The calendar is very important for productivity.

Without it, it is hard to visualize how long the important tasks take. It also relieves stress since you know when your important work will occur. The calendar is one of the three fundamentals of the Barbell System.

However, the calendar is a tool, after all. If you know exactly what to do right now, you are much better off doing it now rather than adjusting calendar events before. But if not so sure what to do next, the calendar is your best friend.

Calendar Setup

I have written a more thorough guide here, but below are the key actions for setting up the calendar on your phone:

Step 1: Select your calendar, most likely Google Calendar, Microsoft Outlook Calendar, and/or iCal
Step 2: In the Settings app, you go to calendar. Then click accounts
Step 3: Sign in to your Google or Microsoft account. Allow it to sync, and it will after a couple of minutes.

I also recommend the calendar widget to make it easier. Because it is on your home screen, you can get a quick glance at your appointments and planned tasks.

Step 4: (iPhone) Press and hold any app for 2 seconds until they start to dance. Then click on the upper right plus sign. (Android) Press and hold on to the home screen until the widget buttons show up
Step 5: Scroll through a list of available widgets until you see the calendar of your choice.
Step 6: When you click the widget, you scroll sideways until you find the best view of the same app.
Step 7: Click Add Widget and the widget will appear. Place it on your home screen so it is the first thing you look at every time you check your phone.

How to Input and Adjust Events

Press and hold an empty area on the phone and drag it to the correct time. Name the event and confirm. If a certain event (such as a meeting) is recurring, you want to repeat the event as well for convenience.

When to Use Your Calendar

Whenever you feel you need to input a new event or adjust existing ones, you do it right then. Thanks to the widget, you will be reminded of your upcoming events every time you check your phone (which is very often).

Therefore, you do not need to have a dedicated session to “plan” your day but adjust whenever you need to. You can associate the slight feeling of overwhelm with "time to visit my calendar." Then you can prioritize, do one thing after another and be in full control.

Because the calendar is so close to you at all times, momentarily adjustments happen naturally. Instead of grabbing a physical one or clicking several tabs on your computer, you can simply adjust your schedule with a few touches.

Again, only adjust your calendar if you are not 100% sure about what to do next. If you are, then take action now.

How To Use Your Calendar For Minimum Overwhelm And Maximum Peace Of Mind

The calendar is very important for productivity. Without it, it is hard to visualize how l

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