How To Plan
Plan for reality
Well, what does that mean?Here's a list to get straight to the point:
- Define “done”
- Prioritize the work based on value to the project
- The map is not the terrain
- The plan is always wrong, A.K.A. your Gantt Chart
- Don’t plan years in advance, just enough to keep your teams at capacity
- Size things relative to what you know
- Get serious about logical fallacies to avoid groupthink, etc.
- Stop using "I think how much time this will take" and start using a point system to estimate tasks
- Humans think in narratives. Think of who, then why, then what
- Religiously measure project velocity
- Shoot first, measure results second, adjust third
When you get more in touch with what's real, you get more in touch with what works.
2 Minute Action:
Congrats on having a project.Now make a list of everything that will go wrong.Now estimate the likelihood of the 3 biggest risks.What might you do to mitigate?Now you're more ready for reality.
One Reason You Should Avoid Productivity
You might be making one of the biggest mistakes you can make.Please don't think productivity is the same as happiness.Checking off boxes may feel good, but it's not the fuel for fulfillment.Do not presuppose that being productive with your time will create sustainable, long-term happiness.
- No job in the world is going to make you happy unless you're already happy.
- No work in the world is going to make you happy unless you're already happy.
- No partner in the world is going to make you happy unless you're already happy.
If you truly think being productive is the source of your happiness, please take time to zoom out and observe your own narrative.What's good about being productive?Usually, it's the hit of dopamine from checking off a box.Groceries? Done.Dry cleaner? Done.Birthday card? Done.You get the point.
2 Minute Action
Are you willing to forego happiness in exchange for output?Set a timer for 2 minutes and give yourself the space to consider what you want to focus on, today.Turning gears faster in a gearbox is a great way to make more widgets, but it's also a great way to let the world pass by.