A Time Wasting Tip-Off for Your Business

Want to know what to avoid doing in your business?

I've got a confession to make, one that might sound all too familiar if you've ever found yourself caught in the whirlwind of planning and organising. Here's my story:

The Trap of Over-Planning
At the end of each quarter, I sit down with my goals ready to map out a plan for the next three months. It's a ritual that's as comforting as it is necessary, a time to align my actions with my ambitions.

But here's the kicker: occasionally, I catch myself lost in the labyrinth of planning. Yes, I have my plan, my steps neatly laid out before me, and yet, I find myself obsessively reorganising my schedule, tweaking it to perfection, even when it's not necessary. It's as if the act of planning has become a distraction in itself, a way to feel productive without actually being productive.

Recognising the Distraction
Initially, it took me a while to realise what was happening. Planning, in its essence, is supposed to be a launchpad, not a landing zone. The real magic happens in the implementation, in taking those carefully crafted steps towards our goals. The endless tweaking and organising? That's just us spinning our wheels, mistaking motion for progress.

So, how do we break free from this cycle? How do we ensure that our planning serves its purpose without becoming a procrastination tool in disguise? Here are a few strategies that have helped me navigate this fine line:

• Set a Planning Limit: Allocate a specific amount of time for planning and stick to it. Once your time is up, shift your focus to action.
• Embrace 'Good Enough': Your plan doesn't have to be perfect. Aim for a "good enough" plan that's actionable and flexible, rather than spending hours on end trying to make it flawless.
• Schedule Check-ins, Not Overhauls: Instead of continuously revisiting and revising your plan, schedule regular check-ins to assess your progress and make minor adjustments as needed.
• Focus on the Next Step: Sometimes, looking at the big picture can be overwhelming. Concentrate on the immediate next step you need to take. This helps keep the momentum going without getting bogged down by the entirety of your plan.

Moving From Planning to Doing
Remember, the goal of planning is to facilitate action, not to replace it. It's easy to feel like we're achieving something when we're organizing and reorganizing our schedules. But true productivity lies in the doing, in the messy, imperfect action that moves us closer to our goals.

Feeling stuck in the planning phase? Let's chat. Sometimes, all it takes is a little nudge (or a friendly conversation) to transition from planning to doing. Together, we can find that balance, ensuring your plans propel you forward, not hold you back.

Ready to turn those plans into action? Book your Time Design session HERE and let's make this next quarter your most productive yet, one actionable step at a time. Let's do this, together!