We likely all share a very similar core memory. It felt a little like rubbing your hands together before you break the news about the big project due tomorrow. The stunning confusion on your dad’s face before he says something along the lines of, “Why would we have a 3 foot poster board lying around the house?” Unfortunately, the late night quest with your parents to Walmart in search of a trifold and markers was only the beginning of a lifetime of procrastination.

Luckily, we’ve outgrown the nightmare that is poster board projects in school. However, for a lot of us, our days have only gotten more busy from there. From fitness classes, work meetings, family schedules, and leisure activities, it can feel like our lives are moving at 1,000 miles per minute. Trying to take it on blindly only causes us more stress in the future. 

So what is the cure to this sickness? 2 words: Google Calendar.

Whether it is attempting to let your partner know when you are actually free for dinner or trying to avoid scheduling a meeting during your daughter’s upcoming recital, Cross Life Ventures takes you on a step by step guide to making all your Google Calendar dreams come true. 

Setting your time away to actually create your Google Calendar is the hardest part. But we promise in the future you will be very grateful that you decided to do so. So click that plus sign and begin adding your own upcoming dates and times into your calendar. 

Here’s a pro-tip. You don’t have to load everything into one place. We recommend creating separate calendars dedicated to different aspects of your life, because taking it all in at once can be overwhelming. If you dedicate your Tuesday nights to chowing down on junk food while watching Dancing with the Stars, this is a way to keep your private life private. 

1. Open Google Calendar on your computer’s desktop. (Yes, we are requesting you put your phone down for this one. If you insist on using a handheld device, make sure you use a web browser and switch from Mobile to desktop view at the bottom.)
2. Locate the sidebar on the far left side. Scroll down until you see Other Calendars. Then, find the plus icon directly next to it and click Create New Calendar. 
3. A box will appear for you to name it. This part is easy. It can be something general like “Smith Family Calendar,” or more specific like “Fall Biking Classes.” 
4. Verify that the correct time zone has been selected. Then, click Create Calendar. You will now be able edit your new calendar on the mobile app as well. Congrats! You are officially your very own chaos coordinator. 

So we’ve created this really great thing. Now it’s time to “Share the Pie” per se. You know your schedule. Now, it’s time everyone else knows it too. Here’s how you can share your calendar. 

1. Find that side bar on the left again and hover your cursor over your new calendar. To the right, 3 dots will appear. Click those dots and then click Settings and Sharing. 
2. Scroll all the way down to the bottom and select Add people and groups.
3. Guess what? Another box will appear. Are you getting Déjà vu? Cause we definitely are. Go ahead and type out the recipient’s full email address. Make sure to double check it. We do not want your invitation in a stranger’s mailbox simply because you misspelled something or forgot to add a period somewhere. It’s okay, we’ve all been there. 
4. Adjusting their permission is a crucial step. If you want your recipient to add in their own schedule, be sure to adjust their permissions below to Make Changes.
5. Hit send! They should receive an invite via email very shortly.

While we needed our desktop to create a new calendar, chances are you will not always have your laptop on hand. While you are in public or out running errands, having your calendar available on your phone is the convenient option. 

1.  Download the Google Calendar app from your App Store. 
2.  After opening the app, you will be prompted to sign in. Of course, we want to use the same login we just used to access our calendar on the web browser. 
3.  Bring your cursor to the top left corner and click the three dashed lines. From there, click settings and find your new calendar. 
4.  Finally, turn on your SYNC and select a fun color. Ta-Da! You’ve got all your To-Do’s in your back pocket at all times. 

Need help creating a Google Calendar tailored to your needs? Ask us and we’ll help you!