How did you start your day today? Did you plan last night so that you could hit the ground running this morning? Or did you start your day by doing your planning? If neither, you are missing out on one of the key actions of successful people. Why is this the case?
Rather than playing triage all day, you approach your day with control and deliberate action. While “life” happens and can alter your plans in one way or another, building structure enables you to be productive, ensures that you are performing the actions that bring you the best results, and permits you to enjoy your successes! So, how do you get started?
First, you should have a clear roadmap of your goals for the year – professional, personal, financial, physical, etc.
Take out your planner or look at your calendar online. Next, time block your solid appointments, meetings and family responsibilities (e.g. Zach’s swim meet). Be sure to include activities that keep you healthy such as cardio and weight training. Now, when you look at your calendar, you see the core of your week. All of your “must dos” are captured.
The next step is what I call “unscheduling”.
Look at the balance of your week alongside your goals. What activities this week or today will move you in the direction of meeting your goals? For example, if your top priority is to lead generate, then decide which 2 or 3 hour time slot will be most effective for your activity. Are you making business calls? Calls to residences? Canvassing? Strategize and input into your calendar time blocks for those activities that will drive results! Do the same with your other activities and actions that must be performed, leaving time for some flexibility and reasonable travel time. If you find things on your schedule that aren’t moving you toward your goals, you may need to remove them.
In order to ensure that my blocked times meet my priorities, I start by listing all of the activities and tasks that I need to do each day. I prioritize them by A, B and C. If they have to get done today, they are an A. Then, I take each A and prioritize by 1, 2, 3, etc. I next prioritize the B’s, and finally C’s.
This, in a nutshell, is the plan for success. You have blocked your time for priority activities and tasks. Now you have a roadmap for your day, your week, and your life! Do the key actions of successful people and be the success you’ve always known you would be!
How are you reaching your business goals? How are you seeking guidance to grow your business?
Having an outside perspective is incredibly valuable to attain continued success. If you need help in business planning, the coaches at McLean International can help! Whether you need individual or group coaching, on-site or phone coaching and goal planning, our individualized programs and services can help you to reach your next level. With the team at McLean International behind you, your dreams will become tomorrow’s reality! Contact us for more information.
Karen Thomas
Executive Coach with McLean International
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