start "to-feel" instead ✨| backward planning| my week this was

Summary

The speaker discusses their struggle with traditional planning, finding it more of a chore than a pleasure. They introduce a new approach called 'My Week This Was,' inspired by a TED Talk on backward planning. This method focuses on identifying desired emotional states and working backward to plan activities that achieve those feelings. Through personal examples, they demonstrate how this method helps connect daily actions to emotional well-being, promotes self-awareness, and offers flexibility in planning.

Takeaways

• 📅 Traditional planning feels like a chore to the speaker, who struggles to follow through with tasks.
• 🎵 The speaker finds satisfaction in other emotional needs rather than the act of planning itself.
• 🔄 Despite trying various planning methods, the speaker admits to a cycle of disengagement with planning.
• 📚 A Ted Talk introduces the concept of 'backward planning', which focuses on future accomplishments and values.
• 🔄 The speaker adapts backward planning to focus on desired emotional states rather than specific tasks.
• 💡 'My Week This Was' is the name of the method the speaker uses, which starts with identifying a desired emotional state.
• 🤔 The method involves visualizing what the desired emotional state means through a series of reflective questions.
• 🎨 Engaging in creative outlets like drawing and crocheting are activities that energize the speaker.
• 🏓 Pickleball is highlighted as an activity that leaves the speaker feeling invigorated and satisfied.
• 🍎 The importance of diet in maintaining energy levels and overall well-being is emphasized.
• 🌿 A clean and organized environment is crucial for the speaker's focus and energy.
• 🌱 The addition of plants and personalized artwork in the living space enhances the speaker's mood and productivity.

Q & A

What is the main issue the speaker has with traditional planning?

The speaker finds traditional planning to be more of a chore than a pleasure, and it doesn't bring them joy. They often don't follow through on their plans, which leads to a lack of motivation to continue planning.

What concept introduced in a Ted Talk changed the speaker's approach to planning?

The concept of 'backward planning' introduced in a Ted Talk changed the speaker's approach. It involves imagining oneself in the future reflecting on significant accomplishments, which helps to identify what one desires and values.

How does the speaker adapt the backward planning concept to focus on feelings?

The speaker adapts backward planning by focusing not on what they want to do but on how they want to feel. They start by identifying the emotional state they want to achieve and then work backward to figure out the steps needed to get there.

What is the name of the method the speaker uses for their week, and what does it stand for?

The method the speaker uses for their week is called 'my week this was.' It stands for focusing on the emotional state (feel) they want to achieve and planning activities backward from that state.

What are the five questions the speaker uses to visualize what 'energized' means to them?

The five questions are: 1) What activities make you lose track of time because you're so engaged? 2) What types of activities leave you feeling invigorated rather than drained? 3) Think of a person who always seems energetic; what habits of theirs could you adopt? 4) Are there certain foods or meals that make you feel light and energetic? 5) What changes could you make to your space to boost your energy?

How does the speaker feel when they engage in drawing and working with clay?

The speaker feels a buzzing excitement when inspiration strikes for drawing and working with clay. They lose track of time and feel energized when they are engaged in these activities.

What is the significance of pickle ball for the speaker, and how does it make them feel?

Pickle ball is significant for the speaker because it quickly became their go-to activity when they have free time. It makes them feel energized and charged, both from the rush of feel-good chemicals and the satisfaction of taking care of their body.

Why does the speaker value learning new things, and how does it make them feel?

The speaker values learning new things because they are curious and love exploring how things work or can be done differently. It leaves them feeling invigorated and is a privilege they seize every opportunity to indulge in.

How does the speaker's diet contribute to their feeling of well-being and energy?

The speaker's diet contributes to their well-being and energy by incorporating a lot of fibers and preferring steaming or baking over frying or boiling to preserve nutrients. They also enjoy fruits for hydration and as a snack to pick them up between meals.

What role do plants play in the speaker's life, and how do they enhance their living space?

Plants play a role in the speaker's life by bringing a touch of nature indoors, which they find both calming and energizing. They enjoy caring for plants, which helps them stay connected to nature and keeps their space feeling fresh and alive.

How does the 'my week this was' method help the speaker in their daily life?

The 'my week this was' method helps the speaker by connecting their daily actions to their emotional well-being, making planning feel more meaningful and motivating. It encourages self-awareness and is flexible, allowing the speaker to guide their decisions based on their desired emotional state even when circumstances change.

Outlines

00:00

📅 Overcoming Planning Aversion Through Backward Planning

The speaker begins by expressing a lack of enthusiasm for planning, viewing it as a necessary chore rather than a source of pleasure. Despite recognizing its organizational benefits, they often fail to follow through, which negatively impacts their motivation. They've experimented with various planning methods, both digital and traditional, but found themselves more interested in the tools than the act of planning. A TED Talk introduced them to the concept of 'backward planning,' which involves envisioning future accomplishments and working backward to determine the steps needed to achieve them. The speaker adapted this approach to focus on desired emotional states rather than specific tasks, which revolutionized their approach to planning. They named this method 'My Week, This Was,' and described how they used it to identify activities that align with their desired emotional state of feeling energized.

05:01

🎨 Engaging in Energizing Activities and Creative Outlets

The speaker shares their week filled with activities that energize them, such as drawing and working with clay, which they find engrossing and satisfying. They also enjoy crocheting as a way to keep their hands busy while relaxing. Pickleball is another activity that leaves them feeling invigorated, especially enjoying the early morning games and the natural high from the exercise. Learning new things, whether for work or personal interests, is also a significant source of energy. The speaker emphasizes the importance of food in maintaining their well-being, preferring a diet rich in fiber with steamed or baked meals over fried ones, and incorporating a variety of fruits for hydration and energy. They also mention following YouTube creators like Ruby Granger and John Fish, who inspire them with their enthusiasm and energy.

10:02

🌿 Prioritizing a Clean and Invigorating Environment

The speaker discusses the importance of a clean and organized environment for their well-being, highlighting the benefits of a clutter-free space for mental clarity and focus. They appreciate the calming and energizing effects of having plants around the house and enjoy the routine of caring for them. They also share their experience of personalizing their space by adding a framed illustration, which brings them joy and a creative boost. The speaker reflects on the effectiveness of 'My Week, This Was,' noting how it helps connect daily actions with emotional well-being, encourages self-awareness, and provides flexibility in planning. They acknowledge the challenge of starting with too many feel goals but found that focusing on one or two made it more sustainable and satisfying.

15:03

🔄 Adapting to Life's Changes While Maintaining Emotional Goals

In the final paragraph, the speaker acknowledges the importance of adapting to life's unpredictability while staying true to their emotional goals. They share an instance where, despite planning to exercise three times a week, they had to adjust due to fatigue and opted for stretching and power naps instead. This approach allowed them to meet their emotional needs without feeling defeated by uncompleted tasks. The speaker concludes by inviting viewers to try 'My Week, This Was' and share their experiences, emphasizing the method's potential to offer a fresh perspective on planning.

Keywords

💡Planning

Planning, as discussed in the video, refers to the act of organizing and scheduling tasks or activities. It is a fundamental part of personal productivity and time management. In the context of the video, planning is initially portrayed as a chore rather than a pleasure, indicating a struggle with traditional planning methods. The speaker's dissatisfaction with planning leads to the exploration of a new approach, which is more emotionally engaging and fulfilling.

💡Emotional Needs

Emotional needs are the internal desires for feelings of satisfaction, happiness, and well-being. The video emphasizes the importance of aligning activities with one's emotional needs to enhance motivation and joy. The speaker's shift from task-oriented planning to feeling-focused planning illustrates how recognizing and catering to emotional needs can transform the planning process into a more satisfying and effective experience.

💡Backward Planning

Backward planning, introduced through a TED Talk mentioned in the video, is a strategic approach where one starts by envisioning future accomplishments and then works backward to identify the steps required to achieve them. This method is contrasted with traditional forward planning and is adapted by the speaker to focus on desired emotional states rather than specific tasks, which helps in breaking the cycle of disengagement with planning.

💡Feeling Focused

Feeling focused planning is a personalized approach to organizing one's time and activities based on the desired emotional outcomes rather than just the tasks to be completed. The video describes how this method helps the speaker to connect daily actions with emotional well-being, making the planning process more meaningful and motivating. It's about prioritizing how one wants to feel throughout the day and aligning activities to achieve those feelings.

💡Self-Awareness

Self-awareness is the ability to recognize and understand one's own emotions, motivations, and desires. In the video, self-awareness is highlighted as a key component of the feeling-focused planning method. By regularly checking in with one's emotional state, the speaker becomes more attuned to personal needs and is better equipped to make decisions that align with those needs, even when circumstances change.

💡Motivation

Motivation in the video is depicted as a driving force that can either propel one towards action or hinder progress. The speaker's struggle with traditional planning methods is attributed to a lack of motivation due to the perceived chore-like nature of the task. However, by shifting the focus to desired emotional states, motivation is reignited, as planning becomes an avenue to achieve those positive feelings.

💡Vicious Cycle

A vicious cycle in the context of the video refers to a series of events that perpetuate a problem rather than solving it. The speaker describes a cycle of disengagement with planning due to the lack of fulfillment it provided, leading to inconsistent follow-through and further demotivation. Identifying and breaking this cycle is a central theme in the speaker's journey towards a more effective and enjoyable planning process.

💡Creative Outlets

Creative outlets are activities that allow individuals to express their creativity and emotions. In the video, the speaker mentions drawing and working with clay as personal creative outlets that bring joy and a sense of engagement. These activities are used as examples of tasks that can be incorporated into a feeling-focused plan to ensure that the planning process itself becomes a source of pleasure and satisfaction.

💡Energy

Energy, in the video, is discussed both in terms of physical vitality and mental engagement. The speaker seeks to plan their activities to feel energized, which is a desired emotional state. Activities that leave the speaker feeling invigorated, such as playing pickleball or learning new things, are prioritized in the planning process to ensure that the daily routine is aligned with maintaining high energy levels.

💡Environment

Environment, as used in the video, refers to both the physical surroundings and the conditions in which one lives and works. The speaker emphasizes the importance of a clean and organized environment in boosting energy and focus. The video also mentions the addition of personal touches, like artwork, to the environment as a way to enhance personal well-being and make the space more inspiring.

💡Flexibility

Flexibility in planning is the ability to adapt and adjust one's plans in response to changing circumstances or needs. The video highlights the importance of flexibility in the feeling-focused planning method, allowing the speaker to maintain their desired emotional state even when they are unable to complete all planned tasks. This approach contrasts with rigid planning methods that can lead to feelings of defeat when plans are disrupted.

Highlights

Planning is often seen as a chore rather than a pleasure, leading to a cycle of disengagement.

The speaker admits to not following through on planning, which negatively impacts motivation.

Various planning methods, both digital and paper-based, have been tried without success.

A Ted Talk introduces the concept of backward planning, focusing on future accomplishments.

The speaker adapts backward planning to focus on desired feelings rather than actions.

Feeling-focused backward planning starts with identifying an emotional state to achieve.

Five questions are used to guide visualization of what 'energized' means to the speaker.

Engaging in creative outlets like drawing and working with clay can lead to a loss of track of time.

Crocheting and making bookmarks are activities that keep the speaker's hands busy during breaks.

Pickle ball is an energizing sport that the speaker enjoys playing early in the morning.

Learning new things is an activity that invigorates the speaker without them realizing it.

The importance of food in the speaker's life and maintaining a balanced diet is emphasized.

Following YouTube creators like Ruby Granger and John Fish for productivity and personal growth insights.

A clean and organized environment is crucial for the speaker's focus and well-being.

Adding personal touches to the living space, like framed illustrations, can boost creativity.

The method helps connect daily actions to emotional well-being, making planning more meaningful.

Self-awareness is encouraged by regularly checking in with desired emotional states.

The method's flexibility allows for adjustments when life doesn't go according to plan.

Starting slow with the method is essential, focusing on one or two feel items at a time.

Transcripts

I don't follow through on my

planet it's more of a chore than a

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pleasure I ended up satisfying many of

my other emotional needs

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planning it's something we all do but to

me it's more of a chore than a pleasure

or a means to an end don't get me wrong

it's a good way to stay organized and I

don't forget things as often after

writing them down but it's done because

it needs to be done not because it

brings me joy I hate to admit it but

more often than not I don't follow

through on my planning which hurts my

motivation on continuing to plan and in

turn to complete it's just a vicious

cycle and it's not like I haven't tried

different ways to plan either digital

planning paper planning all sorts of

calendars reminders apps you name it

after trying enough platforms I realized

that I'm more interested in the platform

itself than a planning action not to

mention all the time and energy I spend

on learning all these tools for as long

as I can remember I've struggled with

this cycle to a point that I gave up

finding one that works for me until I

came across this Ted Talk how to gain

control of your free time this talk was

a GameChanger introducing me to the

concept of backward Planning by

suggesting that instead of a traditional

year-end review imagine yourself one

year into the future reflecting on your

most significant accomplishments and

highlight

throughout the year which gives a window

to what we desire and value and where

we'd like to spend our time but here's

the twist I've adapted this approach to

focus not on what I want to do but how I

want to feel this perspective shift has

completely changed the way I view

planning let me explain so first off

what exactly is this feeling focused

backward planning it starts with

identifying the emotional state I want

to achieve and then working backward to

figure out the steps needed to get there

to match this backward planning I named

this method my week this was I'll take

you along my week to show you how I use

this method the first thing to do is to

determine how I want to feel since

energized is the focus I move on to the

next step which is visualizing what

energized means to me I used five

questions to guide my visualization what

activities make you lose track of time

because you're so engaged what types of

activities leave you feeling invigorated

rather than drained think of a person

who always seems energetic what habits

of theirs could you adopt are there

certain foods or meals that make you

feel light and energetic think about

your environment what changes could you

make to your space to boost your energy

after writing down my answers to these

questions I started my week keeping

these actions in mind and here's what

that looks

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like for those of you who've been

following me for a while you know that

drawing and working with Clay are two of

my favorite creative Outlets when

inspiration strikes I often find myself

buzzing with excitement for the next

opportunity to bring these ideas to life

when I do get the chance to work on it

time seems to be on three times speed I

either find myself saying it turns out I

underestimated how long this would take

or sometimes I'll look up from what I'm

doing and suddenly realize the sun has

set without me even

noticing I had that itch to draw on the

day I felt this not a set idea of what I

was aiming for but thought I'd warm up

by using a reference I ended up drawing

this over the course of the entire week

it just makes me feel so happy every

time I pick up the

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pencil crocheting is something else I do

when I take a break from a formal task

but want to keep my hands

busy here I'm finishing up a frog

coaster after dinner while catching up

on some of my favorite creators

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videos I also ended up making some

fishbone

bookmarks I think this is really making

me want want to read more

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when I think about activities that

energize me pickle ball immediately

comes to mind I only started playing

this summer but it quickly became my

go-to whenever I have free time there's

a court just 5 minutes away from my

house and I love getting up early to

head straight there after a light

breakfast it's an incredible feeling to

watch the sunrise while playing and

often I've been added for nearly an hour

before other players even

arrive the best part of it is that after

a shower I feel absolutely charged both

from the rush of Feelgood chemicals like

dopamine and serotonin and from the

satisfaction of knowing that I'm taking

care of my body

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soch

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my another activity that leaves me

feeling invigorated often without me

even realizing it is learning something

new I'm a curious person and love

exploring how things work or how they

can be done

differently this applies to my day job

in res resarch and teaching and also to

my art having the time and space to

learn feels like a real privilege to

me so I seize every opportunity to

absorb as much as I

can and I love giving back by sharing

what I've learned with others who have

similar interests

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food plays an important role in my life

and my overall

well-being I was raised to have three

meals and at fairly consistent time of

the day so I try to keep up with it

since that is what my body is used to I

try to incorporate a lot of fibers in my

diet and where possible I like to steam

or bake over frying or boiling to

preserve the nutrients in the food

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I also love most fruits that I can get

my hands on in the grocery store or

Farmers Market

they're a great snack to pick me up

between meals and they help with

hydration

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[Applause]

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too I follow quite a few creators on

YouTube and they're all very talented

but there are two I think of when I saw

this

question they are Ruby gringer and John

fish ruby Granger's Channel focuses on

productivity steady techniques and

maintaining a balanced

lifestyle often showcasing her own

academic journey and offering advice to

fellow

students John fish's content revolves

around self-improvement technology and

personal development

frequently documenting his experiences

with challenging projects and sharing

insights on learning and

growth I learned so much from the both

of

them they seem to have so much

enthusiasm and energy about the things

they love and one thing I see they have

in common is their love for reading

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is

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over the years I've discovered that a

clean environment is truly the best

environment for me there's something

incredibly refreshing about stepping

into a well organized space each morning

a clutter-free area not only looks

better but also helps clear my mind and

sharpen my

focus I found that simple habits like

having a designated spot for everything

and returning items to their places

immediately after use make a world of

difference

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I'm also a big fan of having plants

around the house they bring a touch of

nature indoors which I find both calming

and

energizing I enjoy the little ritual of

caring for them moving them to catch the

right amount of sunlight training excess

growth and ensuring they're well watered

it's a small way to stay connected to

Nature and keeping my space feeling

fresh and alive

oh on the topic of making changes to

space I added a few designs to my

illustration from earlier printed it out

and framed

it now it's proudly displayed right

above my coffee

machine it's such a joy to see it every

day while I'm making my morning Brew

this small Edition has really

personalized my space and gives me a

little creative boost to start my day

Wonder now that I've completed my very

first my week this was here are my

thoughts first it helps me connect my

daily actions to my emotional well-being

making planning feel more meaningful and

motivating when I'm focused on how I

want to feel rather than just what I

need to do it's easier to stay committed

to my plan second it encourages

self-awareness by regularly checking in

with how I want to feel I become more

attuned to my emotional needs and what

truly matters to me and it's flexible

life doesn't always go according to plan

but my desired emotional state can guide

my decision even even when circumstances

change when I had plans to go out and

exercise three times a week I realized I

was way too tired having to juggle many

tasks I revised my plan to doing some

stretching and taking power naps

whenever possible it felt good to

balance my needs without having to feel

defeated because I can't check off a

to-do item one thing I did notice with

this method is that it's essential to

start slow with the two f l

I initially wrote down five two few

items because I was still treating it

like a to-do list I quickly realized

that was not sustainable and it's very

likely that I could only accomplish one

two F goal but the good news is when I

was focused on just this one two feel

item I ended up satisfying many of my

other emotional needs it's so nice to

have you follow along my very first my

week this was and I hope this video

gives you a different way to look at

planning and I would love to know your

experience if you feel like trying it

thank you for watching and I will see

you in the next one

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