Hello and welcome! Ready to get out of the overwhelm?
If you’re new to LearnDoBecome, we teach a very specific way to build a “Command Central” inside our Steps to Everyday Productivity (STEP) program that will hold all your tasks, papers, ideas, files, messages, goals, dreams, etc. so you don’t have to live in overwhelm.
But it’s not just a chalkboard, mail holder, and file box (though those can be part of one). Instead, it is a complete system that will serve you for the rest of your life. (See links at the bottom for more information!)
Today’s podcast is diving deeper into three characteristics of an optimal system, and we’re so glad you’re here!
I have a dream of “a STEP Command Central on every desk” because I know it will change the world, and I’m so glad you’re here!
The main reason I’m talking about this is because people often say, “If I had more willpower, grit (etc.), I would be organized.” But if your system requires willpower, you’re going to get tired, and the Command Central won’t be sustainable. Instead, let’s talk about how to create something that will require no willpower–but will last for your whole life!
Characteristic #1: An Optimal Command Central Has Automatic Routines
Routines are things that we do over and over again. They’re not “projects,” which are done once and then checked off for good. And the reason your STEP Command Central will last you for your whole life is because the automatic routines keep it going–effortlessly.
For example, the “Someday List” is a place we put things that we want to do, but we have decided not to do them right now. This can include books to read, movies to see, projects to work on, etc. But we’ll create a routine to check that Someday List so that things don’t go there to die. 🙂 You may want to check it monthly, quarterly, or whenever you have bandwidth for something new, but the point is that a simple routine to review that list will give you the confidence to trust it.
Having a routine to create and act on a Next Actions List is also a game-changer. According to David Allen, author of the bestseller, Getting Things Done®, a Next Action is the next physical, visible activity that will lead a project toward completion. We organize those Next Actions on a weekly list that is divided into contexts–where we are when we’re getting those things done. (Phone, Errands, Home, Computer, and To Discuss.)
This is amazingly helpful when it comes to breaking down big projects. For example, right now I have a podcast I want to edit featuring testimonials from our STEP program, but it includes two audio recordings from our members who are sharing their stories. This felt a little overwhelming to me because I need to go find the audios and download them and add them into my audio editing software. But if I ask, “What is my Next Action?” I could just go into Dropbox, search for a couple of minutes in the folder where I believe they are stored and see if I can find them and download them easily. That’s doable!
Another routine is filing receipts. If you have a simple way to scan or store or record them, receipts will no longer be an issue for you.
If right now, I asked you to drive across town in your car, you probably wouldn’t say, “Oh, but that will take so much willpower!” You’d probably just get in the car and listen to music and relax. Driving is just a routine. That’s how I want you to feel about your Command Central.
Characteristic #2: There’s a Logical Processing System for Some of Those Bigger Items
For example, if you have a really big project that requires some solid decision-making power and multiple dynamics, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. But if you have a logical process that takes thousands of details and puts them into a solid, predictable framework, you’re going to feel calm, peaceful, and confident.
David Allen explains his Natural Planning Model (which I love!) that makes it incredibly simple to focus on and complete big projects because you’re focusing on the Purpose and Principles, Outcome Vision, Brainstorm, Organization, and Next Actions. (No more hacking at branches!)
LearnDoBecome would not be here if I hadn’t learned this logical way to process all the tasks, routines, and subprojects that were involved! And recently, we just revamped our entire STEP program, and all of those details were managed with our Command Centrals. All the new videos, audios, images, PDFs, short codes, random ideas, etc. were simply organized, and while it still took time and effort, it was step by step! Here’s a sneak peek at the new modules and the program homepage:
Characteristic #3: It Enables You to Move at a Pace that Makes Sense for Long-Term Success
So many things today are about quick results–perhaps making long checklists that are hurriedly checked off while you run ragged, giving you the illusion of productivity. Sometimes, however, checking off the list is totally abandoned, and we’re told to just tear up the to-do list and have a bonfire in the driveway.
But when we can move at a pace that makes sense, we’ll be able to do what’s necessary, delegate when we need help, follow up appropriately, or deliberately delay things–without it becoming “out of sight, out of mind.” We would utilize the Next-in-Line Projects List, the Someday List, the Incubation List, or calendar reminders, for example, to hold ideas that are wonderful…just not practical right now.
We all know how it feels to work as hard as we can each day–but then see that our list only became longer. That’s pretty demoralizing, right? But when we can put things onto the appropriate list and trust that it will come back to us at the appropriate time, our minds can rest because those ideas, projects, tasks, goals, etc. are safe.
It’s also amazing to be able to look at our Routines List and see exactly what’s on our plate. Do we get a “lift” when we see what we expect ourselves to do each day, week, month, etc.? Or do we feel sick to our stomachs and totally overwhelmed? Creating expectations for ourselves that also provide plenty of buffer is a game changer.
Having this predictable, sustainable, beautiful system puts us in the driver’s seat of our lives.
Closing Thoughts
I’ve noticed some commonalities among the people who gather here with us, and this is what I would guess about you:
You want to feel personally replenished, rather than flustered and sick. You want strong relationships, and you want energy to do good things. You don’t just want to check off a bunch of tasks so you can be super-important somewhere. You want to do great work so you have the bandwidth to build relationships, volunteer, host those who drop by, have time to learn and read, and become more capable each day. You also know that you have a unique purpose. The experiences from your past have created the person you are today, and there are others who need your wisdom, support, and energy. You want to give that to them.
That’s why I’m so passionate about what we do here. I know it sounds like I’m talking about “lists” and “filing,” but it’s so much more than that. It’s what unlocks your ability to take care of yourself, replenish, strengthen your family, and fulfill your unique purpose.
I hope that as we’ve talked about these three characteristics of an optimal Command Central, you’ve had the chance to gauge how things are going for you with your current system. If it’s all moving along smoothly, that’s awesome! But if you’re feeling frustrated, not sleeping well, your mind is spinning, your desk and kitchen counter are covered with stuff, and you’re going to bed at night feeling like you’re failing, I just want you to know there’s another option for you. We are so, so glad you’re here! (Links are below to support you as you build your Command Central!)
More Related Links!
Command Central Quiz! (Learn about the 15 parts of a STEP Command Central.)
Click here to receive our weekly newsletter!
Enjoy the LearnDoBecome Directory of Content here!
Steps to Everyday Productivity (STEP) Program
Our ARISE membership – an amazing gathering place for community members that are using their Command Centrals to refine relationships, health, finances, individual purpose, and more. We focus on a new topic each month, and this is an amazing opportunity to receive coaching and support from Team LearnDoBecome. You can sign up for a free, 7-day trial here.
Leave a Reply