How to Plan for Thanksgiving
The time has come to start planning for Thanksgiving week. If you are like me, “winging-it” works but leaves me wishing I was more intentional with my time.
Let’s avoid that this holiday!
The holiday anxiety is already creeping into our mental control tower. There are events to plan, social obligations, desires to connect with friends and family, food to cook, and a home to clean. When we begin to feel overwhelmed with life our first thought must be: structure. The fundamental first step to creating structure is through a practice we call “blueprinting”. This is the act of writing down everything swimming in your brain onto paper, then organizing the information allowing your brain to upload the controlled plan. The process of blueprinting gives you a sense of agency. When you feel confident in your daily tasks, decisions, and actions there is little room for overwhelm. You are in control.
Without blueprinting, baking Thursday’s dessert will once again have you awake until 3AM Wednesday night. Then, Friday morning you reflect with dissatisfaction knowing the week flew by without much to show for it. Maybe you were hyper-focused on that one thing you really wanted to do and realize you forgot all the things you were supposed to do.
I encourage you to look at your schedule now and find time to prepare for the week ahead.
Follow these 5 steps to start blueprinting your Thanksgiving week, today!
(Free Planning Tools below)
Drain your Brain. Grab a notebook or a blank sheet of paper and start writing. Write down everything: goals for the week, events to attend, side dishes to prep, to-dos, crafts, yard work, etc. It does not need to be organized, just written down. If you are thinking “I hope I get any one of these things done”, write that sentence down!
Organize your brain drain. Next, on a new sheet of paper, organize your brain drain. Make a “need to-do” list, a “want to-do” list, an events list (with dates and any preparations needed), and a list of any random thoughts, errands, or social activities. Once it is organized, the planning can begin.
Schedule. Use a weekly planner to block out time for all events that must occur at a set time (ie. work, holiday gatherings, meetings, etc.). These events are out of your control. With the leftover time available, schedule your brain drain to-dos and activities. Alternate the “need to-dos” with the “want to-dos” in your schedule. The “want to-dos” can be both rewards for chores or time cushions in case the “need to-tos” demand more time. Do not forget to add time for event preparation or errands.
Be flexible. Create margins in your schedule to enjoy down time, travel time, and rest. Without margins, you will burn out quickly.
Communicate the plan. Ensure anyone involved in the schedule, to-dos, and activities for the holiday are included! Host a roommate or family meeting to share your vision and needs. Delegate to-dos where possible and set reminders for everyone. Finally, post your plans in a well viewed area to keep everyone on track.
Below is a template you can use for this process! Happy Thanksgiving!
Free Thanksgiving “Blueprinting” Template!
Love,
Your Lifestyle Architect
The LIfestyle AR
