Today I learnt about a “scientifically correct way to plan/schedule”. I hoped to actually get started with my own actual scheduling but due to the inefficient internet line in the countryside, I will let myself easy on this one. So I’ll take whole tomorrow to plan everything out carefully, referencing back to 7 habits book as well.

My main source of science base information is a Japanese guy who calls himself a mentalist, Daigo, who has published many books on topics around phycology and human behaviour. He is an interesting character but I do trust his research team and his skill to provide difficult information in a digestible bits. According to him, there are a few things you should do and should not do. Roughly put:

DON’T: Don’t pack the schedule too much. People usually underestimate the amount of time they take to get done things. Give yourself double the time you think you’ll need. More is better than not enough.

DON’T: don’t be too hopeful. Being positive is good but be realistic.

DON’T: Don’t be too harsh on yourself. You are trying something new. Don’t beat yourself up even when things don’t go the way it was planed.

The most important this when planning is, understand that even perfectionists can not perform perfect all the time. You cannot expect to never fail, but you will move forward if you forgive yourself for not doing the thing you decided to do, and try again. Give yourself a leeway, plan cheat days ahead and plan for them. Or else, you will get the “what the hell” effect (apparently an actual scientific term…) and that would lead to a cycle of unhappiness. An example given was if you want to cut all carbs out of your diet but you fail to do so and get the what the hell effect, your spending habits get worse, ignore rules, cheat, etc.

DO: WOOP technique, stands for wish (desired goal), outcome (what you get out out the goal), obstacles(what might prevent you from achieving the goal?), plan. [I will use If-then technique for to plan how to overcome obstacles, the MAC for overall planning]

DO: MAC technique, stands for measurable, actionable, competent.

DO: Road map by days. Start by separating all process and steps by years, then half a year, then three months, one month, one week, and then lastly by days.

DO: Forget the goal. Once you have all the steps you need to get to the goal, just concentrate on those everyday steps. And you will get to your goal without you noticing.

DO: treat yourself sometimes. Not all the time!