What is a widespread mistake in organizing yourself effectively, common among many who seemingly work hard and are highly focused on their jobs?
On January 5th, I had dinner with some close friends. I engaged in a fascinating conversation with one of them, a lawyer named Alfonso. Highly intelligent and an excellent character, Alfonso genuinely cares about others and knows how to ask the right questions:
- Alfonso: “Agus, have you started sessions with clients this week?”
- Me: “Very few. Most clients are still on vacation, even those from outside Spain. They don’t miss out.”
- Alfonso: “So, what are you doing this week as you’re already working?”
- Me: “Doing the most important thing I do every month, though with a bit more time at the start of the year. Spending time planning the next quarter. Identifying priorities to ensure my calendar, meetings, habits, routines, and systems for the coming months align with them in the right proportions.”
- Alfonso: “Tell me more, I think I heard you discuss this on a podcast recently.”
- Me: “We call it STOP & THINK, dedicating time to plan intentionally based on our priorities.”
- Alfonso: “That’s exactly where I fail. Why do I find it hard to stop, think, and plan, yet I can spend hours with clients or preparing for a trial? I can’t seem to dedicate a few hours to thinking and planning.”
- Me: “Don’t worry, you’re not alone. It’s a common human nature absurdity. However, as a successful lawyer who seems happy, you don’t have a severe problem. But, I will tell you two things: Without sufficient planning and reflection, you probably work more hours than necessary. And, you haven’t yet discovered your best version and what you’re capable of achieving, probably with a better lifestyle.”
💭 This conversation left Alfonso thoughtful, questioning his current approach to work.
This exchange with Alfonso highlights a common dilemma: we can work long hours, day after day, yet struggle to dedicate time to planning. And planning is the foundation of everything else. Without setting aside time to think and plan from a distance, we are likely not working on what we really should be, which is the greatest absurdity.
📝 Reflecting to plan not only improves our effectiveness and ensures our best professional version but also allows us to maintain a balanced life.
It’s the best possible investment. ✅
How much time have you devoted to planning your first 2-3 months of the year in relation to your priorities?
