PRODUCTIVITYDays to result

Habit 3: Plan

Plan your day

Problem it solves

procrastination and lack of direction

Best for

Individuals struggling with procrastination and lack of direction

Not ideal for

Those who prefer to go with the flow and not plan ahead

Overview

Why this framework exists

Habit 3: Plan is about planning your day and week, and setting priorities and goals. This involves identifying the most important tasks and blocking out time for them, and creating a schedule that allows for flexibility and adaptability. The goal is to increase productivity and reduce stress.

Core principles

3 total
  1. Plan your day and week
  2. Set priorities and goals
  3. Block out time for important tasks

Steps

3 steps
  1. Identify Big Rocks
    Identify the most important tasks and goals for the week
    Pro tipUse a simple and effective goal-setting framework
    WarningAvoid setting too many goals, as this can lead to overwhelm and decreased productivity
  2. Block out time for Big Rocks
    Block out time for the most important tasks and goals
    Pro tipUse a schedule that allows for flexibility and adaptability
    WarningAvoid overcommitting, as this can lead to burnout and decreased productivity
  3. Create a schedule
    Create a schedule that allows for flexibility and adaptability
    Pro tipUse a simple and effective scheduling framework
    WarningAvoid overscheduling, as this can lead to burnout and decreased productivity

Checklist

Saved in your browser

Examples

2 cases
Implementing a daily planning routine

An individual sets aside dedicated time each day to plan and prioritize tasks

OutcomeThe individual experiences increased productivity and reduced stress
Using a goal-setting framework

An individual uses a simple and effective goal-setting framework to identify and prioritize goals

OutcomeThe individual experiences improved goal achievement and increased productivity

Common mistakes

3 traps
Not identifying Big Rocks
Failing to identify the most important tasks and goals can lead to lack of direction and decreased productivity
Not blocking out time for Big Rocks
Failing to block out time for the most important tasks and goals can lead to procrastination and decreased productivity
Not creating a schedule
Failing to create a schedule can lead to lack of direction and decreased productivity

Origin story

How this framework came to be

The habit of planning is inspired by the need to manage time effectively and achieve goals. By creating a simple and effective system, individuals can reduce stress and increase productivity.

Source

Traced to primary
Source · BOOK
Zen to Done: The Ultimate Simple Productivity System
Leo Babauta · 2024
Open source →

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