My First Million
The best business ideas come from noticing what's working and doing it better, faster, or for a different audience.
“plan work around your life. plan your life around work”
What It Means
Most people schedule work first then fit personal life into remaining time. Instead, plan personal priorities first and fit work around them.
Why It Matters
Prevents work from consuming all available time and ensures personal priorities actually happen.
When It's True
When you have some control over your schedule and can set boundaries.
When It's Risky
In jobs with strict scheduling requirements or during critical business periods.
How to Apply
Block personal priorities on calendar before scheduling work meetings
Set clear boundaries about when you're available for work requests
Design your ideal week template with personal time protected first
Example Scenario
“A consultant blocks every Friday afternoon for family time first, then only accepts client calls during remaining available hours.”
Related Knowledge
The calendar is your most honest autobiography
How you actually spend your time (shown in your calendar) reveals your true priorities better than what you say matters to you.
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.
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.