Tips for Planning Daily Success

Here’s another Pinterest image circulating SM designed to motivate you, but it falls short of any real value. Here’s why. Yesterday, a client of mine sent me the attached photo of this "List of Habits" and asked me for my opinion. My answer in one word:  Garbage. We've all seen that specific list of daily habits, "you're ahead of 99% of the population,” yada yada (and yada). Let’s debunk “The 99% Club Myth” once and for all and examine what the research shows: 1) "Deep Work: 4 hours daily" ✅ 𝗥𝗲𝗮𝗹𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗖𝗵𝗲𝗰𝗸: According to Microsoft's 2023 Work Trend Index, 69% of employees struggle to find enough time for deep work. 💡 𝗧𝗿𝘆 𝗧𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗜𝗻𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗮𝗱: Schedule two 60-minute distraction-free blocks daily (phone off, notifications disabled, door closed) rather than chasing the elusive 4-hour goal. 2.) "10,000 Steps Daily" ✅ 𝗥𝗲𝗮𝗹𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗖𝗵𝗲𝗰𝗸: A 2023 JAMA Open study found that Americans average 4,800 steps daily. Only 7% of U.S. adults consistently achieve 10,000+ steps. 💡 𝗧𝗿𝘆 𝗧𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗜𝗻𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗮𝗱: Focus on consistency by adding just 1,000 steps to your current baseline, then working up gradually, to reach health gains occurring between 4,000-7,500 steps. 3.) "Exercise 3x Weekly" ✅ 𝗥𝗲𝗮𝗹𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗖𝗵𝗲𝗰𝗸: The 2023 American Heart Association Statistical Update shows just 24.2% of adults engage in adequate leisure-time physical activity. 💡 𝗧𝗿𝘆 𝗧𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗜𝗻𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗮𝗱: Anchor physical activity to existing daily routines (like a 7-minute strength circuit after brushing teeth) to bypass motivation entirely. 4.) "Save 20% Per Paycheck" ✅ 𝗥𝗲𝗮𝗹𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗖𝗵𝗲𝗰𝗸: According to The Bureau of Economic Analysis, the January 2024 report shows the current personal savings rate at 3.8%. 💡 𝗧𝗿𝘆 𝗧𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗜𝗻𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗮𝗱: Automate a 5% savings contribution now (which already beats the national average), then increase by 1% every six months until you reach your target. 5.) "Sleep 8 Hours" ✅ 𝗥𝗲𝗮𝗹𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗖𝗵𝗲𝗰𝗸: Gallup's 2023 sleep survey found Americans average 6.8 hours nightly, with only 31% regularly achieving 8+ hours. 💡 𝗧𝗿𝘆 𝗧𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗜𝗻𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗮𝗱: Create a non-negotiable 30-minute wind-down ritual (no screens, dim lights, same time nightly) that signals your brain it's time to transition to rest. 6.) "Read 10 Pages Daily" ✅ 𝗥𝗲𝗮𝗹𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗖𝗵𝗲𝗰𝗸: Pew Research Center's 2023 reading survey found that 30% of Americans report not reading a book in the past year. Statista's 2023 media consumption data shows Americans spend an average of just 16.2 minutes daily reading books or e-books. 💡 𝗧𝗿𝘆 𝗧𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗜𝗻𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗮𝗱: Place a book where you waste time (next to your phone charger, bathroom, TV remote) and commit to reading just one page before engaging with the distraction. 𝗙𝗔𝗖𝗧: Creating unrealistic standards doesn't motivate—it discourages. The reality is that consistent, moderate #habits serve most people better than arbitrary perfection. Coaching can help; let's chat. Follow Joshua Miller

How to Get More Done in Less Time. (Your guide to working smarter, not harder) As a busy dad of 4 building a brand & business, I had to get creative with how I managed my time. I've read dozens of productivity books, listened to the podcasts, and followed the gurus. But it wasn't until I found what worked for me, that I was able to accomplish more with what seems to be less effort. Here's my 5-Step Framework: 1. Prioritize and Plan with Intention - What will move the needle forward today? - Choose 3 high-impact tasks and write them down. - Set deadlines and time limits for each. - Build your day around these priorities—everything else is noise. 2. Time Block Like a Pro - When will you do your best work? - Dedicate focused blocks of time for deep work. - Schedule everything: calls, emails, breaks—even downtime. - Stick to your blocks like they’re non-negotiable meetings. 3. Automate and Systematize - What tasks can you stop doing manually? - Use tech tools to handle repetitive work (e.g., auto-replies, scheduling). - Create templates, SOPs, or workflows for tasks you repeat often. - Free up mental energy for what matters. 4. Batch Similar Tasks - How can you reduce context-switching? - Group related tasks (e.g., emails, brainstorming, admin) and tackle them in one go. - Focus on one "mode" at a time: create, respond, or strategize. - End the habit of jumping between tasks—it kills momentum. 5. Delegate or Outsource - What can someone else do for you? - Identify low-leverage tasks that don’t need your expertise. - Train someone, then trust them to own it. - Stay focused on the high-value work only you can do. Ready to lock this in? Which one are you starting with today? ♻️ Share to help your network be more efficient. ➕ Follow Nico for daily productivity & branding insights.

I'm excited to share my system for staying productive all day, every day. This system allowed me to sell over $100M in my B2B sales career, then build a 7 figure coaching business working an average of 40 hours/week. Most importantly, my nights and weekends are free to spend with my family. Here's are the 3 simple steps I take every single week: Step 1: Complete a Weekly Plan & Scorecard at the beginning of each week On Monday mornings (or Sunday evening), I print and fill out a Weekly Plan & Scorecard. On this document, I write down all the important tasks and action items I aspire to get done that week in no particular order. I then rank each task in order of priority, typically prioritizing RGA's (Revenue Generating Activities) for my business. I originally took this scorecard from a book called the 12 Week Year, then adapted it to include a "Rank" column, which allows me to prioritize each action item. Prioritizing the Action Items allows me to know where to start every day, and prevents me from getting overwhelmed. Step 2: Daily Task Blocking in Calendar Whitespace At the beginning of each weekday, I fill up all the whitespace on my calendar for that day with high priority tasks taken directly from the Weekly Plan & Scorecard. This ensures that the most important tasks for the week get done first and eliminates daily decision fatigue. The key is to put the specific tasks on your calendar so there's no empty space. If for some reason any tasks on the calendar don't get completed for that day, I move them to the next day in any open whitespace. Step 3: Weekly Scoring At the end of each week, I score my performance using the simple formula: Tasks Completed / Tasks Written Down = Score % My goal is to score 85% or higher each week, although admittedly there are many weeks where I fall short. If there are any tasks that didn't get completed that week, they get moved to the following week. I rinse and repeat this process every single week. This ensures that I SHOW UP every single day, and stay productive throughout the entire work week. Additional keys to success include: 1. Taking short breaks when you feel mentally drained. Stretching, a short walk, and standing desk do wonders to change your state. 2. Minimize the number of daily meetings on your calendar (4 or less is optimal) to stay focused and ensure you have enough whitespace to get deep work done. 3. Give yourself an hour lunch to break up the work day. Every day I have lunch with my wife, and that's also on the calendar. 4. Do one thing at a time 5. If you have an unproductive day, forgive yourself. Of course, this is all easier said than done... That's why next week, in our 2nd *Transformation Tuesday* LIVE training session, I'm going to walk you through exactly how to leverage The 12 Week Year (and Weekly Scorecard) to transform your productivity and your life. Sign up here: https://lnkd.in/gsPsq2XR Only 500 spots available due to Zoom webinar limit!

People make a big deal out of 'getting ready for the day.  But honestly, it doesn't have to be a morning marathon. Every morning, without fail, I dedicate 10 minutes to setting up my day.  This routine has been my anchor for over 10 years, transforming what used to be an hour-long chore into a quick, impactful ritual. Here's my stripped-down process: - First, I glance at my automated reminders I built over the years. They keep me aware of my must-dos. - Next, I review my calendar, pinpointing meetings and scribbling down key points for each. This ensures I'm never caught off guard. - Finally, I jot down three critical tasks outside my scheduled events. These are my non-negotiables for the day, ensuring I focus on what truly matters. Over a decade into this practice, it's become second nature. I step out the door, not just prepared but energized, ready to take on whatever the day throws at me.  It's not about filling every minute of your day; it's about prioritizing smartly to tackle it with confidence. Remember, the key to a productive day starts with a clear, calm mind. Keep it simple, and watch your days transform.

Are you winging it today? I've found there's a direct correlation between the quality of my planning and the effectiveness of the day that follows. Most great weeks are preceded by planning it out over the weekend. Almost every productive day was planned out the night before. A few things I've learned over the years: Time blocking is your friend. Setting priorities is vital. Use the 80/20 principle. And the rule of three. Write it by hand. First, I write out my locked in calls, meetings, etc. Then, I time block around those scheduled things. I also utilize time blocking in my calendar to give myself some space; without it, the calls will stack up. I need big blocks of time in my day to do focused work; to put on Do Not Disturb and get after it. These usually come in 90 minute blocks. There is simply not enough caffeine in North America for back to back web calls on back to back days. The 80/20 principle guides decision making on where to spend time. The rule of three further guides this. I want to spend my time on the 20% of things that create the 80% of results and value. While knowing that I can't accomplish more than three important tasks in a day. These tasks need to take me closer to my quarterly goals, which are also governed by the rule of three. I can do three awesome things in 90 days, but I can't do 90 awesome things in three days. What tools or guidelines do you use to help you plan and be productive? #productivity #planning #getafterit

Why You Should Plan Your Day the Night Before 🌙 One of the simplest habits I’ve adopted—and one that’s made a huge difference—is planning my day the night before. Here’s why it’s such a game-changer and how you can start each day with a clear, focused mind. 💡 1. You Start the Day with Clarity When you plan ahead, you wake up knowing exactly what you need to focus on. No more morning scramble or feeling like you’re playing catch-up. You have a roadmap laid out, so you can start on the most important tasks without hesitation. Tip: Identify your top 3 priorities for the next day. These are the tasks that, if done, will make the day a success. 🕐 2. You Use Your Time More Effectively Having a clear plan lets you spend your day executing rather than deciding. With each hour accounted for, you’re less likely to waste time deciding what to do next or getting sidetracked. Tip: Time-block your calendar for each task or project. This will help you stay on track and ensure that you give enough time to your most important work. 🚀 3. It Reduces Stress and Improves Focus Starting the day with a plan reduces decision fatigue and makes your to-do list feel more manageable. Knowing what’s ahead allows you to mentally prepare, making the day feel less overwhelming and more achievable. Tip: End each workday by jotting down unfinished tasks and priorities for tomorrow. This lets you “close the day” and avoid stressing about what you left undone. How to Start Planning Your Day the Night Before - Start small: Just take 5-10 minutes to look at your schedule and list tomorrow’s top priorities. - Reflect on today: Note what went well and what needs improvement to help you adjust your plan. - Stay flexible: Life happens. A plan helps guide your day, but stay open to shifts as needed. Planning your day the night before may sound simple, but its impact on focus and productivity is powerful. It’s a small habit that can help you get big results. Are you a night-before planner, or do you prefer to wing it? Let me know in the comments! 👇

I've been planning my week every Sunday for the past 4 years. It has helped me hit my goals consistently. I created a life where I now live as a digital nomad, moving to a new country every month. If you fail to plan, you’re planning to fail Without a plan, You’re just riding the random waves of life instead of getting clear on your biggest priorities to move closer to your goals. To set up your week for success Step 1: Plan your day first If you’re not already planning your day, start there. A well-structured day leads to a well-structured week. Step 2: Analyze your daily accomplishments Are you hitting at least 85% of your daily goals consistently? - If not, identify what’s blocking you and adjust your plan. - If you’re at 100% every day, challenge yourself, you might not be pushing hard enough. Step 3: Identify your 3 biggest priorities Each day, ask yourself: = Are these truly the highest-impact tasks? = Are they addressing my biggest constraints to success? If not, rework your focus. Step 4: Plan your week like a pro - Set your top 3 priorities for the week. These are the tasks that will move the needle the most. - Break them down into daily action steps, and make sure your schedule is realistic. - Add non-negotiables (gym, family time, rest. Balance matters). - Adjust for reality. If Monday has 10 hours of calls, don’t set yourself up for an 8-hour task. - If you manage others (kids, clients, employees, etc.), account for their priorities too, you’re responsible for keeping them on track By doing this, you’ll wake up each morning already knowing exactly what to tackle. No wasted time. No overwhelm. Just execution. Your future self will thank you Success doesn’t come from working harder It comes from working on the right things consistently

⚡️Fellow Procrastinators, Stand up! Sadly, too many of us start the day with the best intentions & end it feeling like we’ve accomplished nothing I know the struggle all too well 😫 Here's 8️⃣ methods I use to transform from Procrastinator to SuperProducer⚡️ Try a few, and I promise you'll not only boost your productivity 🧠but also enhance your overall ❤️well-being! 1️⃣ Create an Ideal Week 📅 Craft a “should-be-doing” list – gym, deep work, date nights, etc. Schedule these into your Ideal Week as appointments with yourself. Color-code similar activities to visualize your time allocation and rebalance as needed. If it’s not scheduled, it’s not happening 2️⃣ Install the 3 Power Routines 🔋 Not all routines are created equal. These three will give you the biggest bang for your buck ①Shutdown ritual: Choose your top 3 tasks for the next day, 30 minutes before the day ends. Schedule them as appointments then shut down ②Creative before reactive: Work on your #1 task for the first 60 minutes of the day. No inbox, no social media. If you’ve done the shutdown ritual, it should be your first appointment ③Weekly review: Set a time to review the past week & choose your top 3 outcomes for the upcoming week 3️⃣Set Clear Goals & KPIs 🎯 Every quarter (or month), identify your #1 goal. Ask yourself: “If everything stays exactly as it is now, where would change have the greatest impact?” Map out your next 5 moves to progress against your goal. Schedule this work in your calendar and track your Key Performance Indicators 4️⃣Optimize Your Environment 🛠️ Create a designated workspace Disable all notifications Block out noise with headphones if needed Minimize distractions to maximize focus 5️⃣Practice the “3S Rule” 🔄 You’re great at scheduling meetings, showing up, and single-tasking during them. Do the same for yourself Schedule work as self-appointments Show up for them as you would for someone else Single-task and focus only on the appointment topic 6️⃣Swap Negative Self-Talk with Positive 🗣️ “I have to finish” is the language of oppression and triggers procrastination. When you feel the urge to procrastinate, swap “I have to finish” with “I choose to start (for just 5 minutes).” This shift puts you back in control. Focus on starting, and finishing will take care of itself 7️⃣Practice the 80/20 Rule 🏁 Start your work by creating an imperfect “v1” draft. Aim for 20% effort for 80% of the result. Often, that’s good enough. Remember, done is better than perfect 8️⃣Prioritize Self-Care 🛌 Treat yourself like an athlete Protect your sleep with a digital sunset; turn off devices 1 hour before bed Eat a nutritious diet based on whole foods Don’t stay seated. Incorporate daily exercise and frequent breaks. Stand up and move often 🚀So, there you have it 8️⃣ methods that helped me go from slow-moving procrastinator to fast-moving SuperProducer! I know they'll do the same for you! #ProductivityHacks #TimeManagement #SuccessMindset #SelfImprovement 

How I get more sh*t done before you have your AM coffee It's not working longer hours. It's brain science. People ask how I maintain such high output While staying calm. The secret? I sync my work to my brain's natural peaks. Science says the 52/17 rule is golden for peak performance. Your brain needs strategic breaks to maintain high output. To ensure those cognitive circuits... Are firing like a Formula 1 engine... You need to work with your natural rhythm. Here's how to hack your 12 peak performance windows: 1/ Morning Power Hour ↳ Cortisol peaks an hour after waking ↳ Schedule your hardest task then 2/ Attention Architecture ↳ The brain processes complex data better before noon ↳ Front-load strategic work before lunch 3/ Energy Management ↳ ATP (brain fuel) peaks in 52-minute cycles ↳ Use a timer for focused sprints 4/ Decision Windows ↳ Decision fatigue sets in after 3-4 hours ↳ Make key choices before 11am 5/ Creative Peaks ↳ Alpha brain waves surge during breaks ↳ Take 17-minute recharge periods 6/ Memory Optimization ↳ Information retention peaks in the morning (for me) ↳ Schedule learning during this window 7/ Communication Sweet Spots ↳ Social processing peaks mid-morning ↳ Book important meetings 10-11am 8/ Focus Enhancement ↳ Deep work capacity maxes at 4 hours daily ↳ Split into 2 x 2-hour blocks 9/ Recovery Rhythms ↳ The 2:55pm slump is biological ↳ Schedule light tasks for this time 10/ Evening Clarity ↳ Beta waves increase around 4-6pm ↳ Use this time for planning 11/ Temperature Timing ↳ Brain temp peaks impact cognitive performance ↳ Match complex work to your body temp peak 12/ Sleep Alignment ↳ REM sleep preps the brain for peak hours ↳ Protect your last 3 pre-sleep hours Remember: Your brain needs consistent timing. Small adjustments to your schedule Create massive performance gains. Which one will you try first? ------------------------------------------------- ♻️ Share to help others upgrade their performance ➕ Follow Shannon for science-backed productivity tips

When we talk about productivity, we often focus on time management. ⏰ And yes, how we manage our time is important. But I believe that how you manage your energy is even more important and can have a deeper impact when it comes to sustaining peak performance. It's not just about doing the right things, but also doing them at the right time, with the right energy. ⚡️ So what does that mean practically speaking? Here are some tips: 📆 Schedule Your Energy, Not Just Your Time: ○ Identify your energy peaks: Are you an early bird or a night owl? Schedule demanding tasks for your peak times and less demanding ones for when your energy dips. ○ Embrace the power of breaks: Don't push through exhaustion. Short, regular breaks can boost focus and prevent burnout. Try the Pomodoro Technique (25 minutes work, 5 minutes break) or find a rhythm that works for you. ○ Listen to your body: Pay attention to physical and mental cues of fatigue. Don't be afraid to take a walk, stretch, or meditate to recharge before diving back in. 💪 Fuel Your Body and Mind for Optimal Energy: ○ Eat for energy, not just for taste: Stock up on nutritious, whole foods that provide sustained energy. Limit processed foods, sugar, and excessive caffeine, which can lead to crashes. ○ Stay hydrated: Dehydration can zap your energy and focus. Aim for 8 glasses of water daily and adjust based on your activity level and climate. ○ Move your body: Exercise is a natural energy booster. Even a short walk or workout can improve focus, mood, and overall well-being. 💆♀️ Prioritize Rest and Recovery: ○ Get enough sleep: Aim for 7-8 hours of quality sleep each night. Optimize your sleep hygiene with a consistent bedtime routine and a dark, quiet sleeping environment. ○ Learn to say no: Don't overload your schedule. Prioritize tasks and delegate or decline those that drain your energy unnecessarily. ○ Schedule time for relaxation: Make time for activities you enjoy, whether it's reading, spending time in nature, or connecting with loved ones. These activities can help reduce stress and replenish your energy reserves. Remember, managing your energy is a journey, not a destination. Experiment with these tips and find what works best for you. Bonus Tip: Share your own energy management strategies in the comments! Let's build a community of support and learn from each other. #Productivity #EnergyManagement #PeakPerformance #WellBeing