TWD Self-Management

Here is the system I have devised, for myself, to help me stay on course in achieving my goals. It’s super simple yet elaborate enough that nothing falls on the wayside. You may find it useful, as well.

1. The Dreams

This is a list of anything and everything that I would like to be, do, or have in my life. I disregard any limits I may think I have of time, talent, money, resources, support, knowledge, etc.

This is an ongoing list that changes as I change. Some dreams get crossed off because I am no longer interested in them. Some get crossed off because I’ve accomplished them (I always note the date of achievement for posterity). Dreams are added as I think I have discovered one worth writing down. I never know when an opportunity might present itself.

I created a list of categories for my life that covers all aspects of it. I use these categories to think about my life and what I want, either as dreams or goals.

2. The Goals

I have one Goal in each of four areas. The four categories of Goals covers all the Dreams categories mentioned above.

• Health and Fitness – This covers Health/Fitness, Interests/Hobbies, and Play/Recreation/Fun
• Relationships and Relating – This covers Relationship/Romance and Family/Friends/People
• Productive Prosperity – This covers Finances/Wealth and Work/Career/Productivity
• Personal – This covers Learning/Education/Mind and Environment/Resources

To come up with a goal in each area I ask myself, “What would make the biggest positive impact on my life in the area of ______________ (e.g. Productive Prosperity)?” The answer might be: to create a passive gross monthly income of at least $3000 per month.

I repeat that question for each of the four Goal areas.

3. The Plans

This is where the Goals get translated into behavior (as per this post I wrote earlier). For each of the four Goals I make a list of the steps, actions, and habits that may be necessary to achieve it. I say “may be necessary” because I do not want to commit myself to actions that aren’t needed. I want results not obligations that are redundant.

I write down anything that comes to mind to begin with and anything that becomes apparent along the way. It doesn’t have to be in order. As I pursue the achievement of the Goal the Plan will unfold before me.

First steps are generally obvious (e.g. talking to a mentor, doing some research). Subsequent steps become clear through action. Remember: Knowing doesn’t come from thinking, knowing comes from doing. Whatever appears to be necessary goes on the Plan and gets tackled in due time.

4. The Week

With the Plans set, or getting set, I am in a position to get moving. I now make a list of actions that I will take during the oncoming week.

Referring to each of the four Plans (one for each Goal) I consider what steps I can implement as I go about my weekly routine. I will do this weekly projection on Sunday afternoon or evening: What will I get done on Monday? What will I do Tuesday? Wednesday? and so forth.

Once I’m underway I will also review what I was able to accomplish during the past week, prior to planning the next week. There may have been less, or more, progress than was planned which calls for an adjustment in approach.

So the weekly habit is: a) review last week’s actions taken and b) project next week’s actions to be taken.

5. The Day

This is a list of actions planned for the day. This daily plan is written the evening prior.

I refer to the Weekly plan, what I have ahead of me that’s not part of my Goals, and anything that’s relevant from The List (discussed next). Once I have the day’s activities listed I will prioritize the tasks using the “worst things first” strategy. This is in my post about using behavior as consequence that I called Strategy #3.

Some tasks are time sensitive (e.g. an appointment) and they have to be done when they are scheduled. Otherwise, I stick to the priorities I have designated as best I can. I’m flexible. If the opportunity to get something done out of sequence makes better sense, I’ll do it.

6. The List

This is a list to capture any tasks that come to mind the instant that I think of them.

I have a small pocket notebook I carry with me wherever I go. It’s always accessible, unlike my Weekly or Daily plan book. I make note of things like buy milk, pay the credit card bill, wash car, return library book. I find that getting these niggling thoughts out of my mind and on paper helps me focus on the important matters. Of course, running without milk can become important if you’re sitting there with a bowl full of dry cereal.

And it’s not always trivial matters that pop up. By capturing these thoughts immediately I am much more in control then if I try to keep track of them mentally. This one little habit has saved me many hassles.

If it’s handy I will make note of the thought in the appropriate list (i.e. any of the above: Dreams, Goals, The Plan, etc.). If not it goes in The List and gets transferred later. I also keep a separate Grocery List on top of my refrigerator. Every time I notice I’m getting low in something I make a note of it for my next trip to the store.

7. The Calendar

I use a calendar to mark down any time/date sensitive tasks. Some things have to be done at exactly a certain hour on a certain day and this is where I make a note of that.

How I organize it all.

My Dreams, Goals, and Plans are written on loose leaf paper kept in a three ring binder.

The Week and The Day are kept in a black, hardbound notebook. I put The Day in the front pages, one day per page, and The Week in the back pages, one page for review and one page for projections.

The List I mentioned is a small pocket notebook.

The Calendar is hanging on my wall.

That’s the whole system. As I said, it’s simple yet thorough. If you aren’t currently using any system at all give it a try. If you are using some form of self-management system there may be something I have mentioned that may be of use. Either way I recommend coming up with some way of keeping track of what you want, what you do, and what you are getting from what you do.

As always, it’s all about self-control.