Plan your work, work your plan
When you understand the wisdom of this simple statement, you will begin to win.
The statement is simple, but applying it... far from it.
Creating anything requires a plan...
...some level of structure if you will - but how much?
A constant battle many of us have is this:
Wanting freedom...
...but we're bogged down by responsibilities.
Avoiding only stacks the plate more - and before long you're overwhelmed.
Remember this truth:
Everything in the universe is either moving towards chaos or order.
The ever changing landscape of our lives...
...and responsibilities are no different.
Things left unchecked, or unmanaged become chaotic.
Our time, money, and energy are key examples.
But I've learned that trying to control everything doesn't work either.
Over-planning leads to overwhelm (chaos) no different than under-planning.
Excessive doing (taking action) can work for a time, but not for long.
Weak execution (not taking action) doesn't work... unfortunately.
So what are we to do?
One train of thought is to "go with the flow" - let the wind blow you where you need to go, and trust in the unfolding.
Another is to "own your day" - take control of your time, actions, and energy to get the results you want.
What if we could have both?
Freedom and space PLUS progress and results.
Honestly we need both.
That's what we're diving into today.
Schedule vs calendar
I’ve recently had a profound insight that made me feel a little stupid at first:
There is a difference between a schedule and a calendar.
Mind blown… at least mine was.
For whatever reason I had this error of grouping them together as if they were the same…
…so my “schedule” was always hectic, and hard to follow.
What is the difference?
A schedule is something to set, and follow.
Think of when you were in school.
You didn’t have to “think” about all the things you had to do. You simply knew that from 7am-2pm (or so) that you had to be at school.
The bell rings, now it’s time for your first class.
It rings again, now it’s time for your second. Ding again, lunch.
Another, 3rd period. One more, 4th period.
Ding, schools out.
Now you have the rest of the day to do what you want or need to do.
- Homework.
- Workout.
- Hangout with friends.
You get the idea.
Now let’s talk about a calendar - it is something we use to catch and schedule temporary events.
- Doctor appointment.
- Zoom meeting.
- Vacation.
Things that may not be a daily occurrence on our “schedule”.
Your schedule can be put onto your calendar, but it is NOT your calendar.
Ideally it is something you can follow without even needing to look at your calendar.
At first you may need a reminder here or there, but sooner or later - it is something you follow automatically.
So what does this have to do with my insight?
A schedule guides us regardless of what else is going on
Like when we were in school, we only need to follow it and the job gets done.
A calendar gives us a place to stay on top of everything else
Like an “after school” appointment, or an upcoming holiday.
I tried to simplify my thinking as much as I can - and for whatever reason using school as the example clicks for me haha!
This simple change of thinking unlocked an even more simple approach to my life - and getting results.
How to create your schedule
I recommend you try this out.
Here’s how:
1st - Ask yourself : What hours of the day will I be sleeping?
- Aim for 8+ hours in bed (not asleep but at least in bed).
- Try to wake up and go to sleep at the same time each day.
2nd - Ask yourself : When will I start and end my morning and nightly routine?
- Keep both to around 30-60 min max.
- Aim to wind down at a good time each night.
- Do things that put you on track for a good day each morning.
3rd - Ask yourself : When am I going to exercise and eat each day?
- Health is wealth.
- Plan a time you can stick to for both as this is key for a good physique, health, and digestion.
4th - Ask yourself : What hours of the day will I be working?
- Do you follow a 9-5 schedule, or something similar?
- If you are flexible, try splitting work into 60-90 minute blocks followed by a 15 min break.
This should give you a good starting place.
Here’s what I created following this (my new schedule):
Let me know your thoughts.
