Planning is a great tool. Writing a plan, including motivations, strategies for countering triggers, is a great help. It sets our minds in the right direction. You can read more about it in this great post on Zen Habits blog: http://zenhabits.net/2009/09/the-habit-change-cheatsheet-29-ways-to-successfully-ingrain-a-behavior/. Today, I would like to talk about different levels of planning. I call it: the planning onion. This is how I do it.

 

The Levels of Values and Goals

The topmost level is the level of a mission statement. In one of my previous posts, I shared a part of mine. I read somewhere about writing a personal mission statement and how it can be a great source of energy for personal growth. So I started writing my own. It describes a set of beliefs, values, principles and behaviors with respect to: my self, people in my life, my work, and my marriage (you can include whatever is relevant for you). Here is the part I shared some days ago: http://goodlifecuisine.com/selfchange/personal_mission_statement.

You can also start with an end in mind. The next suggestion may be a bit shocking for some, but I kind of like it. In his book, the 7 Habits of Highly Effective People, the author advises us to start by visualizing our funeral. Visualizing different people from our life coming out and giving a eulogy. Imagine what would you like each of them to say. When will you have been happy with your life. I tried this, and it brought much calm to me; it's a great way to start getting in touch with our deepest values.

Even if you choose not to write a personal mission statement, you will have some goals. Not just: quit drinking; but things that you want to learn, experience or achieve in your life. Think about them. Write them down. Then start thinking - what can I do about it now? It could be just reading about it, meeting someone, discussing... Just think about something actionable, something you can do right away. Or if you can not, think about what is blocking you, and a first thing you could do to start removing it. 

The Review Level 

The next level of the onion is about mid-term planning. Think about the next period, e.g., next month, or quarter. Look at what is ahead of you.Think about what of the things from your higher level plan that you could do in this period. It is good to have a review every once in a while - to take a step back - to review where you are, update your plan, learn something about your self. As I tend to have trips or short vacations every couple of months, I use these to review where I am.

The Integration Level 

The next level is about integrating what you want into your life. It's a small review - weekly. This is where you really start planning. I would suggest that you first plan your play activities. Yes, your play - exercise, fun, self-care, social stuff. Fix them and commit to them. Give them priority. It is so easy to forget about these things in a heat of a hectic day. Then you might plan your highest priority activities for each day, or just have a weekly list which you will look at every day and pick stuff from it. A good day to take a step back and think about where for me is Sunday. Good day to reflect. Sometime I do it Friday evening. I like to start Monday by touching ground right away.

The Now Level

On a daily level I try to remind myself at what is important to me. I take a moment for my self. In the shower, or while drinking my morning coffee. When my day really starts, I first review my planning for that day. And then I start. It is actually just about keep starting; getting as many half hours of uninterrupted work on highest priority items as possible. Knowing that all the play is scheduled is very liberating. It is amazing to see what you can do with even 20 hours of uninterrupted work per week.

Be good to your selves.