The Lesson

In the early stages of my career, I had the privilege of working for a self-made multimillionaire who, despite only completing the fourth grade, achieved remarkable success. While I’ve met numerous college dropouts who later thrived, this was one of the rare instances of someone who left school after elementary yet still excelled.

His upbringing was challenging, but he demonstrated an exceptional work ethic and never allowed his lack of formal education to hinder his progress. By the time I joined his team, he had built a substantial estate complete with an airstrip and multiple aircraft. His accomplishments were nothing short of extraordinary.

What set him apart was his profound understanding of his work and, crucially, his ability to execute tasks effectively. His advice to me was refreshingly simple: “Dedicate 5 to 10 minutes every Sunday evening to outline your objectives for the upcoming week.”

Let’s delve into why such a straightforward approach can yield significant benefits.

Planning Ahead

His technique was efficient because he focused on the primary goals for the week rather than getting bogged down by minor details. Spending too much time on this planning can lead to overthinking. With practice, you will instinctively know what to prioritize.

Writing It Down

The wisdom he shared propelled my career forward, greatly enhancing my productivity over the years. Documenting your goals has a profound effect on your achievements, a fact supported by neuroscience, as highlighted in the article: Neuroscience Explains Why You Need To Write Down Your Goals If You Actually Want To Achieve Them.

While I adjusted my planning session from Sunday to Friday evening to clear my mind for the weekend, the lesson remained invaluable. From that moment, my professional life took off, and I made it a lasting habit that I still practice today.

A helpful tip: I use a single 3x5 card to jot down my goals, utilizing bullet points and keeping the list to fewer than five items. I also date each card and periodically review the collection. The progress you can observe over weeks or months will astound you!

Scheduling Tasks

Over the years, I incorporated an additional element into this habit. Each Monday, I revisit the list and transfer items to my calendar as appointments. If I'm uncertain about a task, I still include it in my calendar for further contemplation.

Rescheduling is straightforward if necessary, though it seldom proves essential. I find it beneficial to use a web-based calendar, like Google Calendar, which allows for sharing. I share my calendar with specific individuals to foster accountability and occasionally seek their assistance.

Final Thoughts

The effectiveness of this method is encapsulated in a quote by Benjamin Franklin: “By failing to plan, you are preparing to fail.” Conversely, it stands true that by consciously planning, you set yourself up for success!

Another noteworthy perspective comes from Dale Carnegie, a prominent figure in training and personal development: “An hour of planning can save you 10 hours of doing.”

Why not experiment with this straightforward approach of dedicating a few minutes each week to planning? You may find it incredibly rewarding. This is perhaps the simplest way to enhance your productivity and results over time. Imagine how it could help you create the fulfilling life that you and your family richly deserve!

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