Chocolate Vegetables

This is my version of using the Franklin Covey system.  Please realise I got my first planner in 1993 in the paper form, then converted to the electronic version on a Palm when my binder was stolen in 2001.  

First Things First was my main inspiration for the below method.  The way I do the steps may very well not mesh with Steven Covey's more recent publications.  I would love to read his more recent book about the 8th Habit but I am still stuck back at the Quadrant level of prioritising my day.  Ahh well, it has still improved my life and as a busy homeschooling mother with a new baby I am happy with my level of productivity right now.

Step 1 Discover what matters most to you by
  - clarifying your values,
  - identifying and defining your roles;
  - thinking about who you want to be,want to have, want to do; and
  - creating a mission statement.

Step 2 Plan what matters most with the following steps:

  a. Create goals - From what you want to be, want to have, want to do create goals, remembering the S.M.A.R.T. (simple, measurable, achievable, reward and have a time frame) system.

I create a master goal sheet/index card for each goal I know will have multiple steps.  At first I brainstorm them and the ideas are all over the place but then I write them out in order and put dates beside each step.  Click here to download my goal sheet.

  b. Monthly and/or Weekly planning - Maybe some of you can plan out a month in advance but in my world of changing children and other life intrusions weekly planning is the most useful time frame for me.  Once a week I go through my values, read through my statements linked to my roles and read through my goals.  I note down a list of things I would like to work on in the following week from my goals, add in a focus for any roles that have been lacking in attention lately such as time with my poor hubby without children interruptions and then turn to my calender.  On my big calendar (A4 page folded up inside my small file box of index cards) I note down days that may best suit actioning any of the items on my list.

  c. Daily Focus - On a daily basis I re-read my roles and values, my mission statement or inspiring thought then I check my calendar, write things down on post its to add to my routine, check my school plans and add those notes in too.  (If you have come to this post first in my blog please check out this blog post on how I put together my index cards and album.)

Step 3 Review - If I manage to have an end of day rehash time I cross off the things done from my goal cards, remove the post it notes and check that my actions matched my priorities in life.  Sometimes this review is ugly.  Actually considering these are my days with a new baby make that most days are "ugly".  lol

I hope these tips help your days to be more productive.