My First Million
The best business ideas come from noticing what's working and doing it better, faster, or for a different audience.
You should plan for a great year rather than hope for one - intentional design beats random chance in creating fulfilling experiences.
The Reasoning
Most people's calendars fill up with other people's priorities by default. Without intentional planning, you end up living reactively and missing opportunities to create meaningful experiences.
What Needs to Be True
- You have some control over your schedule and priorities
- You can identify what activities and experiences energize you
- You're willing to say no to good opportunities to save space for great ones
- You believe your personal fulfillment deserves planning time
Counterargument
Over-planning can kill spontaneity and serendipity. Some of life's best moments come from unexpected opportunities and being open to what emerges.
What Would Change This View
Evidence that highly planned people are less happy or miss more meaningful experiences than those who live spontaneously. Or if planning consistently led to disappointment when reality didn't match plans.
Implications for Builders
Create tools that help people identify and schedule their priorities first
Build systems that protect people's time rather than just organizing it
Focus on outcomes and experiences rather than just productivity metrics
Example Application
“Instead of hoping someone will invite you on an interesting trip, you research and book an adventure that excites you, then invite others to join, ensuring it happens regardless of others' plans.”
Related Knowledge
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.
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.