Introduction
In a world obsessed with endless productivity hacks and relentless optimization, The PLAN by Kendra Adachi offers a breath of fresh air. Instead of squeezing every last drop of efficiency out of your day, Adachi invites us to integrate time management with intentionality, focusing on what truly matters. Her approach – Prepare, Live, Adjust, and Notice – isn’t about working harder or faster but about managing your time in a way that honors your priorities and rhythms.
As a startup founder, where every minute feels precious, this book provided me with a whole new perspective on time management. Rather than falling into the trap of rigid schedules and endless to-do lists, I learned how to create a more flexible and humane way of managing my time.
Key Insights from the Book
- Prepare: Planning with Purpose
Adachi emphasizes that preparation is not just about making lists but about aligning your actions with your core values. She suggests asking yourself, “What truly matters right now?” before diving into any task.
Interesting Point:
Preparation isn’t about planning your whole life; it’s about setting up just enough structure to reduce decision fatigue.
Personal Experience:
As a startup founder, I’ve often over planned my weeks only to see things fall apart due to unforeseen challenges. Adachi’s advice helped me shift from rigid planning to purposeful preparation. Now, I focus on 2-3 key priorities for the week, leaving room for adjustments.
- Live: Be Present in the Moment
Once you’ve prepared, the next step is to live your plan without constantly second-guessing it. Adachi advocates for being present in your tasks, whether it’s work, family time, or self-care.
Key Takeaway:
Living intentionally means trusting the plan you’ve prepared and allowing yourself to be fully engaged in the moment, without guilt or worry.
Personal Experience:
Previously, I struggled with being present during non-work activities, constantly thinking about my startup. Implementing this mindset helped me be more present with my team and family, improving both my work and personal life.
- Adjust: Flexibility is Your Superpower
Adachi reminds us that no plan is perfect, and life will always throw curveballs. The key is to adjust without guilt or frustration. She recommends having flexible goals and being okay with changing your approach when needed.
Interesting Point:
Rigid time management leads to burnout, while flexible time management leads to sustainability.
Personal Experience:
This insight was transformative for me. I stopped treating every day as a sprint and started allowing flexibility in my schedule. When a client meeting runs over or an urgent issue comes up, I now adjust my priorities without feeling like I’ve failed.
- Notice: Reflect and Realign
The final step in the PLAN is noticing what works and what doesn’t. This reflective practice ensures that you’re continually learning and improving your time management approach.
Key Takeaway:
Reflection helps you stay aligned with your goals and values, preventing mindless busyness.
Personal Experience:
At the end of each week, I now take 10 minutes to notice what went well and what didn’t. This simple habit has improved my productivity and mental well-being significantly.
Key Takeaways
- Time management isn’t about perfection; it’s about progress.
- Focus on what matters most in each season of life.
- Flexibility is key to sustainable time management.
- Reflection ensures that you’re on the right path.
- Be kind to yourself; you don’t have to do it all.
Final Thoughts
The PLAN by Kendra Adachi offers a kind and practical framework for time management. It’s a must-read for anyone tired of rigid productivity systems and looking for a more integrated, intentional approach. As a startup founder, learning to manage my time with compassion has not only improved my efficiency but also my overall happiness.
If you’re an entrepreneur, young professional, or simply someone trying to balance a busy life, this book will inspire you to rethink how you approach time.