My First Million
The best business ideas come from noticing what's working and doing it better, faster, or for a different audience.
“The calendar is your most honest autobiography”
What It Means
How you actually spend your time (shown in your calendar) reveals your true priorities better than what you say matters to you.
Why It Matters
Exposes the gap between stated values and actual behavior, enabling more intentional living.
When It's True
When you have some control over your schedule and track how you spend time.
When It's Risky
When external obligations dominate your schedule or during periods of crisis/transition.
How to Apply
Regularly audit your calendar against your stated priorities
Use calendar planning as a values clarification exercise
Block time for important but not urgent activities first
Example Scenario
“A parent realizes their calendar shows 40 hours of meetings but no blocked time with their kids, prompting them to schedule weekly one-on-one time with each child.”
Related Knowledge
plan work around your life. plan your life around work
Most people schedule work first then fit personal life into remaining time.
you're hoping for a great year. Planning it
Most people passively hope good things will happen to them rather than actively designing and planning for the experiences they want.
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).
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.
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.