How to Plan an Unbelievably Productive Week in Less Than an Hour

First, let's talk about some productivity tips for staying productive. Productivity is all about simplicity. An elaborate morning routine or productivity method may not be what works for you, but it could be perfect for someone else. 

 

I've tried tons of methods to find out that it may be best to integrate several methods. But all in all, no matter which method is best for you, these steps will help you get where you want to be.

Before we jump into planning a productive week, let me tell you the three rules we follow before we set our goals for the week.

Keep it simple - Apply the 80/20 rule

Contrary to some gurus, You don't need to have tons of complicated planners, notebooks, and apps to be a productive person. In fact, the less clutter you have, the better!

 

That's why the Pareto's Principle, the 80/20 rule is a great way to simplify your life and focus on the important things. Basically, this rule states that 80% of your results come from 20% of your efforts. So, if you're feeling overwhelmed by all that you need to do, take a step back and ask yourself which tasks are actually going to move the needle?

 

Give yourself a task test. Do I NEED to do this to reach my goal?

 

I recently read the book via; Audible Can't Hurt Me by David Goggins, who is a retired professional athlete. And is the only person in history to have completed Navy SEAL training, Air Force tactical air control party training, and Ranger School. He is also a former world record holder for the most pull-ups done in 24 hours.

 

Pretty amazing stuff, right? David put in countless hours of training in order to make his dreams happen. But what if David only spent 20% of his time training and the other 80% of his time doing tasks that had no real bearing on his goals.

 

Just think...

 

What if Oprah spent 80% of her time in her early years gardening? Do you think you'd know who she was today?

 

"Someone's sitting in the shade today because someone planted a tree a long time ago."— Warren Buffett

 

The first step is to focus on the one thing that you want to accomplish for the week that aligns with who you want to become.

Be consistently intentional

That brings me to the second rule. Be intentional with your weekly goals. Do they line up with your monthly, quarterly, and yearly goals? 

 

If your goal is to become an influencer.

 

Your week should reflect tasks and actions towards becoming an influencer. If your personal goal is becoming more patient, your weekly goals should reflect that goal...Consistently!

 

So what do you do when it's hard to be consistent?

 

David said in his book that when it got really hard to continue, he was running with a heart condition, a broken leg, and bloody swollen feet. He pulled out virtual cookies from his mind's cookie jar of all the wins he had already accomplished, both large and small, to encourage his willpower to continue.

 

Jerry Senfield uses the don't break the chain method in his life as a comedian. Jerry consistently and intentionally applies the 80/20 rule by writing one joke every day; because he has created a lifelong string of many jokes, he will remain a comedic icon.

 

Action step: What is one thing you can consistently and intentionally apply to reach your goals?

Be flexible and integrate your entire life

One huge problem with "time management" is that we do have not to control over time itself. There's no way we could accurately schedule every moment. Life happens, which is why it's best to add plenty of cushion to our day. We forget to integrate our life with our work and our work with our life. 

 

Don't get me wrong; I'm not encouraging you to multitask. What I am saying is when you plan your