnings

      Advertisement

      Things You'll Need

      • A sheet of paper
      • Writing utensil
      • Agenda/Planner/Organizer

      You Might Also Like

      How to Schedule Your Day: Examples, Tips & More
      How to
      Make a Schedule
      How to
      Make a Timetable
      How to
      Make a Revision Timetable
      How to
      Make a Chore Chart
      How to
      Schedule Your Life
      How to
      Make Appointments
      How to
      Keep to a Daily Schedule
      Advertisement

      References

      1. ↑ https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/career-development/create-a-daily-schedule
      2. ↑ https://www.entrepreneur.com/living/want-to-be-successful-stick-to-a-schedule/234145
      3. ↑ https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/career-development/create-a-daily-schedule
      4. ↑ https://www.northshore.org/healthy-you/how-to-start-a-new-routine-and-stick-to-it/
      5. ↑ https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/career-development/create-a-daily-schedule
      6. ↑ https://www.entrepreneur.com/living/want-to-be-successful-stick-to-a-schedule/234145
      7. ↑ https://ca.indeed.com/career-advice/career-development/how-do-i-create-and-stick-to-daily-schedule
      8. ↑ https://kidshealth.org/en/teens/motivation.html

      About This Article

      In other languages
      Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 125,367 times.

      Reader Success Stories

      • Sevwandhi Hettiarachchi

        Nov 28, 2017

        "I never worked according to a schedule. I always worked as I wanted and I couldn't do my daily work for a ..." more
      More reader stories Hide reader stories
      Share your story

      Did this article help you?

      Advertisement