Planing is necessary, as it helps keep us organized and marshal priorities. However, it can also be a source of frustration when the list of projects and goals create a feeling of having “too much to do and too little time.” Without planning from a proper perspective, it can become another excuse for failed execution and procrastination. Planning doesn’t have to feel overwhelming when it’s unpretentious and your tasks are manageable. You can get past the planning phase when you accept limitations and manage your expectations.
As the founder and CEO of my own company, I've learned a few ways business leaders can get a grip on their planning to set themselves up for success:
1. Be honest.
There are still just 24 hours in the day, no matter who you are. Despite this, many leaders rationalize adding the work of two days on a task list and are disappointed when they don’t tick all the boxes. Planning is not synonymous with task listing. To plan, you must make an honest inventory of your tasks and identify what you’re capable of finishing in the context of the many responsibilities of the day and your life’s roles.
Remember: One of those responsibilities is to rest. Another should be to sit down to a satisfying meal. When working from home, be honest about how much time you spend on housework and daily preparation rituals before you sit down to work. Without this contextual look at the day, you might only succeed in generating a laundry list of nonprioritized tasks, thus setting yourself up for failure and frustration.
2. Chunk it up.
If you’re honest (step No. 1), you’ll find your goals require a series of steps, and few of them are achievable in one day. Starting with the larger goal, break them into action steps, and task yourself based on what is realistic in the context of the hours and energy you have available for “an honest day’s work.”
3. Stay accountable.
Executive coaches work with their clients to set standards and hold them accountable. But your coach need not be your sole accountability partner. Sharing goals with close friends, a colleague or teammate on a project is incredibly motivational when you empower them to inquire about your progress. The key to this empowerment is trust and transparency. Trust their questions and follow-ups because they are only meant to serve your goals, and be transparent about any changes, obstacles or setbacks you face so they can help you along the way.
4. Adapt and overcome.
Changes, obstacles and setbacks will happen. While planning is written on paper, execution flows like water. “Getting it done” requires navigating daily waters as the environment exerts influence and force. You are not in control of those environmental influences. You cannot regain time by attempting to move things outside of your control to a place under your responsibility. Honestly evaluate if this new issue or information should affect your plan, acknowledge the need to adjust (this may mean sending out revised calendar invites or making a quick phone call), then overcome by silencing any negative self-talk or internalized frustration. Remember, you adjusted because the influence was out of your control and it was your responsibility to respond.
5. Celebrate victories.
When you achieve, celebrate! Perhaps the act of drawing a bold line through the task on a whiteboard brings a sense of satisfaction. Take that walk you promised yourself. Relax and scroll through your social media for 10 minutes if that makes you happy, or buy yourself dinner at your favorite restaurant. Take the time to honor your work and commitment. This celebratory action — big or small — feeds into your self-esteem and motivation for the next task.
