In this episode, we delve into the importance of effective planning and time management, featuring insights from Liz on quarterly planning. Liz emphasises the need for clear long-term goals, asking yourself where you want to be in five years, one year, and 3 months, and listing the tasks necessary to achieve those goals. We call on exercise goals as an example of commitment to goals, breaking big goals down and creating healthy habits. One common pitfall is the perception of either having too much time or not enough time, which is unproductive. Instead, we should adopt the mindset that we choose how to spend our time: "Time is not my master, I am a master of my time." This approach encourages intentional use of time.

The glorification of being busy often leads to unproductive behaviour, where we end up running around like headless chickens and abdicating responsibility. Liz advocates for a shift in perspective: viewing your schedule as full rather than busy. Effective planning and goal setting are essential at all levels, especially for management and professional advancement.

We discuss practical strategies for planning on a weekly, monthly, and quarterly basis. This forward-thinking approach helps reduce the mental load and prevents the chaos of last-minute decisions. Liz suggests outlining the three most important tasks and tackling the one you least want to do first, as this often has the most significant impact and moves the needle forward. This concept, derived from key performance indicators (KPIs) from the 1980s, implies making a substantial, positive change.

Time blocking is another effective technique, where you allocate specific time slots for different tasks and set deadlines. This helps maintain focus and ensures tasks are completed within a set timeframe. Accountability and self-discipline are crucial for successful time management. Using the carrot-and-stick approach, you can motivate yourself by rewarding accomplishments.

When feeling overwhelmed, writing everything down can help organize your thoughts and priorities. We also discuss the importance of working in a supportive workplace that encourages healthy planning and goal-setting practices, such as 90-day plans and specific projects for speech therapists. Tools like Clockify can assist in tracking time and improving productivity.

We recommend several resources for further learning, including "The One Thing" book, Lorraine Murphy's "Get Remarkably Organised," and "Eat That Frog," which offer valuable tips on prioritisation and productivity.

Clockify App- Time tracking app

https://clockify.me/apps

Clockwork Book 

https://mikemichalowicz.com/clockwork/

The One Thing Book

https://www.amazon.com.au/ONE-Thing-Surprisingly-Extraordinary-Results/dp/1885167776

Get remarkable organised 

https://www.lorrainemurphy.com.au/get-remarkably-organised

Eat That Frog

https://www.amazon.com.au/Eat-That-Frog-Great-Procrastinating/dp/162656941X

Lizzy Dawson courses 

www.lizzydawson.com.au

Emily Mackie courses 

www.emiymackie.com.au