Day 5 - Plan for Tomorrow the Night Before
Another habit from chapter 2 of Eat That Frog by Brian Tracy. A good way to end the workday is to plan for tomorrow. Now, this could take several forms:
Write a to-do list for tomorrow
Schedule tasks in your planner or calendar
Review your current projects and make notes on what needs to be done next
Prepare things you'll need the next day
The idea here is to have a clear plan of action for the following day. This will allow you to start the next day with purpose and direction, rather than wasting time trying to figure out what needs to be done.
But why do this the night before and not first thing in the morning? Well, there are a few reasons:
When you plan the night before, your mind is still fresh and focused on work. This makes it easier to think through what needs to be done next and create a realistic plan.
By planning ahead, you can also anticipate any potential roadblocks or challenges that may arise and come up with strategies to overcome them.
Planning the night before can also help reduce stress and anxiety, as you have a clear plan in place and can mentally prepare for the day ahead.
It allows for better time management, as you can prioritize tasks and allocate your time more effectively.
I typically go through the to-do list in my bullet journal at the end of the work day to cross off completed tasks. Then, I create a page for the following day and assign any uncompleted tasks in the following categories:
Essential: My top priority for the day goes into this section. I stick to one essential task because I have a knack for overcommitting. If all I get done that day is my essential task, then it's a win.
Events or appointments: These have a seperate section because appointments and events don't care about what's essential to me. If I have to be somewhere at a specific time (online or in-person), it goes here because I can't miss these. My gym days and client calls go here, too.
Manage the chaos: All household chores, morning routines, and errands fall into this category. The name acts as a reminder that while things such as laundry and cooking may seem mundane, they are necessary and should be managed to prevent chaos from taking over.
Other tasks: Anything that doesn't fit into the above categories goes here. This can include work or personal projects, emails, or any other tasks that need to be completed. I also use other tasks as a dumping ground for any items that creep into my mind during the day. This helps me stay focused on the task at hand without worrying about forgetting something important later.
Growth Zone: This is a new section I've added to my bullet journal recently. It's where I put tasks that will help me grow personally or professionally. This could include reading, learning a new skill, listening to an informative video or podcast, networking, etc. So, if I have "Watch to Latasha James' last three video" listed as a task here, it means I have to sit down, watch the video, take notes, and implement the tips I've learned. By having a dedicated section for growth-related tasks, I am reminded to make time for personal development and not just focus on work-related tasks.
Two categories I want to reintroduce are Morning Pages and Reflections:
Morning pages: These are three pages of journaling I aim to complete every morning. It helps me clear my mind, organize my thoughts, and set intentions for the day ahead.
Reflections: At the end of each day, I want to spend some time reflecting on how the day went and what I can improve on. This gives me the opportunity to slow down and be more mindful, rather than constantly rushing from work to bed.
Avoiding Distration
I'm easily distracted, especially when managing chaos (Give me a "SAME" if you can relate). To help myself focus on the task at hand rather than drift into a world of my imagination, I use sticky notes.
Please don't judge me for what I'm about to share. I'm just trying to live my life the best way I know how.
So, let's say I'm doing the dishes. I'll take my batch of sticky notes, and outline every step in the process:
Toss/put away anything that doesn't belong on the counters
Unload dishwasher
Load dishwasher
Wash non-dishwasher things
Wash pots
Wipe the surface
Pack the pots away once they've dried.
Now, instead of randomly wandering off to put away a stray sock or check my phone, I have a clear plan for how to tackle the task at hand. And as I complete each step, I can proudly cross it off my list and feel a sense of accomplishment.
Some may say this is excessive or unnecessary, but for me, it's a game-changer. And when I'm particularly scatterbrained, I put in noise canceling headphones to really zone in and focus.
Set Yourself Up For Success
Another way to prep for tomorrow is by thinking of ways you can make life easier for your future self. This is something I rarely do, but should try to be more mindful of as I cultivate this new habit of preparing for the next day.
A simple example is picking out the clothes I'll be wearing the next day and setting them out. This small act not only saves time in the morning, but also removes the stress of having to pick an outfit if you're running late.
Also, since I want to start doing morning pages again, having my bullet journal and a pen on my nightstand instead of wherever it is at the moment would be a huge help.
And I probably shouldn't sleep with my phone next to my bed, so charging it on my dresser or somewhere out of reach would be a healthier habit to adopt. After all, research suggests that screen time before bed can affect the quality of our sleep.
Finding Your Own Rhythm
Of course, everyone has different habits and routines that work for them. Some may prefer to plan out their entire week ahead of time, while others may prefer to take each day as it comes.
The key is to find what works best for you and your lifestyle. It's okay if it takes some trial and error to figure out what that is. Don't be afraid to experiment and make adjustments as needed.
But the important thing is to have some sort of plan or structure in place. It can help alleviate stress, increase productivity, and even improve overall well-being.
Personal growth and self-improvement take intentionality, patience, and tons of self-love. So, as I continue my journey of personal development, I will remind myself to be patient and kind with myself as I navigate this ever-evolving process. After all, it's not about being perfect, but rather making progress towards becoming the best version of ourselves.
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1yI feel much more in control since I started calendar blocking and planning my weeks and days beforehand. Top tip: leave some blank space for the unexpected!