Your First Steps to Better Planning
Reading about a new method is one thing; putting it into practice is another. The feeling of being constantly busy but not productive is a symptom of a system that is too focused on the clock and not enough on the compass. By elevating your perspective to a monthly view, you give every day a purpose. You trade frantic reactivity for calm, proactive control.
You don’t need to implement this entire system overnight. Start small. Here are three simple actions you can take this week to begin your journey with monthly planning.
1. Identify Your Top 3. Right now, take five minutes and write down the three most important things you want to accomplish in the next 30 days. These are your first “Big Rocks.”
2. Book Your Big Rocks. Open whatever calendar you use. For each of the next four weeks, schedule just one 90-minute appointment to work on one of those goals. Protect that time as if it were an important meeting.
3. Schedule Your First Review. Look at the calendar for the first day of next month. Book a 45-minute appointment with yourself titled “Monthly Planning Session.” This is the first step to making this a consistent habit.
That’s it. By taking these small steps, you are shifting from being a passenger in your own schedule to being the pilot. You are choosing to focus not just on getting things done, but on getting the right things done.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical, financial, or legal advice. Please consult with a qualified professional for advice tailored to your specific situation.
