#391 - 7 Things You Shouldn’t Expect Your Planner to Do
Nov 11, 2024
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As the holiday season approaches, many start eyeing new planners to kick off the new year. However, the discussion reveals planners aren't magic solutions; they are simply organizational tools. The hosts delve into seven common misconceptions about planners, emphasizing the importance of realistic expectations. They advocate for flexibility in planning, encouraging listeners to adapt to life's unpredictabilities. The conversation also highlights the value of recognizing small, meaningful traditions, reminding us to focus on what truly matters.
26:02
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Quick takeaways
A planner cannot intuitively understand your life circumstances, necessitating your conscious input to utilize it effectively.
Planners do not prioritize your values or tasks, requiring you to actively align your daily activities with what matters most.
Deep dives
Understanding Season of Life
A planner cannot inherently understand your current season of life, which means it’s essential to bring your understanding of your circumstances to it. While some planners are designed with specific roles or lifestyles in mind, such as for teachers or entrepreneurs, you ultimately must articulate your own priorities and challenges. This involves consciously reflecting on what is happening in your life and recognizing your limits in order to use the planner effectively. Embracing this intentionality allows for a more meaningful engagement with your planning process, rather than relying on the tool to decipher your needs.
Prioritization and Personal Values
Planners do not automatically prioritize what truly matters to you, as their common messaging tends to focus on optimization and productivity. Your planner may include sections for goal-setting, but it typically lacks guidance to help you align your daily activities with your personal values and changing circumstances. Instead of viewing your planner as a solution to organizing your life, recognize the need to actively prioritize tasks based on what matters most in your life. Adjusting expectations around what the planner can achieve can help cultivate a more compassionate approach to your time management.
Planners and Stress Management
Expecting a planner to completely eliminate stress and busyness from your life is unrealistic, as life is inherently complex and often chaotic. While planners can assist in managing tasks and schedules, they cannot magically remove the underlying challenges that contribute to feelings of overwhelm. Acknowledging that stress and busyness are natural aspects of life allows you to concentrate on making incremental adjustments rather than seeking a flawless solution. This perspective empowers you to be proactive in managing your responsibilities, rather than waiting for a planner to solve potential chaos.
Alright, let’s huddle up. It’s the middle of November. Now that Halloween is over and we’re into the November swing, the avalanche of holiday stuff falls fast. The other thing that can sometimes happen this time of year is you start seeing ads for new planners. Most of us want a new one before the year is over so that we can start the new year fresh and ready to go, so planner-ordering energy is starting to wake up.
I want you to remember that your planner is not magic. It is simply a tool to help you organize certain aspects of your life. The problem is that we often expect more from it than it has the capacity to give, so today, let’s talk about the 7 things you shouldn’t expect your planner to do.
Helpful Companion Links
Order my new book The PLAN or check to see if your library has a copy available for loan.