Preparing for an Activity or Event

Some people thrive on anticipation and preparation. They don't have too much trouble handling this part of the scheduling. Other people focus on the event itself and often find themselves running around at the last minute. A smooth-running schedule must allow time for all of the preparatory activity.

You may not be aware of it, but getting ready for even the simplest of activities is really a complex series of decisions and events. Some of them come very naturally to you, so you won't need to schedule all of their details separately. For example, when you set aside a half hour to shower and get dressed in the morning, you probably don't have to break down the process minute-by-minute into all of the following components:

• Take off pajamas.

• Adjust water in shower.

• Lather.

• Rinse.

• Turn off water.

• Dry off.

• Apply deodorant.

• Put on clothes.

• Comb hair.

On the other hand, you may have more success with some other activities if you take the time to schedule their various components. For example, if you've received an invitation to a birthday party that you plan to attend, you'll probably remember to put the party on your calendar. But you should also consider scheduling the following preparatory activities:

• RSVP.

• Buy a present.

• Buy a card.

• Wrap the present; make sure you have

  Wrapping paper.

  Ribbon.

  Tape.

• Select what you'll wear; make sure

  It fits.

  It's clean/pressed/mended.

• Make sure you have

  Transportation to the party.

  Directions to the party.

• Arrange for a babysitter (if necessary).

In general, asking yourself the following questions will go a long way toward making sure that you schedule all the preliminary steps to make the main event happen stress-free:

• Do I have the necessary information to do this?
  
  
• If not, how can I get the information, and how long will it take?
  
  
• Do I have what I need in terms of tools, equipment, ingredients?
  
  
• If not, where will I get them, and how long will it take?
  
  
• Do I need to do anything in advance of the activity?
  
  
• If yes, when do I have to do these tasks, and how long will they take?
  
  
• Do other people need to be involved in preparing for this activity?
  
  
• If yes, when will they be available?
  
  
• Is there anything else I must do to be ready for this activity?