Phone Alarms - My New Favorite Thing
/I recently discovered how incredibly useful the Alarms feature on my iPhone can be. What I used to use it for was setting a timer for an afternoon nap. Now I use it to keep my entire day on schedule (nap no longer included). Perfect for every activity on my list...work, family, social.
So how does it work?
I look at my calendar the night before and set all of my alarms then. My next day is set. It is so freeing, and empowering, to move through the entire next day not having to continually check my calendar to see what's coming up next. I can focus on the task at hand, knowing I won't miss a thing.
I create an alarm for every phone call and meeting during the day, with a 5-min warning. I also include a 30-min warning before each of those calls/meetings to give me time to wrap up whatever project I'm working on. By the time the 5-min warning sounds, I am ready to transition to the call.
I set the same alarms when I need to leave for an appointment. 30-min warning / 5-min warning.
When working with a client, I use a 30-min warning for the end of the session that alerts us to begin wrapping up our work.
And so forth….with all the activities of my day.
Why are Alarms better than the reminders from your Calendar? Because Calendar reminders pop up and disappear. When that happens, if I'm really focused, I'll dismiss the reminder and lose track of time. But with Alarms, there's a snooze option. I love using the snooze option during that 30-min wrap up. 30 minute warning...got it. Work some more. 20 minutes...okay, work a few more minutes. 10 minutes....let's finish this task. 5 minute warning...prep for the call.
I know you're curious...an alarm to shower? Yes! I have a morning routine of exercise and prayer that starts at 6am. This alarm tells me it's time to shift gears and get ready for the rest of my day.
How do you see yourself using these alarms?