As mentioned in my previous article, Writing – Optimum Balance Series (Part 6), daily planning sets the framework for my day. What I write down in my journal tends to be what I think about and begin taking steps towards accomplishing. So where I write my ideas as well as long and short term goals in my journal, I leverage my Weekly Mindset Pocket Planner to write down and plan the daily goals I can take action on which move me forward to achieving my desired long or short term goal.
Prior to the start of my journey, I was constantly looking for ways to improve my planning process. Until recently I was going back and forth with various online apps and other daily planners I purchased.
Many would serve me well for a short period of time but eventually each would either become more work to update and manage or was so stripped down that I was better off just using a piece of paper. And so I did. Eventually after writing them down on a white sheet of paper, I created my Weekly Mindset Pocket Planner which captures only two main goals for each day and includes other sections for the various other daily habits and affirmations I want to be mindful of.
Here are more reasons why I use a daily planner:
1. Reduces Stress
The ability to write down and plan my daily tasks gives me a sense of security knowing it has been written and stored somewhere other than my mind. This gives me less stress knowing I have better control over my life.
2. Improves Memory
Daily planning has also increased my ability to remember things in two ways. First, as mentioned in my previous article, the physical act of writing, with the different movements, create thousands of different neural pathways in the brain, which helps you remember. Second, by daily planning, I’ve created a daily repeatable system leveraging my Weekly Mindset Pocket Planner, which rewires my brain for easier recall.
3. Move Closer Goals
Daily planning has been a great way for me to record my goals and track my progress. By defining and recording my progress for my goals, it has increased my performance and allows me to go back and look back to evaluate my progress. I like posting my progress on my website as well as it tends to keep me accountable.
4. Sense of Achievement & Accomplishment
There is nothing better than seeing a task completed. Going to sleep knowing I checked off my two goals for the day is powerful. There is a sense of gratification and accomplishment in visually seeing the tasks marked off the list.
By breaking down my daily goals into only two main goals it makes me more tactical and really hone in on what I NEED to get done today versus working off a list of 5, 6 or 10 and potentially ignoring or procrastinating on the one or two things that really need to get done.
I have found when I write things down the odds of taking action on that task dramatically increase. Instead of living a reactionary life being controlled by other distractions coming in, my attention and intentions are more focused.
As with anything, it is important to find what works best for you — Leave a comment below and let me know if you have found something that works for you.
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