Define I.Liv. Rocks

Define I.Liv. Rocks

The first step to creating your I.Liv. Daily Plan is to Define your Rocks – the top priorities to get DONE that day. Starting with your biggest priorities helps you be intentional about what is most important so that you can focus your time and effort on what matters most.

I.Liv. Rocks describe what you want to get DONE today with a clearly defined outcome, versus what I plan to DO. Ultimately, we want to move away from task-based planning to outcome-based planning that really moves the needle on the life we are building.

Example:

  • DO task with no outcome defined: I plan to attend a meeting.
  • DONE Rock with clear outcome to keep me focused and accountable: Meet with my team to get input on drafted plan and send final version for approval.

Tips and Tricks for Defining Rocks:

Consider the WHY! Considering WHY that rock is being loaded unearths the driver, our key motivation. The WHY this is important to get DONE can help us define the outcome and validate the true priority. It is important to like your reasons – that is all the validation we need for creating a legitimate and valid rock.

  • Ex. WHY am I planning to attend the meeting today?
    • Possible WHY #1: I have a clear goal in mind to connect with my team, share current plan, gather input and send the best version for approval. Great!
    • Possible WHY #2: I got invited. How does that feel? Does it serve you and the life you are building?

Review Calendar(s) to assess prior commitments. This helps gauge how pre-loaded the day is and how much flexibility we have in the Daily I.Liv. Plan.

Key considerations:

  • What am I trying to achieve with each commitment / meeting in my calendar?
  • Is that my priority in general or ‘sand’ that has slipped into my calendar?
  • In consideration of my goals this week/today, is this my priority for today?

Cycle through the Life Quads+ to ensure balanced planning:

  • What key people will you see / relationships you can enhance today?
  • What are top work priorities today (if any)?
  • What can I plan for my mind and body health that fits into my day?
  • How will I give myself space to replenish?
  • What must I get done today to keep the life operations / admin on track and make my life easier tomorrow?

Less Rocks the Better – Humans expend energy when switching from one task to another. Defining less unrelated rocks reduces context switching which minimizes energy waste.

Help your future-self. Do something today that will help you tomorrow.