Welcome back to “Building Better Developers” as we continue our journey through Season 23, focused on building better habits. In Episode 6, Rob Broadhead and Michael Meloche dive into the fundamental skill of planning and scheduling as a daily practice. This episode stresses the importance of structuring your day with a manageable, prioritized list of tasks. We will show you how doing this can improve productivity and mental clarity. Here’s a recap of the key takeaways on how to build a sustainable planning habit.
The Power of Daily Planning and Scheduling
Rob starts by emphasizing the need to tackle tasks with intention. Careful not to jump into work or focus on the sheer volume of items on our plate. Instead, try listing three to five key tasks each day. This helps create a rhythm of accomplishment without overwhelming ourselves. By setting a small number of important, actionable tasks, you can avoid the common pitfall of listing out everything. Which often leads to a scattered approach and unachieved goals.
Rob encourages choosing tasks with intent, noting that they should be neither trivial (like “making coffee”) nor overly ambitious. The list should include meaningful tasks that you can realistically accomplish in a single day. This practice also gives you a sense of direction and accomplishment. That way, you’re consistently moving forward rather than feeling lost in an endless sea of tasks.
Prioritizing Your Least Favorite Task: Eating the Frog
One critical strategy Rob shares is a concept from productivity expert Brian Tracy called “eating the frog.” This means tackling the most challenging or unpleasant task first thing in the day. When you get your least appealing task out of the way, it creates a positive momentum for the rest of your day. Completing the “frog” task early can lead to a greater sense of relief and accomplishment, removing the mental burden of anticipation and allowing you to focus more positively on other activities.
Setting Tasks That Can Be Completed
Rob stresses that each task on your list should be something with a clear end. Tasks should be specific and manageable rather than vague or overly broad. For example, instead of listing a task like “build a new app,” Rob suggests breaking it down: start with a smaller step, such as creating a user login page or designing a database structure. By specifying tasks to a level that can realistically be achieved in a couple of hours, you’ll be more likely to complete your daily list and avoid carrying over tasks.
Michael Meloche, Rob’s co-host, adds his perspective on task organization. He explains his habit of keeping his to-do list small, which he does by using a piece of paper no bigger than an index card. This method limits the number of tasks he can fit, reinforcing Rob’s approach to keeping the day’s workload focused.
Planning and Scheduling Tip: Avoid Overloading Your Day
In a typical eight-hour workday, Rob suggests planning for about six hours of focused work. This buffer accounts for inevitable interruptions or unexpected tasks that might arise throughout the day. By slightly underfilling your day, you’re more likely to end up finishing everything on your list while also having time to deal with the “little things” that often pop up.
Rob’s approach ensures that the day feels productive without leading to burnout. Overestimating what you can do is a common trap, but by setting achievable goals, you can leave each day feeling accomplished rather than stressed about what’s left to do.
Daily Planning and Scheduling Challenge: Build Your Routine
For the next week, we challenge listeners to follow this structure daily, including on weekends. Whether it’s a workday or a day off, try to set a small list of three to five tasks each morning or the night before. On your off days, tasks might look different, but the practice of building a daily routine and setting priorities remains valuable. It’s this daily repetition that helps turn planning into a habit.
On top of setting the list, Rob recommends adding a bit of prioritization. The most dreaded task should go at the top, and any remaining tasks should be organized by importance and urgency. This approach helps build discipline in handling responsibilities and gradually reinforces a habit of proactive task management.
Fine-Tuning Your Approach to Task Planning
Rob and Michael discuss a few other tips to help improve daily planning skills:
1. Batch Similar Tasks: Group tasks of a similar nature together. For example, if you’re working on an app, plan to do related tasks (like database setup and backend configuration) in succession. This minimizes mental switching and keeps you focused.
2. Stick to Your Routine: The consistency of writing a daily list and following it builds the habit of planning. By keeping it small and achievable, you’re also more likely to feel encouraged by daily wins.
3. Celebrate Completion: As you complete each task, enjoy the satisfaction of crossing it off the list. This positive reinforcement motivates you to continue and look forward to completing tasks each day.
Wrapping Up: Planning and Scheduling for a Better You
In conclusion, Episode 6 encourages us to treat planning as a daily exercise to manage work better and reduce stress. By following the challenge and focusing on prioritized, manageable tasks, you can build a habit that supports consistent progress without the mental strain of scattered goals. As the hosts remind us, achieving balance and clarity through daily planning is a crucial habit for developers and anyone looking to improve productivity.
So, take on the challenge, list your tasks, and start building the planning habit. As you do, share your experiences with the Building Better Developers community, and see how a simple daily to-do list can make a big difference in your productivity and well-being.
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We invite you to join our community and share your coding journey with us. Whether you’re a seasoned developer or just starting, there’s always room to learn and grow together. Contact us at [email protected] with your questions, feedback, or suggestions for future episodes. Together, let’s continue exploring the exciting world of software development.