The Gap Map: Personal Mastery Plan

I have an RPM Planner.  It's a huge filofax style planner, that requires almost an A4 size hole in my suitcase.  It is incredibly inconvenient to carry, and often makes me feel like a wander when I carry it around.

However, it does keep everything in one place, and has pages like The Gap Map: Personal Mastery Plan.

Today I filled it out again, looking at what I reckon refection would be like in different parts of my life:
Physical, Emotional/Spiritual, Relationships, Time management, Career, Finances, and Contribution.  I reckon that most of the things we do in our lives will fit into one or more of those categories.  Firstly you look at what you want, why you want it, how to get there, and possible traps, and then where you are now.  It really works.  I first did it at Unleash The Power Within in 2007, and update it regularly.  It really helps me when planning my days/weeks/years.

Using your time wisely has all to do with making sure that you are heading in the right direction with your actions - Steven Covey said that the compass is more important than the clock.  His Book "First Things First" is a brilliant explanation of this, and Robbins' "Time of Your Life" is further explanation.

Well worth a read (an implementation) for anyone wanting to achieve their dreams.

A Great Start to the week

My week started early.

Yesterday (sunday), I actually planned out my week, or at least what I wanted to achieve from it. I use a product called the Rapid Planning Method. I basically have an old manual planner that looks like a preacher's bible, but on closer inspection is a zippered up ring binder.

Each week (well theoretically each week), I look at my long term goals, list what I need to do in the week, and then gather these action items around whatever the outcomes I am aiming to achieve for the week. I first learnt to do something very close to this from the Steven Covey Book, 7 Habits of Highly Effective People, and have changed the methodology thanks to Anthony Robbins "Time of Your Life" course.

Although not perfect, I find that when I plan my week, with an eye on my long term goals, I have a week of achievement and fulfilment, and get about twice as much done compared to when I bumble through the week.

So on with the rest of my life...

Today has been remarkable for the amount of energy I had. Actually not so much energy but focus. I found myself able to get things done quicker and better than usual. I stuck to the dietary guidelines, with the exeption of a cup of coffee, and even got to run in the rain first thing in the morning.

So what have I achieved physically?

• I lost 3.7kg (Just over eight pounds).
• I am more energetic.
• The pain and numbness in my right shoulder is reduced greatly. In fact, tonight I did a 3 hour gig with no symptoms whatsoever. Compare this with January 26, when I was in severe discomfort.
• Mentally I am more alert, and my ability to solve problems and find solutions seems better.

Above are two photos taken this morning. I will probably not win a beauty contest, but I leave you to judge whether there is any visible difference. I was very conscious of standing without "posing" (trying to suck in my stomach etc).

I spent most of the day learning a recording software package - I realised that in the end it would be quicker and better if I learnt how to use it well before actually trying to master my band's EP- concentrating on the important, not the urgent (as Steven Covey would say). I also did a gig tonight, and enjoyed having the energy to keep going strongly until the end. Sang as well.

More work tomorrow, working on a UNI assignment, and then a gig tomorrow. We have guests, so it will be interesting to see if I have a drink.