How to Plan Your Social Calendar

A burden to some, raison d'etre to others, maintaining a workable schedule can be very challenging. Whether you're already a social Olympian or you just want to maximize your hobnobbing time, use the following steps to improve and streamline your social life.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

1. Define the goal of your social life. If your only thought is to have fun, consider yourself among the lucky ones. Other reasons might include staying abreast of your enemies, networking, finding a mate or branching out from your circle of friends. Tailor your activities to meet your goals. See 33 Meet Mr. or Ms. Right, 34 Marry Up and 201 Make a Networking Plan.
2. Take out your personal organizer. Note birthdays, anniversaries, weddings, graduations, debutante balls, opening night for the opera and symphony, and other big occasions that you don't want to miss.
3. Work in events and meetings from the organizations you belong to, school functions and whatnot. Don't forget going to the gym--you need to stay fit in order to maintain your level of socializing. See 25 Design Your Workout Schedule.
4. Make time for good friends and simple get-togethers. A brunch or coffee date is a great time to reconnect with a good friend and share stories. Don't be so focused on attending big events and meeting new people that you ignore those closest to you.
5. Consider getting a personal digital assistant (PDA). These minicomputers may soon replace your bulging address book and calendar. They're small and convenient, and you can update your schedule on the fly. Prices start at about $250. See 11 Organize Your Contacts.
6. Know your party-stamina quotient--you don't want to burn out from too much activity. It's far better to be slightly underbooked than definitely overbooked, and much more pleasurable to leave yourself wanting more than to be overwhelmed. The occasional night at home to recharge is essential.
7. Know your limits and trust your personal preferences. Don't go to a restaurant with 20 people if you're not comfortable in large groups. There's nothing wrong with being reserved on occasion. Don't let friends and colleagues pressure you into events that aren't appealing. Read 13 Say No Without Feeling Guilty.

Tips & Warnings

• Always arrive with a small, tasteful gift for your host or hostess, such as flowers or wine. See 322 Impress a Date.
• Watch costs. You won't have fun if you overextend your budget. Don't try to impress people with lavish spending if it exceeds your comfort zone. See 226 Set Up a Budget.