Most want to change for the better, but few do.
Will you be among “the few” in 2025, the few who change, improve, and break through the ceilings of their former self?
There is one skill, above all others, that if you practice will almost guarantee you a place among “the few” who become a better version of themselves in 2025.
What is the "Skill of Skills"
The “skill of skills” is pre-week planning — a simple method to identify what matters most in your life, define what your “best” looks like, and then take that into your daily schedule.
And, it not only leads people to achieve 30-50% more, with 100% of surveyed people saying they experience less stress and better well-being, but it also leads to purposeful and intentional living — leading a life by design.
How to Pre-Week Plan
So, make this a habit in 2025 by following these steps:
1 - Know When You'll Plan
Choose a time to pre-week plan and make a habit out of it. Take a moment and think –when can I consistently pre-week plan? End of the work day Friday? Sunday morning? Sunday evening? Find a time, set an alarm, commit, and make a habit of it.
2 - Review your Vision and Goals
Your vision is your life compass and defines the “ideal” that you strive for in life. Your “goals” are your roadmap for getting there. Start your pre-week planning by reviewing your vision and goals. It will orient your actions towards “what matters most” and bring your vision and goals into your daily schedule.
3 - List Your Life Roles
List out each of your key life roles, starting with your “personal” role. Some common roles, some of which you may share, include “professional,” “significant other/partner/spouse,” “family,” “sport/team/coach,” “school,” “investor,” etc. Write out your life roles. Here’s an example:
4 - List Your "Priorities"
Under each life role, write out 1-5 “action items” that matter most to that life role this week. This is not a “rolling to-do list” from week to week, but a new list each week, of what you can do that matters most — that week. Here’s an example:
5 - Schedule Your Priorities First
Once you’ve listed your priorities and action items for each life, schedule them into your calendar first. In other words, schedule your priorities first, then prioritize your schedule. Here’s an example:
Plan for Imperfection! (This is Important)
Unplanned but important tasks, sickness, unforeseen events, requests, and so much more happen in life! So, know that you won’t get all — 100% — of your priorities done. Whether you get 40% or 80% of your scheduled priorities done, you’re focusing on and doing what matters most, and that’s what matters! You’ll still accomplish 30-50% more, with less stress and improved well-being. And, you may occasionally miss a week of pre-week planning. Just pick the habit back up again the following week. This is not a practice of perfection, but of persistence.
Wrapping Up
Pre-week plan. Take time each week to (1) review your vision and goals, (2), list your life roles, (3) set 1-5 key action items for each life role, and (4) schedule your priorities first.
You’ll live intentionally, you’ll do what matters most, you’ll lead a life by design, you’ll break through the ceilings of your former self and realize your fullest potential. You’ll exemplify what “becoming your best” looks like and be a leader by example.
“This is not a practice of perfection, but of persistence.“ – Tommy Shallenberger
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