Every Sunday evening or Monday morning I pause for 5-10 minutes to plan out the week ahead. Over the years I have used a variety of methods, but none have been as easy and effective as a sheet of paper and a sharpie. Today, I replicate that by using a pen on my iPad, but the process and output is the same.
The secret is that a single piece of paper combined with the thick lines of a marker keep you from writing too much down. The method forces you to focus on what can actually be accomplished. Spending time planning to complete too many tasks or pursue too many goals is a waste of time and is demotivating. Forced prioritization simply yields better results.
How-to:
- The picture above is my plan for next week. You can use the Weekly Planning Template (pdf) I’ve created or make your own by computer or by hand. Just create a clean copy for each week.
- Include a title block at the top, seven day blocks on the left-hand side and one open block on the right-hand side.
- Title each week by date.
- In the left-hand pane, identify 1-2 high priority goals or tasks for each day.
- In the right-hand pane, list spiritual, mental, physical or relational goals.
I keep a printed copy of the sheet in front of me throughout the week. It helps me stay focused on what is really important instead of being overwhelmed by all the small stuff.
Does this help you? Are there other methods you would like to share?
18 Comments
What’s Project X?
You’ve got to have some code names for your work to keep things interesting.
Levi
Sharpie fumes are noxious.
Sounds like you need to invest in some of the low odor variety.
Can I repost this through a link on my blog. What are the protocols to do that appropriately?
You can link to this blog by using the permalink from the desired post page.
That’s a brilliant article and really everyone should try to achieve his goals and work hard to do so, there’s a new website called http://7el.me/ (My Dream) which provides the platform for people to share, talk about and push their dreams and goals forward, check it out and start inspiring us with your dreams
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This is my first time i visit here. I found interesting things to many in your blog, mostly to the debate. Of the tons of comments on your articles, I’m not the only one who has all the fun here! Keep up the good work.
This is my first time i visit here. I found interesting things to many in your blog, mostly to the debate. Of the tons of comments on your articles, I’m not the only one who has all the fun here! Keep up the good work.
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Love this! How about printable PDF file that we can use?
Sure thing. Will get that up for everyone this week!
Template is now available. It’s linked to from within the post or you can grab it directly here: http://itswn.us/MmbcNP
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