Master Your Week with the GAP Method: Bullet Journal Planning

Summary

In this video, the presenter introduces the Gap method, a weekly planning system that has helped them stay productive amidst a busy life. The Gap method stands for Goals, Actions, and Protection, and involves breaking down larger projects into smaller, manageable tasks. The presenter uses a bullet journal for planning but emphasizes that any task manager can be used. They demonstrate how to define goals, list necessary actions, and protect time for these tasks, ensuring focus and productivity throughout the week.

Takeaways

• 📅 The Gap method is a weekly planning system used by the speaker since 2020 to stay productive and focused amidst a busy life.
• 📝 Gap stands for Goals, Actions, and Protection, which are the three main components of the planning system.
• 🎯 The speaker sets three big goals for each week, often broken down from larger projects into smaller, manageable tasks.
• 📑 Actions are the specific tasks or reminders that need to be completed to achieve the weekly goals.
• 🗓 Protection involves scheduling dedicated time in the calendar to work on the most important goals, ensuring they are prioritized.
• 📈 The speaker uses a bullet journal to plan and track tasks, but the Gap method can be adapted to any task management tool.
• 📝 It's important to be mindful of time and capacity when planning, as some goals may need to be extended or postponed.
• 🔄 The planning process works in reverse during the week; starting with protected time and working through action tasks to achieve goals.
• 📋 The daily log in the bullet journal includes appointments, meetings, events, and action tasks, especially those related to weekly goals.
• 📝 The speaker emphasizes writing down everything needed and wanted to do for the day before it begins to maintain focus and avoid distractions.
• 🌟 The Gap method is a combination of various planning styles and inspirations that the speaker has found helpful over the years.
• 🗣️ The speaker encourages viewers to ask questions or share ideas, as viewer interaction often inspires new video content.

Q & A

What is the Gap method mentioned in the video?

The Gap method is a weekly planning system the speaker uses to achieve goals. It stands for Goals, Actions, and Protection, and it is designed to help stay productive and focused amidst a busy life.

Why does the speaker use a bullet journal to plan their week?

The speaker uses a bullet journal because it allows them to visually organize and track their tasks in a single column, which helps in managing a busy schedule that includes running a marketing agency, hosting a community, and having four kids.

What are the three big goals the speaker has for the week of August 12th through 18th, 2024?

The three goals are: 1) Complete all the prompts for the social writing challenge in the community group, 2) Finish a client's launch playbook and promotional calendar, and 3) Finish the new trailer video for the channel.

How does the speaker break down big goals into smaller chunks?

The speaker breaks down big goals into smaller sub-goals or action tasks that can be accomplished over several weeks. This approach helps to stay on track and motivated.

What does 'protection' in the Gap method refer to?

'Protection' in the Gap method refers to the act of blocking or protecting time in one's schedule to work on the most important goals of the week, ensuring that time is dedicated to these tasks.

How does the speaker use their digital calendar to support the Gap method?

The speaker schedules their goals and action tasks into their digital calendar to ensure that the time for these goals is protected. This helps manage call availability for work and prevents other commitments from interfering with goal completion.

What is the purpose of listing action tasks below each goal in the bullet journal?

Listing action tasks below each goal helps the speaker see everything in a single column, making it easier to track progress and ensure that all necessary steps are accounted for in achieving the goal.

How does the speaker manage to stay on track and focused throughout the week?

The speaker stays on track and focused by writing down everything they need and want to do in a day before it begins. This practice helps prioritize tasks and avoid distractions.

What is the speaker's daily log setup in their bullet journal?

The speaker's daily log is set up to cover 2 to 3 days per page and 3 to 4 pages per week. It includes appointments, meetings, events, and action tasks that are part of the weekly goals.

How does the speaker handle additional notes or action tasks that are not assigned to a specific goal or day?

The speaker has a dedicated page in their bullet journal for additional notes or action tasks that they don't want to forget. This helps in keeping track of miscellaneous tasks that still need to be addressed.

What is the speaker's approach to incorporating viewer questions into their video content?

The speaker uses viewer questions as a starting point for many of their videos, indicating a responsive and interactive approach to content creation.