I’m experimenting with yet another way to think about planning.
Side Note: I think it’s so funny how I get excited about a planning system, implement it, think it’s the next best thing, then it falls apart. LOL!
However, I will say when I get excited about the next thing, it’s usually because it's better than the last thing that I tried. This new system that I'm experimenting with is no different.
I was inspired to try using a Mindmap-Based Planning System because of a creator names Sheng Huang (see video below).
In this blog posts, I'm going to share why I'm attracted to this system and what problems it solves for me a busy mom juggling all the things
The Benefits of Using a Mindmap-Based Planning System
1. Breaking Down Priorities into Sections
One of the things I love about using a mindmap to plan is that it allows me to break down my priorities into sections. With so many areas of my life to juggle, it can be overwhelming to try to fit everything into one planner. However, having multiple different planners to check can also be frustrating. With a mindmap, I can separate my priorities into different nodes and still have them all in one place.
2. A Blend of Digital and Paper
I find that having a blend of digital and paper-based planning works best for me. I can keep the main master to-do list in a digital mindmap, but when I am planning in detail, I prefer to use paper. I have a plain notebook where I pull out what I need to focus on for the day. This way, I can keep my mindmap up-to-date yet still have a physical copy of my plans for the day.
3. A Weekly Dashboard Without a Weekly Spread
Using a mindmap to plan also gives me a way to have a weekly dashboard without necessarily using a weekly spread. I divide my mind map into two major nodes (as seen in the video linked above), one for regular, recurring routines, and one for new goals. This way, I can easily separate out what is coming up for the week and what needs to be prioritized.
4. Analyzing Capacity and Realistic Goals
The mindmap-based planning system also allows me to analyze my capacity and decide what is realistic for me to focus on each day. I measure each task in 15-minute increments and take into consideration my routine and ongoing obligations. I know that I can comfortable squeeze in 10 hours of work each. I make sure that I subtract all the minutes of existing obligations (or I can remove some if needed) before I start trying to squeeze in new goals for the day. This way, I can decide how many new goals I can comfortably fit into my day.
5. Time Estimations for Tasks
Putting estimated times on tasks helps me with time blindness and motivation. Sometimes, I can struggle with “I got all day syndrome”. When I’m not reminded of how long tasks take, I can trick myself into believing that I have all day to get it done and I’ll just work on it later. It's always a frustrating feeling when I realize at the end of the day that there are not enough hours left in the day to do all the things that I originally wanted to accomplish. So seeing all the tasks with the reminder of how long each task takes encourages me to get started sooner or readjust my expectations.
The time stamps also help with motivation. When I see that a task will only take 15 minutes (for example), I feel more motivated to knock it out.
6. Time Fluidity
One of the problems I had with scheduling everything out according to specific dates and/or times was that when something threw us off schedule, I did not feel motivated to sit down and replan everything. With a mindmap-based planning system, I have one big planning session, and then I do not have to worry about planning for a couple of weeks. If I get off track, it's easier to jump back in and pick up where I left off. I do acknowledge that there will be tasks that are time sensitive. Using the two-week sprints and project planning strategies demonstrated in the video above addresses this concern. .
Conclusion
In conclusion, I believe using a mindmap-based planning system will solve many of the problems I encountered with previous planning systems. I love how it allows me to break down my priorities, use a blend of digital and paper-based planning, and analyze my capacity for each day. I also appreciate how it helps with time blindness and time estimations for tasks. Finally, I love how it is time-fluid. I look forward to reporting back as I attempt to implement this system into my life.
What frustrates you about planning?
Have you tried a mindmap-based planning system before?
Check out My Setup Here
Love Always, LaDay
No comments:
Post a Comment