{Something to Talk About} How do you stay on top of things?

We are all busy. Torn in a million different directions on a daily basis. Heck in some cases we are torn in a million pieces by the second. Managing our jobs, our homes and our hobbies. 

We are stuck between what we have to do and what we want to do. Of course some have more to do than others and some just think they do. But no matter how busy you are you still have things that you have to accomplish and in most cases accomplish by a certain day. But how do you manage all the things? How do you know what you have to do and when you have to do it? 

Book bloggers are a special kind of people. Now I'm not just saying that because I'm a blogger, I am saying that because it is true. Bloggers are amazing people, and book bloggers are even more amazing. They love to share what they are passionate about and go above and beyond to do so. Often putting their own personal lives on hold in order to share the latest and greatest in the book world. 

The only difference between bloggers and everyone else is that most bloggers also have day jobs. So not only are they managing their work and home life, they also have to manage their blogging life. And let's face it, most blogger's have obligations. We sign up for blog tours, cover reveals, book blasts, and book blitzes. On top of that most bloggers also accept books for review in which they have to read and review in a timely manner as well as everything else they have to do. 

Now participating in all those things is in no way mandatory, but it is a lot of fun and a great way to spread the love for all things books. Of course we wish we could do them all, but there are only 24 hours in a day, so we can't. But that won't stop of from trying of course. 

But the biggest requirement for participating in all those things is that you have to post on the day that you signed up for. Not only does not posting look bad for you as the blogger, but it also makes the company look bad. And I hate to say it, but bloggers not posting on their scheduled day happens way too much and is the number one reason I don't want to run a blog tour company. But that is another post for another day. Because today we are talking about how to make sure that you don't become one of those bloggers that doesn't post when they are supposed to.

So how do you keep track of all the things you have to do everyday?

Now there are a million different ways to manage all the things you have to do in any given day. Some keep planners, calendars, phone reminders, post-its, lists, tables, charts, you name it, people have probably done it to keep track of all the things. 

And there is no right or wrong way to manage them. The key is you have to find something that works for you and stick with it. Of course you probably won't find the perfect one the first try, but the key is to keep trying. Keep playing. Until finally you find that magic combination that allows you to post on time, every time.

One of the biggest problems I found upon becoming a blogger was how to keep track of all the events I signed up for, but didn't know if I was actually selected to participate in and all the ones that I knew I was doing. I was always afraid that I was going to double book, and of course I did. Once, but it was enough to make me crazy and determined to never do it again. 

Before that I kept a calendar of all my scheduled events, obviously that didn't work. So then I started keeping a list as well as maintaining my calendar. And I had magic! I found my balance. By keeping a list of all events and books for review I had something I could look at and instantly know everything that I had to do and when I had to do it. On top of that I also entered all scheduled events into the calendar on my phone. Since my phone is always with me. Since doing that I feel more organized and less stressed.

But that's me. And of course what works for me may not work for you or the next blogger. So today I am asking you to share your magic scheduling technique, so that other bloggers may find their magic.

So, what do you do to manage all your events? Do you struggle with keeping a schedule? Or have you found that magic system? Please share your thoughts below!