Running out of time! (Part 2.)

You are wasting your time, and you should stop it!

Topics:

Principles of a good planning system 

• How to set clear goals:   Create a vision based on your deepest desires, break it down into manageable chunks and create a related set of goals

• How to set relevant goals

• How to take aligned actions towards achieving our goals : building habits, breaking bad habits, making small changes lead to big improvements 

• What are planning creeps : what may stand between you and your goals? How to recognize them? How to be prepared for them? How to handle them? Afternoon slump, not in the mood trap, Unpredictable obstacles 

• Handful tools for when nothing goes right for your plan

• Key takeaways

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How to take aligned actions towards achieving your goals : building habits, breaking bad habits, making small changes lead to big improvements 

1. Habits: Habits are the key elements of building your desired life, but not every habit is good, neither every good habit is for everyone. Here are some tips to help you build your own set of habits: 

• Find out which steps are the daily best practices for achieving your goals, turn them into habits, but each time focus on only one habit.

• Define your habit as “ action( what, how, how much/many) in this specific time and this specific place to reach this particular result . The result is the identity you need to acquire to achieve your purpose. E.g. I write about productivity for 10 minutes each day at 7 am on my iPad in my room to help likeminded people achieve the same high quality results as I did. Remember that your result should be aligned with your ultimate goal and vision, otherwise it’s not going to motivate you nor get you closer to your purpose.

• Track your habits, this step is Vital. You can use apps, documents, etc. for that.

• Reflect on how you feel before and after doing that habit and use the information to improve your productivity. In this way you’ll maybe find out that a particular habit dose not work for you, and that’s okay too.

• Repeat the cycle, define your clue, action, reward for each habit and link the clue to an already existing one to make it easier for building a new habit.

2. Make small changes, make a small weekly challenge and stick with it: I love weekly challenges, cause they provide me with useful insights about what needs to be changed, what works and what doesn’t. Weekly challenges should be about your values or goals that we described earlier. For example, if maintaining your health is one of your values/ goals and you drive everywhere, maybe walking to work or college could be a good challenge. Don’t take big stones, start small and improve over time. 

3. Remove distractions: Digital world, social media, TV, inessential subscriptions, toxic relationships, and even good things that are actually a distraction for you, like reading about playing guitar or watching YouTube tutorials instead of actually playing guitar. Set healthy boundaries, unsubscribe from all platforms that don’t serve your goals, don’t use a social media platform or an app if you don’t know exactly why you’re using them.

What are planning creeps : what may stand between you and your goals? How to recognize them? How to be prepared for them? How to handle them? 

1. Afternoon slump: The afternoon slump is a time in a day when your body needs a break. You might find yourself yawning more, checking the clock more frequently, and your mind trying to persuade you to take a nap.  -However, the afternoon slump is more than just feeling drowsy. As previously said, it can also impair your attitude and motivation, making you impatient or even nervous. And the afternoon slump isn't just about being fatigued; it may also reduce your productivity, creativity, and quality of work.

2.  Not in the mood trap: 

• When our beliefs are based on our frauds and affected by what people think about us, our mind resists what our heart believes. So challenging limiting beliefs is a key step toward achieving our goals.

• Give and take, that’s the law of nature. You can’t have anything if you don’t give something first. You have to pay for whatever you want, whether it’s your time, attention, money, etc. just ask 2 questions: Is it worth my time and energy? Will I regret not doing it 5-15 years later? If the answer is yes, forget about your feelings and just do the work. If not, reflect on your thoughts and heart felt emotions and see where it takes you.

It won’t be easy, ever. So don’t waste your time waiting for it to be easier, everybody else is doing it, so why not you?

3.  Unpredictable obstacles: There is not much you can do about this one. Just remember to write down a planning schedule, which is flexible and has about 2 to 4 hours open for if one of these unexpected things happen you can easily manage your work.

Handful tools for when nothing goes right for your plan

• Don’t be harsh on yourself, and avoid self sabotage when something goes wrong with your plan. 

• You’re not alone in this journey, everyone who follows their dreams faces this challenge.

• Take time to slow down and reflect on what’s happening, what you can do, and how you can change in your schedule to get the most impact.

• Meditate, journal, talk to someone who cares about you. 

• Get help if needed. You don’t have to do it all alone.

• Praying is a good way to calm down.

Key takeaways

• Write down your vision, set aligned goals, take small steps every day.

• Track your habits, feelings and emotions daily to make improvements in your life.

• Personalise your path.

• Practice self-compassion.

• Get help, from people, apps, documents, etc. remind yourself that you are not alone on your journey.