Life can get overwhelming if you want more out of life than what you can get from just a 9-5 job and TV shows. In a world full of distractions, it can be hard to break free from the couch and do something productive that can help you lead a better life. It is easy to get overwhelmed with trying to fit extra tasks on top of a 9-5 job and a family, but it can be done. I am tired of watching my family struggle financially while they put in physical work all day and have no fight left when they get home.

I am set on breaking this cycle and finding financial freedom, and I will share all the tips and tricks that I learn along the way.

I attended an online college with an accelerated program that lets you get a bachelor’s degree in two years instead of four. When I first started, I asked myself, “How can I work full time, study for my college courses, be a father, while staying healthy and in shape?” There is not enough time in the day to do all that! I started researching time management practices and using a planner and reflection journal to keep track of my day and hold myself accountable.

If you are trying to do anything other than survive, I congratulate you because not many people desire to achieve more. Second, I would like to share the benefits of using a daily planner and see if it can help you find the time you need.

1.Reduces stress and anxiety—Writing out important dates and times can help relieve the stress of rushing because you’re late for your next appointment. I had an overwhelming feeling of stress thinking about how I would accomplish all the tasks I had to do for the week. To reduce my anxiety, I took the large to-do list and broke it down to allow me to complete one thing every day.

2.It helps you become prepared and organized. If I schedule an interview for next Friday, I can also plan to spend 30 minutes a day preparing and studying to perform at my best. If you have a larger goal to accomplish, you can make it easier by scheduling time throughout the week to break it off into smaller chunks.

3.Encourages Healthy Habits—Blocking out time for working out, reading, and relaxing can help you design a healthier, more productive lifestyle.

4. Can help maintain relationships - Keep track of important birthdays, anniversaries, and other special occasions to show people you care.

5. Record-keeping tool and journal - Combining your planner and journal can help you reflect on your day and help you plan a better one tomorrow. You can also track what you eat and how it makes you feel, or critique your performance from the work meeting earlier that day.


A solid time management plan is the only way to create the time needed to stay focused. The first tool I recommend is the daily planner. I will help you take control of your time and hold you accountable for how you spend that time. Don’t beat yourself up if you miss a couple of days or weeks; pick it back up when you’re feeling lost or need to focus.