Embedded Files
Chapter Eight
Mission
Mission
To make intentional adjustments to our schedule, one step at a time, moving closer to our ideal time management and goals by replacing unproductive time with goal-driven activities.
Concept
Concept
This chapter focuses on taking gradual, practical steps to shift from how we currently spend our time (168R) to how we ideally want to use it (168i). The aim is to make small, believable changes to our schedule, which will lead to sustained progress toward our goals. Each change should feel realistic, achievable, and designed to build belief in our ability to change over time.
Operational Definitions
Operational Definitions
Several key terms are clarified to ensure understanding throughout the book:
168R Step: A change to our existing schedule that involves replacing a few time units with more productive or intentional ones.
Steps: Small, manageable changes that build toward larger life transformations.
Retrospective: Looking back to understand what worked and what didn’t, helping us refine our approach.
Boundaries: Setting limits to prevent distractions from derailing our intentional changes.
Key Concepts:
168R Step: A step-by-step approach to changing our current schedule, focusing on small, manageable changes.
Transitions: Adjustments made to the schedule that require stabilization before more changes are introduced.
Re-Evaluation: Reflecting on what went right, what went wrong, and how to improve after each change.
Faith: Belief in the process and in the likelihood of achieving our goals, even when the outcome is uncertain.
Story
Story
The chapter shares the story of a client who consistently responded with "yes, but" to every suggestion for change. He was stuck in a cycle of believing nothing would work, yet he still tried out small changes suggested by his therapist. Over time, and after taking gradual steps, his life improved significantly. Each time he took a small step, he gained faith in the process and in his ability to make progress. This faith eventually allowed him to continue making changes on his own, moving closer to his goals.
Lesson
Lesson
Practical change requires both planning and belief in our ability to make progress. By focusing on small, achievable changes (1% improvement each day), we gradually build up credibility with ourselves and the belief that success is possible. Faith in the process, even when results are not immediately visible, is key to sustainable progress.
Plan of Application
Plan of Application
Start by identifying one time unit in your current schedule (168R) that you can change. Implement this small change into your new 168R Step schedule, focusing on keeping the rest of your routine stable. Maintain the change for three days, then three weeks, allowing it to become a new habit. Regularly review and re-evaluate the impact of the change to ensure it sticks. Over time, continue making small adjustments that align with your 168i, gradually building a better, more intentional schedule that leads to personal growth and goal achievement.
Exercises
Exercises
168R Step Schedule: Create a visual table that shows your current schedule (168R), the ideal schedule (168i), and the changes you plan to implement (168R Step). Focus on making one small change at a time and allow it to stabilize before adding more changes.
Progress Review: After three days, review the change to see if it’s sustainable, and continue evaluating after three weeks. Adjust the schedule as needed based on what you’ve learned.
Addition Reading Recommendations Based on Chapter Topic
Addition Reading Recommendations Based on Chapter Topic
"The Four Agreements: A Practical Guide to Personal Freedom" by Don Miguel Ruiz
I know this book deviates a bit from my other recommendations, but it offers a great perspective on taking intentional steps towards becoming our ideal selves. This book resonates with my wife and is very easy to consume. Don Miguel Ruiz helps readers gain insights into how we can shape our lives through four core principles. These agreements encourage us to be truthful with ourselves by keeping our word, avoiding assumptions (which I align with the Stoic practice of assuming best intentions), not taking things personally, and always doing our best. Applying these principles allows us to be more intentional about how we spend our time and handle things that may derail us, ensuring that each action and decision aligns with our desired outcomes. This boiled down read is helpful for moving from our current state to where we want to be, as it helps us set and maintain expectations that foster personal and professional growth.
"The Power of Moments: Why Certain Experiences Have Extraordinary Impact" by Chip Heath and Dan Heath
In their exploration of why certain moments have a profound impact on us, Chip and Dan Heath demonstrate how intentionally creating these moments can lead to significant personal and professional development. They present the concept of creating moments and setting intentions around them effectively, showing how intentional steps can make these moments special. This concept is especially relevant when considering intentional steps towards desired time use. By understanding and implementing the creation of high-impact moments, individuals can transform mundane or routine experiences into opportunities for significant growth and alignment with long-term goals. This approach ensures that each step taken is not only intentional but also maximally effective, pushing us closer to our ideal time management scenarios. I found this to be a great book and highly recommend it.
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