Want to be More Productive? Don't Plan!
Posted on August 26, 2024 by Anna Chin, One of Thousands of Life Coaches on Noomii.
I became so much more productive when I stopped planning! Busy doing things that don't yield results isn't being productive, it is a waste of time.
When people ask me how I set long-term and short-term goals or how I plan my day, my answer often surprises them: I don’t plan at all. This might seem unconventional, especially in a world that celebrates meticulous planning, but my approach stems from a deeper understanding of the limitations of planning.
The Limitations of Planning:
Planning is inherently restricted by what we already know. We can only plan within the confines of our current knowledge, which can be very limiting. When we set out specific steps to achieve a goal, we might inadvertently narrow our path, missing out on better opportunities simply because they weren’t part of the plan.
Instead of confining myself to a rigid plan, I focus on two key elements to ensure I move toward my dreams:
1. Direction and Intuition: I always ask myself, “Does this action feel right?” There’s a reason I started on a project or decided to do what I’m doing, and as long as each step feels aligned with what I’m trying to accomplish, I know I’m heading in the right direction. And that, is enough.
2. Effort and Presence: I make sure to show up every day as my best self, putting in the time and effort to progress forward. As long as I’m doing my best in the present moment, I trust that I’ll achieve what I desire. It has proven to be true so far!
The Illusion of Control:
Many people plan because they want to control the outcome of their efforts. But the truth is, we have very little control over what happens in the future. Life is full of surprises—some days (rarely) everything goes according to plan, but more often than not, unexpected events arise and it will throw us completely off course.
Planning based on what we think will happen can set us up for stress and potential failure. You may get overwhelmed too! When things don’t go as planned, it creates frustration and disappointment. By letting go of the need to control, we free ourselves from these unnecessary pressures.
Embracing Uncertainty:
It’s natural to feel uncomfortable with uncertainty, but uncertainty is where true growth happens. When we stop trying to control every aspect of our life and instead focus on being our best selves, we open up to limitless possibilities.
Planning can often complicate things, adding unnecessary steps and stress. By decluttering these complications and focusing on what truly matters—our direction and our effort—we make the entire process simpler and faster.
Conclusion:
I believe in doing less to achieve more. I trust in my direction, put in the effort, and let go of the need to control the outcome. This approach has not only simplified my life but also made my journey toward achieving my goals more fulfilling and successful.
