The Anti Resolution Planning Session: simple frameworks to pick priorities and actually finish things
All the tips, plus the video replay (for a limited time)
🎥The Video Replay (available for a limited time)
Autogenerated English subtitles are available
Key takeaways - your TL;DR checklist
Keep your daily list small and disposable, 3 to 5 items max
Use a willingness list plus a to-done list to reduce guilt and build momentum
Prioritize with a simple four-square matrix and pick your MITs
Work in sprints and take breaks on purpose
Use mind mapping when your brain refuses linear lists
Tools and links mentioned
Napoleon technique: https://effectiviology.com/napoleon/
One-page printable year calendar: https://abetusk.github.io/neatocal/
Pomodoro technique overview: https://www.pomofocus.app/blog/what-is-pomodoro-timer-technique
Mind mapping tool mentioned: XMind
🗒️ The core system: sticky note plus planner
What we discussed
A low-friction daily system that relies on a single sticky note for today’s focus and a physical day planner for continuity. The sticky note gets thrown away daily, which keeps the list short and removes the pressure to make it perfect. The planner holds appointments and a quick end-of-day log so you can see what you actually did.
Why it matters
Most overwhelm comes from cognitive load and endless lists. A tiny, disposable daily list plus a simple record of progress reduces anxiety and helps you sleep.
What you can do
Use one sticky note per day and limit it to 3 to 5 key items
Transfer appointments to a physical planner so nothing lives only in your head
Write a quick “to-done” line at night so you can see your progress later
🧠 Reframe: from “to do” to a willingness list
What we discussed
We reframed the to-do list as a willingness list, meaning what you are realistically willing and able to take on today based on energy and context. We also added the idea of a “to don’t” list and a “to done” list.
Why it matters
This removes guilt and perfectionism. It also helps you recognize that progress is not only big wins.
What you can do
Start your day with one willingness list that matches your capacity
Add one “to don’t” item to avoid repeat time-sinks
End the day with a short “to done” note to build momentum
🧭 Priority framework: the Eisenhower Matrix
What we discussed
We used a four-quadrant prioritization method to separate urgent from important, and quick wins from deeper work. You can customize the quadrants. One practical tweak shared was dedicating a quadrant for calls and errands, plus a quadrant for “nice to have” items if you have extra energy.
Why it matters
Most days feel chaotic because everything looks equally important. This forces tradeoffs and helps you pick the few things that matter most.
What you can do
Divide your sticky note into four squares
Put your 3 to 5 most important items in the top-left
Park errands and calls in a dedicated box so they do not hijack your day
🐸 Execution framework: MITs and the frog first mindset
What we discussed
Pick Most Important Tasks for the day. If you write down more than five “must do” items, you are probably overcommitting. We also referenced the classic “eat the frog first” idea: knock out a meaningful win early to reduce stress.
Why it matters
Finishing one meaningful task beats starting ten. This is how you build trust with yourself.
What you can do
Choose 1 to 3 MITs for tomorrow
Decide the first MIT before you go to bed
If you miss it, adjust without shame and try again the next day
⏱️ Energy framework: the Pomodoro technique
What we discussed
Work in focused sprints, then take short breaks to reset. A common pattern is 25 minutes on, 5 minutes off, and a longer break after four cycles. The point is rhythm and recovery, not grinding.
Why it matters
Sustained attention is a limited resource. Breaks prevent burnout and reduce doomscrolling.
What you can do
Run one 25/5 sprint on your hardest task
Put your phone out of reach during the sprint
Use breaks to stand up, refill water, or step outside
🧩 Thinking framework: mind mapping when lists fail
What we discussed
Mind mapping as a fast way to dump ideas, see relationships, then reorganize into an outline. It can be used for planning, studying, stakeholder meetings, or any topic where linear lists feel constraining. Tools like XMind were mentioned.
Why it matters
Some brains think in branches, not bullets. Mind maps reduce friction and turn chaos into structure.
What you can do
Start with one central topic and branch freely for 3 minutes
Move branches around until the structure makes sense
Convert the final map into a short action list or agenda
🚧 Common failure modes and how to dodge them
What we discussed
Overstuffed calendars, too many tools, perfectionism, and the “future me will do it” trap. Also, the sunk-cost trap where you stick with a system or tool just because you paid for it. The biggest theme was that your system should match your personality.
Why it matters
The best system is the one you will keep using. Consistency beats complexity.
What you can do
Reduce tools until your system feels obvious
Give yourself credit for the mundane wins
Run a 7-day experiment and keep only what actually works
💸 Time, money, and level of effort
What we discussed
Sometimes the best way to reduce cognitive load is to outsource, simplify, or standardize. The goal is to spend your limited attention on what matters most to you.
Why it matters
Your attention is your most limited resource. Spend it intentionally.
What you can do
Identify one recurring stressor you can simplify or delegate
Standardize one decision you make too often
Treat mental bandwidth like a budget
Wildcard Wednesday returns next month
Second Wednesday at 12:00 PM Pacific. No slides. No sales pitch. Just practical tech you can actually use.
📆 Mark your calendars for high noon Pacific, the second Wednesday of every month!
You never know what we’ll get into next. But you will walk away smarter.
👉 Got a topic or question you want to bring up next time? Just reply and let me know.
In the meantime, if you need a hand or want to explore any of these topics further, you know where to reach me. 😉
Founder, Passkey Peacemaker ☮️
