10 Steps to RAP
I use the two-page per day desk-size Daytimer (similar to the Franklin-Covey Planner). While I use the different sections on the pages, I generally ignore the headings. Each day I copy the following in my planner. The repetition helps anchor them into my subconscious:
1. At the very top of the left-hand page (above the headings), I write:
--Speed. Simplicity. Boldness. Focus. Execution.
--Willing to do whatever it takes.
--Follow up and follow through."
2. In the "to do" section on the left hand page, I write: "Conceive. Believe.
Act. Achieve." on the first line. On the next line, I write: "My Desires"
Then I list out my current goals with my deadline. These are generally short sentence fragments. I skip a line between each goal.
3. In the phone calls section (I know this is odd, but after all, it's my planner) I write the following questions:
--What did I accomplish today of lasting value?
--What additional progress can I make in the next 24 hours?
--How can I accelerate the accomplishment of my goals?
--Where am I really at right now?
--What are the specific results I want to create?
--What massive actions am I now taking to close that GAP?
4. The appointment column with the times is reserved for notes that I have written in previous days: appointments, calls, important tasks, etc. In other words, if I decide today that I need to remind myself to follow up on something on the 14th of this month, I turn to that page and note it in this section. This leaves the other sections open for my daily planning.
5. I use the reference page on the right-hand side for the current day to create my daily plan, but really any blank piece of paper will do. But it is helpful to have it in a note-book of some sort. I draw a line down the middle the page dividing it into two columns. Above the first column I write
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-Power Affirmations: Improve Your Thoughts, Improve Your Life
"Last 24 Hours." Above the 2nd column I write "Next 24 Hours.
6. In the upper left hand corner of the left column, I write a couple of words that describe the goal I'm working on. For example, "Buy New Car." Even though the actual goal is written elsewhere more specifically, I just use a couple of words to identify the goal.
7. Now in the left hand column, list 3-6 bullets detailing the measurable progress you made towards this goal in the last 24 hours. I rarely need more than that many within a single day. Be brief. Concentrate only on the meaningful tasks.
For example, if I priced out the car on the internet, I put that down. If I took no meaningful action towards the goal, I write in BIG letters NOTHING. Be honest with yourself.
8. Now in the right hand column, I list the results-focused actions I'm going to take in the next 24 hours towards the goal. Again, I keep it brief and abbreviate. If I don't plan on doing anything, I write in BIG letters:
NOTHING. After a few days, if I notice that I haven't done anything towards the goal, it's time to reevaluate my commitment and take corrective action.
It's really critical to determine if you are going for days at a time without making any measurable progress towards a goal. This process forces you to face the issue head on so you do something about it.
9. After I complete this list, I draw a horizontal line using the column with the longest list as a guide where to start. I always leave a little bit of space so that when I think of something else I accomplished or need to do, there's room to add it.
I know it seems odd to essentially create the form as you go, but this way you can keep the size of the area for the goal relative to the amount of content for that day. My daily plastic bookmark doubles as a small ruler, so the end result looks neat and it doesn't really add much time to the process.
10. Repeat the process for the remaining goals. So, if you have 4 goals you would end up with a grid with 4 sets of boxes.
What has this accomplished?
1. I have conditioned my mind to focus on my goals.
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-Power Affirmations: Release Your Resistance to Success
2. I have measured the specific progress I have made in the past 24 hours.
3. I have determined the results-focused actions I am going to take tomorrow (I do my planning in the evening, but everyone should pick the time that is best for them). This is far different than an uncategorized random to-do list.
4. Because my goals are generally consistent from day-to-day, I can whip through this entire process in about 15-30 minutes. While it may take you some additional time up front, once you go through the process a few times, you'll be surprised at how fast you can knock out an organized plan for the day--and one that is focused entirely on lasting results.
Follow this process every day and you will be creating plans for specific results-focused actions that will move you in the direction of your goals and you will be measuring your true progress towards your goal. Now you are keeping your mind focused on the results you want every day.
Call to
Call to action: action: Release your Release your resistance. resistance. If you If you intend to intend to do it, do it, do it do it now.now.
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-Power Affirmations: Improve Your Thoughts, Improve Your Life