To-do lists can make you feel like you’re being productive without actually accomplishing anything. Tony Robbins and his team believe that instead of taking time out of your day to create and worry over a to-do list, you should turn to a more effective system for time management.
The best way to do this is by integrating a Rapid Planning Method, or a Result/Purpose/Massive Action Plan, into your daily life. There are five master steps of planning that you can start using today to accomplish your goals.
Think about your ideas, wants and needs. This goes beyond creating a to-do list and focuses on your motivations instead. When you take a step back and look at the bigger picture, it will provide you with much more motivation than a to-do list organizer ever could. For instance, identifying that you want to succeed professionally so you develop better self esteem and can provide for your family is a more effective motivator than writing down, “Talk to boss, plan how to get ahead,” etc.
The next step is to go ahead and create your RPM plan. This requires you ask yourself three questions and answer them truthfully: What do I really want? Why do I really want it? What specific actions must I take to make this happen? Once you can honestly answer these three questions, you’ll have the roadmap to success you need.
Now is the time to commit to your RPM plan. Identify what needs to be done and when. Check your schedule and adhere to your plan no matter what. Eliminate distractions from your daily life and learn how to block out excess noise that doesn’t better your progress. Committing can be the hardest step in working toward a personal goal, but once you learn how to do so, you’ll feel like you’ve accomplished something massive.
Once your plan is in place, and you’ve deleted your to-do list app from your phone, it’s time to achieve your goals. This is the “M” portion of the project, in which you take massive action to accomplish your goal. Think of how you will measure your progress, and track your status accordingly.
Lastly, once you have learned how to better manage your time and achieve your goals, it’s time to celebrate your results. In addition to knowing how to map out your goals and work diligently to achieve them, it’s crucial to take the time to celebrate your accomplishments. Once you’ve hit a major milestone, treat yourself to a nice meal or give yourself time to dive into a book you’ve been longing to read.
Those who succeed and are satisfied with their lives don’t sit around making to-do lists — they create actionable RPM plans and conquer them. When you know what you want, why you want it and understand how to make your goal a reality, you’ll become a master of time management and take control of your own happiness.