Plan your work for today and every day, then work your plan. ~Norman Vincent Peale
Yep. I used the “s” word; the dreaded linear tool creAtives typically love to live without. However, the road to distraction and lost clients are paved with a freelancer’s good intentions! 
So … how about we accomplish this task creAtively?
1. Begin with compiling a list, using:
- {literal} note pad and pen
- labpixies.com To-Do
- Microsoft Notepad file
- Post-it® notes
2. Dump the mental chatter and create a Master To-D0 list.
3. Divide and conquer. You didn’t accumulate this list in a day — and you will not conquer it in a day! 
- Determine your Top Three To-Do’s for today.
- Determine what you will do tomorrow and the next day.
4. Use a Master Calendar(s) {daily, weekly and.or monthly}.
- I use Google Calendar for repeating tasks and my desk calendar for daily to-do’s {and collage}.
- Google Calendar also includes a column Task List for maintaining a To-Do list.
- Google Task List is a tool for tracking project time. Or consider keeping a daily log like this.
- My clients successfully use Word documents, Excel, fill-in-the-blank calendars and good ‘ol legal pads.
5. Assign day(s) and times {or blocks of time} for:
- Rest
- Recreation
- {Art}
- Reading
- Family
- Friends
- Project Work
Include self-care first; if you don’t take care of yourself, you are not adequately equipped to consult, freelance for or take care of anyone {or anything} else. [Read: You will burnout! 
]
Setting a goal is not the main thing. It is deciding how you will go about achieving it and staying with that plan. ~Tom Landry
This is merely a suggested mode of determining a schedule. Your mileage may vary.
Just do it.
Trial and error is the best teacher. Don’t wait for the {perfect} planning method or tool — creAte your own system. Get started now! 
Even if you merely accomplish Step One, that is progress!
Dear creAtive planner: We know there is no one-size-fits-all method of planning. What scheduling tools do you use?
{ 2 comments… read them below or add one }
These are all great tips.
The benefit of a master to list is that if frees your brain to not think about whet you wrote down on the list.
I am looking for a good way to track time on clients projects. I use a desk timer, yet then the dog comes and interrupts me, then I take a short break and forget to start the timer when I get back.
I have used 3×5 cards successfully.
On side one:
Write 10 things you are grateful for.
On side two:
Write 3 things you will do today.
It works pretty good. I then file the cards in a little box and can reference later.
I have so many clients now that the 3×5 cards are not the perfect solution. I will try Google calendar and start with the 3×5 cards again.
@ClayFranklin
Note cards are definitely an excellent tool for tracking thoughts, projects and life, Clay. Great idea to keep “To-Do” and gratitude together on a daily basis; a habit which facilitates balance and a perspective.
I have been using a 4×6 card as a time card. I collaged some watch faces on one side and have been keeping a record of the time I have {invested} in decluttering my studio. This has allowed me to {see} that I am making progress (in the midst of feeling as though I am merely moving boxes around).
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