Let’s face it – life happens. We all get derailed at one time or another. And it’s always more difficult to get back on track the second time. Third time. Fourth time.
I know – I’ve been there too.
Several weeks ago, a friend sent me the following email…
I have tried to set aside time for planning and review and discipline myself to keep up with it, and, for the most part, I do them fairly effectively – note the hedging words! However, being consistent in these practices has been challenge. What have you found are the keys to your staying on task with these regular planning sessions?
The question is a great question – and one we all ask occasionally.
Here’s why I’m writing this post today – As I wrote my response to my friend, I was energized by my review of these 4 disciplines.
To be honest, I don’t really consciously think about them much any more – because they are part of my thinking – and behavior – now.
So here they are – 4 essential disciplines that keep me on track (and, occasionally, get me back on track) in most every area of my life and work:
1. Two Words – Life Plan
If the words life plan energize you – you’ve probably written one and seen dramatic improvements in your life and work. And you can skip to #2!
If they bore you, well, you probably don’t have one.
The improvements I’ve experienced in my life and work are unquestionably due to the fact that these disciplines (healthy lifestyle; growing relationships at home, at work, and with friends; weekly, quarterly, and annual reviews; and others.) are all part of my life plan.
I put a lot of time and energy into writing out my life plan and into reviewing it weekly. I explain why this is important and how you can do it in my post, Your Life Matters – take a couple of minutes and read it here.
If you have not written out your life plan using Michael Hyatt’s e-Book and life planning tool. You’ll want to start there. It will help you immensely.
If you do have a written life plan, then the second discipline will also help you gain momentum quickly…
2. Get More Specific
I have found that when I am not getting the results I desire in any area of my life or work, there is nothing that works better than getting more specific. I’ve written about how I do this in my post, Get Better Results – Today! so I won’t go into great detail here. But read the post – the principle is simple to understand and implement.
If you struggle with planning disciplines like the rest of us, this principle can be applied to your regular planning sessions. Here’s how…
Let’s assume you have set aside Sunday evening for your weekly review. And you skip the review two weeks in a row. The next week, get more specific – set a time – 5:00-6:00 pm.
If for some reason you miss it again – get more specific. Ask a friend or spouse to call you 15 minutes before the scheduled time to hold you accountable.
If you are still having trouble – get more specific – have someone meet with you at the scheduled time for a few weeks until you get the time and setting tweaked to fit you.
Do whatever is necessary to get so specific that you consistently nail the discipline.
3. Have Fun With It
This is important. I say often –
Attach the problem area to something you enjoy doing – Starbucks if you like coffee, the library if you like books, a park if you like the outdoors. This will motivate you to look forward to the event rather than seeing it as an inconvenience to your already busy schedule.
4. It’s OK To Mess Up
You will probably have to experiment many times. I know I have. For example – for a period of time I attempted a few hours of planning activities each Sunday evening – but it was too much. So I moved some of it to Monday morning.
It took me a few weeks to figure this out. I kept experimenting (a.k.a. messing up) until I found a scenario that worked for me.
It’s like most things – it’s not likely that you’ll get it perfect the first time. And that’s fine. Focus on making progress – and you will.
BONUS: I’m so committed to helping you succeed in your life and work that we developed the Personal Life Plan Guide just for you! I want you to enjoy the freedom and clarity that comes from identifying your top priorities and I want you to avoid the struggles that I faced personally. Purchase the Guide – 50% Off!Question: What gets you going when you’re stalled? Let us know by leaving a comment.
I think the hardest part is getting back into it once you have fallen off the horse – and the longer you wait to get back into it the harder it is. That’s true for me of dieting, exercising, and even being purposeful about planning.
I’ve found the same to be true for me – So I’ve have put systems/processes in place as a way getting my attention periodically and getting me back on track.
I have a ‘go-to’ friend that all I need to do is start ‘complaining’ that I haven’t done this or I haven’t done that and she will stop me in my tracks and bring me back into focus. It’s imperative to have an accountability partner that has my success in mind.
I, too, have written a life plan using the BC model and it changed my life. Striving to be a ‘line’ person (where I look long term) vs. being a ‘dot’ person (where I get too caught up in the daily activities), helps me keep the big-picture perspective.
Great thoughts Lisa – Thanks so much for sharing them! I love the team at BC!
Thanks David – I benefit from great content too! Let me know how I can serve you further.
What gets me going? Realizing that it’s far easier to swim than thrash, and it is usually after a few days of the exhausting of thrashing. Metaphorically, speaking, of course. Usually I have to look and remember some of the added opportunities that I can take part in if I am on top of things that have to be done, if I am following the plan.
Then, it’s try and try again. Eventually, the good habits stick.
Good analogy Doug. We expend a lot of energy worrying and avoiding issues. If we would take them on to begin with, many would require much less time and energy.
Great tips Michael. It’s sad that we spend more time planning a one-week vacation than we do a life plan. I need to put that on my project list — quickly.
Thanks for sharing. And for the nudge.
You’re welcome, Michael. And I agree – it requires intentional effort which is why it’s difficult to get to.