My Daily Docket is a personalized form I made to help me manage my day at home. It’s my most often-used form in my Home Management Notebook, and it really works for me.
Photo by megabn
There’s a lot of info on the internet about scheduling your day as a stay-at-home mom, and I’ve tried to apply a lot of these different tactics. They never worked for me. For me, anyway, they were too rigid – a system would encourage me to write out a specific timetable for my day, and rotate weekly jobs set in stone on different days of the week. By writing this schedule out and hanging it visibly, I’d know what to do next.
It’s a great idea, but my life’s a lot more… unpredictable. When I tried to make Thursdays my Laundry Day, or One-On-One Time With My Daughter at 11 o’clock Monday through Friday, I was trapped. I was trapped because life happened – one week I’d have an abnormally large amount of laundry, so by trying to do it all in one day, I set myself up for failure because I just couldn’t do it all. Time with my daughter would get pushed back because we really needed to run errands at 11 a.m., or she needed an earlier nap and 11 just wouldn’t do.
I wanted to throw any semblance of routine out the window. But I really didn’t want to do that, because a routine helps me. I love checking things off a list. I’m visual, so it helps to see my day’s plan.
What has evolved as my Daily Docket is a marriage of scheduled routine and flexibility. It provides the skeleton for me to hang my agenda, but it allows for wiggle room because I fill out a new sheet each day.
Instead of a set routine for Mondays, I fill out a fresh sheet for that very day, using a Weekly Checklist as my resource (more on this soon). My week’s goal is to get everything done I need to do by that week, but I’m flexible as to when specifically I should do it..
Let me show you how this works.
First, here’s a copy of an empty Daily Docket (click to enlarge it):
The night before, I take one of these and fill it out for the next day. It helps if I fill it out in pencil because things are so unpredictable in our home that I have to be flexible.
The smaller categories on the page are as follows:
- My MITs – The three most important things on my agenda today.
- Current Scripture I’m working on memorizing/meditating over.
- What’s for Dinner? – When I write it down, I remember way in advance what the dinner plans are, and what I need to do in advance for preparation, so I’m not scrambling at 5:45.
- Health stuff – I’m trying to log my water and my food choices, so I like checking off that I’ve done that. And by writing down my work out plans, I’m more apt to do it.
- Blog and/or Graphic Design stuff – To-do items for my blogs and my graphic design business.
The bigger items are my day’s to-do list and my day’s general plan.
About my to-do list: I limit myself to 10 things, because I know I realistically can’t get more than that checked off. I’ve almost never gotten all 10 accomplished in one day. By keeping it short, I’m making success – finishing my list – more of a reality. If I remember additional things throughout the day, I jot them down in my notes section, possibly for tomorrow’s list.
About my day’s general plan: General is the key word here. It looks a lot more structured than it is, but I don’t write out every last thing I have to do that day. I only assign a time and slot to those things I want to get done at a time of day. I want to get computer work during my kid’s nap time, so I remind myself that it’s a 2 o’clock job. I want to get breakfast on the table by 8, so I make a note of that. And most importantly for me, I want to get to bed by 10:30. Seeing it on paper reminds me that it’s important.
Here’s an example of what a Daily Docket looks like filled out (click to enlarge it):
Application Time
Would a form like this help you manage your day? You don’t have to use a printed out ledger; maybe you prefer penciling in something like this on plain notebook paper. Whatever you use, I encourage you to keep it simple, easy-to-read, very easily accessible throughout your day, and thorough enough to manage your whole day on one sheet.
Please note: The Daily Docket is available in the summary conclusion of the Home Management Notebook series. Download and enjoy!
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I would definitely be interested in PDF downloads! I need all the organizational help I can get.
I just found your site via Twitter, and I will be back!
Lynnaes last blog post..You Tell Me: What do you make from scratch?
I would love a pdf of your form. I picked up a spiral at Target and made a to-do list with my three MIT on it. Working on those this morning. Motivation is always what I lack, hopefully this will get me moving! That, and some good ’80′s music!
@Lynnae – I’m a huge fan of your site already! Thanks for stopping by.
@Leslie – Ooh, 80s music is the best while getting things done around the house! Unfortunately, my husband disagrees, so I stick to it when he’s not around.
Good to get input about the PDF idea, so thanks.
I would love to have some PDF downloads! The most frusterating thing for me is seeing all the detailed calendars but not one that works for me. This daily docket looks like the ticket. I’m working on memorizing scriptures too and this would be so awesome have with me. Thanks for sharing adn I look forward to the PDFs. I LOVE your blog by the way!
Rean Day
Rean Days last blog post..Final test
I’m a list person so something like this would be great to keep all my plans for the day organized. I’ve also been getting into GTD and think this would be a good way to sort out all my actions.
Marys last blog post..Making Bananas Last Longer
@Rean Day, Mary – Glad something like these might help you. Sounds like I’ll be getting these PDFs out to you!
Hi! I found your blog through the thesis theme website (which I have just downloaded too) Your customisation looks great!
I love all your organisation tips – I really need some help with this so PDFs would be great. Looking forward to more tips!
@Guera – hi there! Isn’t the Thesis theme great? I’m so glad I found it.
Great post! I love learning about how other people schedule their time.
Jessicas last blog post..Yummy Granola
Hi Jessica – I remember your site from Today’s Creative Blog! Thanks for stopping by.
I think part of my problem is I have a mish mash of management forms. I need to whittle my stuff down into something simple like this.
I found you through bloggy giveaways. 
Audra Maries last blog post..Bloggy Giveaway Hangover Anyone
This is such a helpful post at the most opportune time. I’m usually organized but lately have been lacking motivation. I love the format you use (pdf please!). It has everything I care about, without the excess tasks that I’ll never get to anyway.
Rachels last blog post..Herb Parade
I love this form!
Tamis last blog post..Winner! – How To Keep Your Kids on Your Team
This is EXACTLY what I need! I, too, have struggled with the “set in stone” schedules some systems require. I get frustrated and quit. I need routine and I need flexibility. I would LOVE a PDF download of this docket (free or not). Great design and so workable!
Megan@SortaCrunchys last blog post..Another Way – Shampoo Free
@Megan – Hope you found the PDFs! They’re at the Home Management Notebook main page.
i am a FTM and a SAHM and a Christian and I like to tell people that I’m a graphic designer kinda like the way George Costanza used to tell people he was an architect.
so you pretty much had me at hello.
pdf forms? yes please!
Jills last blog post..22/30
@Jill – I just emailed you. Love that George Costanza line! I wish I was an architect sometimes.
Hello! My first visit and first comment–what a wonderful site you have here! I would love to have PDFs of your forms. I currently use a Planner Pad, but your Daily Docket looks a lot more like an at-home mother’s day. Thanks!
Amy G.s last blog post..More of the same!
That is *exactly* the type of form I need! I would love it as a .PDF, but I would relish it as a spiral notebook or pad even more!
Just found your site via tipnut.com and will be following you on twitter. I was super-organized as a single college student, but have been married 1 1/2 now (no kids yet) and still need to figure out how to organize and plan life for two. Thanks for the super resources!
Lori Anns last blog post..Crayon Fun
I would love a copy of that pdf when it’s available! This looks to be a very helpful tool for all us stay at home moms.
I would LOVE a pdf format. This would really help with by daily routine! (or lack thereof)
I, like you, do not like the others that are offered b/c they are too rigid. So having a pdf of yours would be great! Please let me know when it will be available. Thank you so much. God Bless!! -Ashley 
Ashleys last blog post..New Look
This would be a very helpful tool. Thank you for thinking about us and the offer to share what works for you.
Susans last blog post..Retreat Thoughts Still Swirling
Hi, new readers from Tip Nut – the Daily Docket is available on the summary post about Home Management Notebooks – see above! Thanks for your interest.
wow – this really looks like a great resource for me – thanks so much – I have absolutely loved finding your site!
jodi’s last blog post…Giveaway # 1 has a winner!
Thank you for some much needed help. I googled looking for something get my life in order and I found you! I am forever grateful.
Heather’s last blog post…A Day in Our Life
Wow, You sound just like me- I love structure, but need flexibility. Thanks so much for your example and encouragement through this blog.
Oh, I ADORE you for this post! I just found your site today and I can’t even begin to tell you how much I love everything here. I was thinking about making a daily docket of sorts; I thought maybe that would be nuts but hey, whatever works, right?? This is great!
Michelle´s last blog post…Fun with Puffs
I don’t know if THANK YOU would suffice for this wonderful device! I swear it’s like I wrote your post! I have had the exact same problem! I need something to help me stay on track, but anything set in stone keeps me stuck! I have four children, three of them are 3 years old and younger – life HAS to be flexible around here…flexible, yet predictible to some point. Esp. because I also homeschool my 6 year old. Many times I found myself singing to the tune of a song I know, using the lyrics, “Chaos reigns in this place….!” You know something’s gotta change when you’re singing this in your head once a week (or more). Thank you so much.
Christin´s last blog post…J.O.Y. is Mine in 2009
Thanks so much. I found MyDaily Docket on your blog months ago, and wanted to stop by to say thanks. This system is helping me get organized!
~Nisha
Nisha´s last blog post…My Confession…I am not Ms.Suzy Homemaker
Great concept. Also, I LOVE THE FONT in your filled in docket… What font is it and where can I buy/download it?! Thanks in advance, Deb
I am an at-home, homeschooling mom. Over the years I have used & enjoyed many different agendas but this year I’ve felt they haven’t been working for me anymore. My life is getting much busier (my children are 3, 9 and 12) and while I am very organized and well-planned I’ve known something needed to change to help me stay on top of everything more effectively. Anyways, I made the leap to creating my own planner using your Daily Docket download and am thrilled! I have enjoyed the creative aspect of setting up my own planner but, more than that, it is making a huge difference in helping me manage my time more realistically. Thank you for your willingness to freely share your wonderful ideas.
Not sure if it’s still possible, but I would love a pdf version of your daily docket. I’ve been trying my hardest to get myself in order as a SAHM, and love your format.
Thanks!!
Hi! Wow i’m just all over your blog right now trying to cram all ideas into my head before I have to start cleaning up the mess I’m letting my children make so i have blogging time hehehe. Wow I’m making a notebook now too and i was so happy to find this list! Of course I’m gonna have to think of a way to cutomise it more for myself but I lvoe all the ideas you added that I never thought of liek thae water drops to make sure you drink enough water.
I want to add an exercize checklist to my notebook. That way when i get demotivated to exersize I’ll just force myself through the checklists. I can’t wait to go through the rest of your blog…. lots of fab stuff . tahnks for taking the time from your life to make our lives bettter. Much appreciated.
(sorry typos but i’m in a hurry, i betcha know how that feels!)
American Muslima Writer´s last blog post…Poem: Women’s Silent Tears
Thanks for posting this! I made my own version, and it has been soooo helpful! I too feel trapped by strict schedules, or even just doing the same things each day. Now, though, I can keep focused on what I need to do for the day without being overwhelmed… a big help when you’re sleep deprived and taking care of a young toddler. I love reading mom blogs and learning so many helpful things!
Kendra´s last blog post…Throw Away the Parenting Books…
WOW! Thank you for sharing this – found it by surfing and it’s AMAZING! Can’t wait to download it and start using it!
Thanks for giving more ideas.I already maintain like this .
But it is very organished and useful for me lot.Thanks once again
Found you through Meal Plan Monday and I am making some notes on using the daily docket. Thanks for such a great idea.
Christy
http://grocerysavingsforrealfamilies.blogspot.com
Christy´s last blog post…Menu Plan Weekly for 3-15 – 3-21
Tried to look at the jpgs but it’s saying the page can’t be found….hmmmm…..
Jolanthe´s last blog post…First Hacking, Now Counterfeiting
I have attempted to see & print your daily docket and weekly checklist multiple times but it just won’t show up on my computer. I have seen it through my sister in law & thought it was a great idea. Any suggestions on how to get it to come up? Thanks!
I just wanted to say that I printed this out several weeks ago via your downloads page. Since I don’t have a printer at home and hate “wasting” paper, I bought a certificate frame at target. (I opted to purchase the one that wasn’t the cheapest, just to keep it nice.) I put the sheet in the frame, and I write on the glass with a non-permanent marker every night. It works like a charm. I love it.
I also did the same thing with the weekly checklist, but I am not as good at following that one.
Daily docket is perfect! I guess i’ll have to download Adobe 9 to personalize it? I just printed out 30 pages for my Circa from Levenger – great combo! Thanks for your tips!
Thank you so much for sharing this! I’ve modified it some for my personal use but it has totally changed my life. Each morning as I drink my coffee after my kiddo is fed and playing, I fill out my own daily docket. I now not only get done what I must get done, but I also avoid over-scheduling myself and my daughter so our days are productive but pleasant!
Thank you, thank you, THANK YOU! Keep up the good work!
Marie ´s last blog ..Wash Your Face – with Oil?
I wanted to thank you again for the daily docket… I really liked it and printed me several, but as I started filling it in, I realized it wasn’t totally perfect for me. So, I took your same idea and made a few slight changes including putting my dailies in there already. I LOVE it… today is only day number 2, but I got so much accomplished yesterday. LOL!
So, thanks again!
Kelli @ 3 Boys and a Dog´s last blog ..Freebie Friday, January 8, 2010
This is a great series of posts, I love organizing. To bad the images don’t show up any more though… :-/
iHanna´s last blog ..Fun Spraydate with lots of Spraypaint and Stencils
Hi simple mom!
I’ve enjoyed reading your website! I’m a SAHM to 3 very little ones and your site has been an encouragement! At first when I read about your 3 MITs, I thought, that’s really very simple and not necessary! I can just make a mental note. But after trying to stay afloat taking care of my kids and my home and keeping my sanity at the same time, I decided I’ll try writing down my 3 MITs.
This is how beginner I am to all of this. My list includes: 1. Unload the dishwasher, 2. Start one load of laundry, and 3. Get a shower.
I’m a neat freak, so I can’t stand dirty dishes in the sink. It makes me moody. If I don’t start one load of laundry, I’ll procrastinate until we won’t have any clothes to wear. And I have to have a shower to feel the least bit put together.
I know those are so basic, but somedays I barely get it together enough to do those 3 things. Seeing that list helps me though. I think I can start small and feel a little bit of accomplishment and move on up!
Thanks for your great ideas and encouragment!
It’s so important to stay organized. Days that I’m not, I feel like I’m lost!