How planning helps me stay present and focused

August 24, 2023

Over the years of working with different teams, I've noticed one consistent lesson that stands out time and time again: the undeniable power of planning.

Whether it's for projects or just the week ahead, planning is both the compass that guides us to our goals and keeps us present to the task at hand.

The Necessity of Planning for Presence and Productivity

In our fast-paced daily routines, it's easy to become overwhelmed by tasks, meetings, and deadlines. And, without a clear plan, it's nearly impossible to stay present, remain productive, and make considerable progress.

Knowing that I’ve already mapped out the most important projects and tasks for the week allows me to dive deep into them with clarity and purpose. Planning ensures I don't get lost in the chaos.

If you’d like to check out a copy of my simple project plan template, Click Here.

Planning = Clarity, & Clarity = Focus

Everything always seems more urgent than it is. This is why without a plan (your compass) it’s very hard to differentiate from what truly matters.

When Monday morning rolls around, there's a sense of calm knowing that I’ve already clarified the most important tasks for the week. I know exactly when I'm working on them which allows me to more easily focus on the doing. It's not just about ticking off tasks; it's about doing them with intention and purpose.

Productivity is determined by what you and your team work on, not how much.

The alternative (the way most people and businesses operate) is to take it day by day, hour by hour… You sit at the desk, look at your email, and check what other low-ROI things you could react to, avoiding the most impactful few things you should be doing.

Efficient Time Management

Time is our most precious resource, and planning is our chance to make the most of it. Allocating time blocks for projects, understanding their importance, and sticking to the plan are what lead to real, measurable progress. It's the difference between being reactive and proactive.

Not only does planning when you’re working on projects significantly increase your productive output toward your goals, but it also allows you to more easily disconnect and be more present outside of work (something a lot of founders struggle with). Why? Because your subconscious knows you’ve already predetermined “work time”.

If you’d like to check out how I plan my weeks in less than 10 minutes, Click Here.

Leadership and Accountability

As a leader, when you prioritize planning, you set a precedent for the team. When everyone is on the same page, working towards a common goal, magic happens. But when teams haven’t clarified what matters, and when they’re working on their projects, it’s very difficult to create momentum or accountability.

Go ahead and try it:

Clarify your vision — What is your 1-year picture?
Identify your most important projects over the next 90 days
Pick 3-5 goals every week that will push these projects forward
Time block these goals into your calendar, and dedicate your full attention
Create the expectation for the team to pick their weekly goals and start time-blocking

See you all next Thursday 👋

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