Google Calendar RUNS my life 📅❤️🔥
I started using Google Calendar to organize myself back in college while I was pursuing my Bachelor’s in Business Administration with a focus in Accountancy. During this time, I worked 30-40 hours per week (pulled doubles when I could) at a poké shop nearby, was involved in the University’s Honors program, and was active in my sorority (go Zeta!) as well. As you can probably imagine, I was all over the place and felt that writing things down in a planner or notebook wasn’t working for me. That’s when I discovered just how versatile Google Calendar is and it has been my lifesaver ever since 🫶🏽
In school, I would set up separate calendars for each of my classes and as soon as the syllabus + class schedule for each class was released, I would enter in all my assignment due dates, project due dates, and exam dates as Events into my calendar and add daily reminders for me to prep for those. I’d also enter my class schedule in as recurring events and add what topics we’d discuss in class & any deliverables into the Description field. Yes this was incredibly tedious to do for 5 classes per semester, but boy did it make it soo much easier to keep myself organized down the line. Bonus: it’s incredibly easy to adjust the calendar as needed if an exam or project date was postponed with a few simple clicks!
Of course, I had separate calendars set up for the organizations I was involved in, my work schedule, my social life, my habits, as well as financial calendars too!
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How to set up a calendar that works for you 😁:
⭐️ Step 1: access Google Calendar on a trusted browser (https://calendar.google.com/calendar/u/0/r?hl=en)
I find it’s easier to set up the calendars themselves on the Google Calendar website (accessible on a desktop, laptop, tablet, or your phone’s browser) rather than the app since Google legitimately will not allow calendars to be created in the app. This is how you can create the calendar, add anyone you may want to share the calendar with, and personalize the calendar’s colors to fit your aesthetic/theme!
⭐️ Step 2: Click on the Settings button in the top right corner
⭐️ Step 3: Once you’re in the Settings page, click on “Add New Calendar”
⭐️ Step 4: Click on “Create New Calendar”
⭐️ Step 5: Enter in your Calendar’s name & any description you wish to add as well as the preferred time zone.
And just like that your calendar is created! Now you if you go back to the Calendar page, you should be able to see your calendars. I’d suggest adding as many as you feel is necessary. I currently have a few for my Work schedule, Social Life, Bank Statement Close dates, Payment due dates, Gym schedule, etc. You can customize the color of your calendars by hovering over the calendar of your choosing on the far left side and clicking the three dots that pop up. It should open the panel of system colors available but you can also add custom colors with the + sign. This is your chance to personalize it! I’ve seen people utilize hex codes to get specific shades or use the sliders as well. The choice is yours my friend ☺️ Happy organizing!
How do you organize your hectic lives? Drop what has worked for you in the comments below 👇🏾
#googlecalendar #organization #lifehack #googlecalendartips #planningforcollege
Okay, so you've got your beautiful, color-coded calendars set up – awesome! But how do you really make Google Calendar work for you every single day? Beyond just popping in events, there are a few features that truly elevate it from a simple planner to a full-blown life management system. 1. Don't Just Schedule Events, Manage Tasks Too! Many people don't realize Google Calendar seamlessly integrates with Google Tasks. This was a game-changer for me! Instead of just scheduling "Work" shifts or "Gym" sessions, I started adding specific tasks. For example, if I had a big project due, I wouldn't just add an "Event" for the deadline. I'd create "Tasks" for each step: "Research phase," "Draft outline," "Edit report." These tasks appear right alongside your events, and you can even set due dates for them. It's fantastic for breaking down bigger goals into manageable chunks and seeing everything in one place. No more switching between a to-do list app and your calendar! 2. Master the Art of Time Blocking (and Habit Tracking!) This is where true productivity happens for me. Instead of just having a vague idea of what I need to do, I block out time for it. For instance, I have a recurring "Gym" block every morning from 6-7 AM. Even if I don't always feel like it, seeing it on my calendar as a dedicated slot makes me more likely to go. Similarly, I block "Focus Work" periods, "Email Management," and even my "Breakfast" and "Lunch" breaks. This helps prevent distractions and ensures I'm dedicating enough time to important activities. For "Daily Habits" like reading or journaling, I use recurring events with reminders. It's like gently nudging myself to stay on track without feeling overwhelmed. 3. Leverage Reminders & Notifications to Your Advantage The original post mentioned daily reminders for assignments, which is crucial! But don't stop there. For important "Events" like a friend's birthday (imagine "Michael's Bday" not being forgotten!), set multiple reminders – maybe a week before, then a day before. For recurring payments on your "Financial Calendar," set a reminder for "Pay Day" to check your accounts and another a few days before each bill is due. You can customize reminders to pop up as notifications, emails, or even SMS messages. Find what works best for your brain – for me, a notification 15 minutes before I need to leave for an appointment is a lifesaver! 4. Sharing is Caring: Collaborate with Calendars If you're coordinating with family, roommates, or a team at "Work," sharing calendars is incredibly powerful. My partner and I have a shared "Home" calendar where we add groceries, appointments, and social plans. It cuts down on so many "What are we doing today?" conversations. You can set different permission levels too, so some people can only view, while others can edit. This is especially useful for project teams or even just knowing your significant other's schedule to plan dinners or weekend trips. 5. Reflect and Refine: Your Calendar isn't Static Remember, your life isn't static, and neither should your calendar be! I make it a point to review my upcoming week every Sunday evening. This allows me to see potential conflicts, adjust time blocks if something unexpected pops up, and mentally prepare for what's ahead. If a system isn't working, don't be afraid to change it. Maybe your "Work" calendar needs more specific sub-calendars, or perhaps you need fewer daily reminders. The beauty of Google Calendar is its flexibility – personalize it until it truly feels like your ultimate command center for an organized, less stressful life!
Wow, way to stay organized! 🍋