What’s the first step to becoming a polymath? Acting like one. 👏
With this productivity planner, you can live like a true polymath by making the most of each day.
Essentially, the best way to access your brilliance is by building space and taking steps to cultivate it. #Genius
We want to make sure everyone who purchases a Polymath Planner understands each framework that is laid out within it. In this article, we’ll teach you how to plan your day-to-day schedule using the planner. Our hope is that once we break down each section and its intended purpose, you’ll see just how easy and effective this way of life can be.
SET YOUR GOALS AND GET ‘EM DONE.
Every morning once you’re ready to dive into the day and use your Polymath Planner, you must first jot down the date in the top left corner. What may be seen as trivial happens to be an essential step in the overall “method to the madness” that this planner brings. Just don’t skip this step, k?
Underneath the date, you’ll see a blank column of rows. This is your trusted time log,which will serve as a linear map for the course of your day. If you want, you can outline major events in your time log straightaway. But before you completely fill that out, we suggest you head to the “GOALS” and “TO DO” sectionsfirst.
PRO TIP: Start out your daily plan by filling out the “GOALS” and “TO DO” sections first.
Look, we know what you're thinking. Setting goals may sound like a stressful undertaking right off the bat. But although the words "GOALS" and "TO DO" seem pretty daunting, the purpose of these sections is to actually take the pressure OFF. As we often do, we encourage you to see these commitments from a fresh and positive perspective.
Keep it simple in the “GOALS” section. Ask yourself — what concepts do you want to follow through on or work towards over the course of the day? (EMPHASIS ON “DAY.” These are goals that can be achieved within 24 hours). These reminders can be anything from “answer all emails” to “practice random acts of kindness.” Writing down your goals should not be about thewho, where, when,orwhy,but simply thewhatin broad terms.In addition, these should in some way reflect on or build upon your previously written weekly goals. Remember, polymathy and consistency are best buds :)
PRO TIP: The GOALS section is intended for yourday’s effort. These are goals that can be achieved within 24 hours.
Think of the “TO DO” section as yourhow.What steps do you plan on taking to meet your goals?Howare you going to practice kindness?Howwill you manage to answer all your emails before clocking out? The answer can be as simple as a time and location, as long as you’re jotting down a way to make your goals more — well, do-able.
Once your to-do list is all sorted, make sure they show up in some form or fashion in your time log. You’ve got thewhatandhowdown, but the way you’ll hold yourself accountable is through thewhen.
PRO TIP: Add all the items in your TO-DO list to your time log so you knowWHEN you’ll check them off.
TIME IS ON YOUR SIDE.
This may be a bold statement, but we’re just going to say it — time is the most valuable resource we have on this earth. Period! Additionally, how you treat your time says a lot about how you value yourself.Maybe you’vebeenready to value yourself and this resource but your current efforts aren’t working. If this sounds like you… Well then, say hello to your soon-beloved time management system —the Polymath Planner time log.
A scattered to-do list won’t help you get time on your side, but a detailed time logwill.This neat column allows you to jot downwhatyou need to do andwhenyou’re going to do it. No ifs, ands, or buts about it! Before we scare you off,know that this section isn’t all business either. It allows you to identify pockets of free time so you can make the MOST of it in a responsible and guilt-free way.
PRO TIP: It’s not a bad idea to map out your daybeforeyour day starts. Tackle your goals, to-do lists, and time log the night before, and you’ll wake up with a clearly defined plan of action. 💪
INTENTION STARTS WITH REFLECTION.
In the bustle of our busy days, we tend to put introspection low on our priority list, or disregard it completely. The Polymath Planner changes that by encouraging reflectionevery. single. day. in a way that’s easy yet impactful.In the reflection section, you’ll find short and simple prompt questions. These allow you to take a look at your week, day, month, mindset, and the intentions you put towards your life in general.
It’s crucial to achieve your goals and list of to-do’s on the daily, but what’s the point if you’re not tuned into your personal growth? Who do you want to be, and how are you showing up? This section gets to the core of these questions without feeling like a chore.
PRO TIP: ANSWER YOUR REFLECTION QUESTIONS IN A QUIET PLACE, TAKING YOUR TIME TO TRULY REFLECT AND SET YOUR INTENTION.
EMBRACING THE GRATITUDE ATTITUDE: Who’s In?
Ooooh, yay — our favorite part! Seriously,everything gets better with an extra dash of gratitude. In fact, it’s beenscientifically proven that feeling gratitude is translated similarly to happiness and success in our brains. So basically, giving thanks is really in your best interest.
When writing down what you’re grateful for, few rules apply. Whether you’re thinking in specifics or in a broader sense, all gratitude counts 🙏 With that being said, bonus points if your gratitude notes have to do with your weekly goals. Making connections is a key component to embracing thepolymath philosophy.
PRO TIP: Show appreciation for what has gone right for you during the week. All gratitude is good gratitude, but it never hurts to show thanks towards the present moment.
It’s also important to nail down what youvalue about your observations. How does your gratitude align with your values and identity, and how is it influencing your personal growth, wellbeing, and daily life? Give thanks, but also get to the point ofwhyyou’re thankful.
Tackle this section during the time of day that feels good toyou.Whether you wake up with gratitude or reflect upon your day with it, there’s never a bad time to practice gratitude.
PRACTICE MAKES A POLYMATH.
With the step-by-step structuring process of the Polymath Planner, you’ll feel confident and capable about your goals instead of overwhelmed. Now that you know it’s in’s and out’s, you’ll be winning on day one of using it. 😎
Here’s the exciting part — the more you use it, the more second nature it becomes. This process only becomes more effortless, and soon enough you’ll be plotting your goals, to-do’s, intentions, and gratitude withandwithout cracking open the Polymath Planner. That’s exactly what this log is all about — teaching you how to think and act as a polymath at your CORE. Let’sget planning. 💪
