My First Million
The best business ideas come from noticing what's working and doing it better, faster, or for a different audience.
Calendar as Autobiography Framework
Viewing your calendar as your most honest autobiography and highlight reel - what you put energy toward reveals your true priorities and creates the story of your life.
How It Works
By intentionally scheduling what matters most to you first, you create permission to say no to less important requests and ensure your time aligns with your values.
Components
Schedule your most important activities first (family time, health, adventures)
Use your calendar to give yourself permission to say no to requests that don't align
Regularly review your calendar to see if it reflects your stated priorities
Color-code different types of activities to visualize time allocation
When to Use
When you feel your time is constantly hijacked by other people's priorities, when you want to live more intentionally, or when planning any significant time period.
When Not to Use
In highly reactive roles where schedule flexibility is crucial, or when you prefer to live completely spontaneously.
Anti-Patterns to Avoid
Example
“A parent blocks out every Friday afternoon for one-on-one time with their kids, then uses this commitment to decline Friday afternoon business meetings, ensuring family time happens regardless of work demands.”
Related Knowledge
Create mental and physical space for the new year by eliminating clutter and unused commitments
Coming into the new year feeling light, organized, and ready to take action without the weight of accumulated clutter and obligations.
Create a comprehensive review of the past year to identify accomplishments, gaps, and lessons learned
A one-page summary of your year's highlights that makes you feel proud of what you accomplished and clear about what you want to do differently.
procrastination_on_planning
Itzler Annual Planning System
A three-step system for intentional year planning: getting light (decluttering), closing out the previous year (reflection and gratitude), and setting one year-defining goal (misogi).
CEO of Your Life
Thinking of yourself as the chief executive of your personal life, with the authority and responsibility to make strategic decisions about how you spend your time and energy.
Momentum Through Small Actions
Starting big projects with the smallest possible action to build psychological momentum, rather than waiting until you feel ready to tackle the whole thing.