You cannot rely on perfection

💌 201 words ⌛ 1 minute

Mistakes happen, schedules get thrown over, distractions pop up - this is unavoidable. When you plan your day, your week, or your goals keep that in mind. Avoid letting small incidents throw you off track.

Why it matters: If you try to be perfect and don't plan any margin for error you set yourself and others up for misery. If a call from a friend, or someone stopping by your place can ruin your day, it's not their problem. It's a problem with your system and your planning.

Dig deeper:

• Don't put 8 hours of meetings in an 8-hour day - you need time to react, this is the nature of any manager role.- Two questions to put in your journal:

  • Daily: Was my schedule today realistic?

  • Weekly: What can distract me from achieving my goal? How can I prepare for it?

  • These questions prompt you to look at your time and energy more realistically.

• Plan recovery time: You can power through for a while, but make sure you plan in time to rest and recharge as well.

If you now say "Daniel, I can't plan margin and I already work 12 hours a day", it's time we talk.

— Daniel