How to Plan for the Year Using a Big Dry Erase Calendar

Creating a plan for the year can feel overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be! When trying to keep track of all of the major events, launches and personal plans, the best thing I started to do was put it in a place where I’d look at it every day. This big dry erase calendar has been a game changer in my planning process. 

With the help of this dry-erase calendar, you can organize your goals, deadlines, and events in a way that’s both visual and adaptable. Let’s dive into how you can map out your year effectively with this simple yet powerful tool.

Why Use a Big Dry Erase Calendar?

A big dry-erase calendar offers several benefits that make it an ideal planning tool:

• Visualizing the year at a glance: See everything laid out clearly, from goals to deadlines and key events.
• Easily adjusting plans: As things evolve, you can update your calendar without the mess of scratch-outs or eraser marks.
• Tracking goals and milestones: Keep your priorities front and center, ensuring nothing falls through the cracks.

For example, one of my clients found that using a large calendar when planning for the year helped her balance launching products and managing her personal commitments without feeling overwhelmed. This method works wonders for anyone who loves to see the big picture!

What You’ll Need

Before you start planning, gather the following supplies:

• Large Dry-Erase Calendar: This is the one I swear by!
• Colorful Dry-Erase Markers: Use different colors to categorize tasks (e.g., personal, business, goals).
• Eraser or Cleaning Cloth: Keep it clean and ready for updates.
• Sticky Notes or Small Stickers: Add an extra layer of customization to your planning.

You can find these supplies on Amazon or at office supply stores. Investing in quality materials ensures your system stays effective all year.

Step-by-Step Planning Process

1. Start with Key Dates

Begin by marking major holidays, birthdays, and personal commitments like vacations. These non-negotiable dates form the foundation of your year.

2. Set Business Goals

Identify your big-picture goals and break them down into quarterly milestones. For example, plan one major product or service launch per quarter to keep your business momentum strong.

3. Schedule Key Events

Add launches, client projects, conferences, or other significant events to your calendar. Seeing these laid out helps you balance your workload and avoid overlaps.

4. Assign Monthly Themes

Give each month a specific focus area or theme. For instance:

• January: Goal setting and planning
• March: Spring promotions
• July: Mid-year reflection

This keeps your priorities clear and aligned with the season.

5. Leave Room for Flexibility

Life happens! Ensure you leave some open space on your calendar for unexpected opportunities or adjustments. Revisit your calendar regularly to keep it fresh and relevant.

Tips for Maximizing Your Calendar’s Effectiveness

1. Keep it visible: Place your calendar in a central location where you’ll see it daily.
2. Color-code your entries: Use colors to keep track of the categories of events on your calendar. Think like blue for work, green for personal, red for deadlines, etc.
3. Review it regularly: Set a weekly or monthly “calendar review” session to update and adjust as needed.
4. Pair with Digital Tools: Use a digital planner or notebook for detailed notes and backups.

Plan for the Year and Make It Fun!

Planning your year with a big dry-erase calendar is a game-changer for visual thinkers and goal-oriented individuals. It brings clarity, organization, and adaptability to your workflow.

Take a look at this video for even more tips and tricks. 

Ready to try it out? Share your experiences in the comments below! What’s your #1 goal for the year, and how will you plan for it? Let me know! And if you found these tips helpful, subscribe to my newsletter for more actionable advice to help your business thrive. Here’s to your most productive year yet!