[ms] - How do you PLAN?

[Illuminate]

In the spirit of the New Year, I'm obviously trying to learn from the lessons of the shortfalls of 2013 and improve things in 2014. I do know I will have a very busy year ahead, between a job, trying to publish journal articles, and so some more studies in correspondence, and trying to have some leisure time in between Let alone thoughts of settling down and keeping a house in order.

I know there are some very sincere and motivated participants on this board, so my general question is how do you go about planing things. Just generally; do you use apps (if so which ones) or are you a simple pen and paper person.

No matter how much I try, I take on too much and worry about missing deadlines, and truth be told I sometimes do. And in 2014 - I really am trying to avoid this.

All comments welcome and big thank you in advance.

[floridaorange]

Re: [ms] - How do you PLAN?

Years ago my wife said (she was my gf at the time) that I "spread myself too thin." There was ALOT of wisdom in that, because at some point, if you take on too much, nothing gets done very well. It's like working more than 10 hours per day, there's no point, because diminishing returns begin.

[hypoluxxa]

Re: [ms] - How do you PLAN?

Years ago my wife said (she was my gf at the time) that I "spread myself too thin." There was ALOT of wisdom in that, because at some point, if you take on too much, nothing gets done very well. It's like working more than 10 hours per day, there's no point, because diminishing returns begin.

LOL

I worked 78 hours a week for 60 weeks (13 hours a day x 6 Days a week)... that ended in March of last year. I was exhausted and useless for anything other than work. It was a means to a end though.

As far as planning, pen and paper. What is the goal? What do I think it takes to achieve it? Break it down into time, total time, how many weeks, and what do I need to do daily to achieve the goal.

[feather]

Re: [ms] - How do you PLAN?

Depends on what you're planning for and the goal as above.

If you're missing deadlines it seems like a time management issue. The common advice is find your most productive time of the day, generally mornings or nights, block them off to do the most important stuff. Also find your most productive environment, be it at home, in an office, or in a cafe.

Mine's in the morning in the office. I'm useless working from home or cafe. On some occasions being in a park helps.

For a more long term plan, I try to have 5-year blocks with a goal or theme. I've been lucky to get in the general direction by keeping them loose and not have to actively pursue or stick to steps set in stone. More like a way point, I've deviated and meandered. If this stuff are set in stone the plan is prone to frustrations or failure and derailment.

[floridaorange]

Re: [ms] - How do you PLAN?

The "spreading yourself too thin" and 10 hour work day points are unrelated. Too thin means too many priorities. I did 12 hour days - 14 hour days for several years, it was a means to an end as well.

[KiwiTollway]

Re: [ms] - How do you PLAN?

This might sound outdated, but it works for me. I keep a month-in-a-glance type calender right beside my computer (8x11, free from charity organization). That way I don't have to open any app, remember where I wrote or typed something, just glance at the day, week, month, etc. I like having it at my fingertips. I write down anything on today's block that I need to remember from appointments, to confirmations numbers for items I've bought, trips, and whose doing what that I also want to remember... for instance if my boyfriend goes on a trip. With my work, every week is so different and it's easier for me to keep track of things this way. Might sound dumb to some I know. I think you have to have one, simple, easy, go-to place to put deadlines. I keep a small journal on the other side of my computer for passwords, quotes I like, dreams, goals, etc. I haven't discovered an app that does what these things do for me. Good luck in 2014! You can do it!!!

[jay813]

Re: [ms] - How do you PLAN?

you have to make short term and long term goals and understand that things will come up and break alot of those plans, i think the key thing is to just PLAN. make a plan A, a plan B and so on.

last year was my best year in terms of career and financially. i dont belive i did any MORE work than i usually do but i planned accordingly and when opportunity came my way, i was ready.

[Illuminate]

Re: [ms] - How do you PLAN?

Some great answers guys, thanks.

I too was working an easy 13 hours a day for 6 six days, Saturday obviously being a half day (at times). I just felt as if life was just work. Nothing more, nothing less.

I came to my senses and have left this job. But I now know that all it really does come down to is proper planning and goal setting. Time management as feather mentioned I could never set a proper habit of.

Goal setting... let's not even go there.

[nick007]

Re: [ms] - How do you PLAN?

Bro, I live by the 7 P's - prior proper planning prevents piss poor performance - I work a job with 2 hats, I project manage 7 teams in 4 different locations (100's of kms apart) and I am the estimator/ HR/ Admin manager for the company. I start my day as I end my day, planning for the next day, week, month, quarter. It helps that i am OCD in the way I work. Also cannot stress hard enough that time management is key to being successful

[Illuminate]

Re: [ms] - How do you PLAN?

^Thanks Nick.

If there's one thing Construction teaches you is how crucial time is. Going from a desk job doing consulting work to managing construction. Huge reality check.

[feather]

Re: [ms] - How do you PLAN?

7 (Easy) Ways To Use Your Time Better In 2014 | Fast Company | Business + Innovation

[Illuminate]

Re: [ms] - How do you PLAN?

Nice on feather, Great website as well.