Regular readers of this blog and fans of plans may recall that we have mentioned in the past a little technique this Philosopher-In-Residence likes to use called “Past Month Positivity.”

How does even a pseud-tastic blog like this manage to make spontaneity a thing of the past, I hear you ask, quizzically!

The principles are the same, wherever you’re applying them along this time-space continuum in our wonderful World of Plankind. The Past Month Positivity method simply encourages you to set aside a short while to review your diary from the past month, and list yourself out the key accomplishments and feelgood things from that period. I like to do this under the main areas that are important to me (in no particular order): Friends/Family, Crossfit, Running, Work and Wellbeing. It’s a great way to reflect and document on what you have achieved, and let go of anything more negative from that timeframe, by not letting it be part of your permanent record of that time.

Lots of clients and people I talk to seem to be finding the “not quite lockdown not quite real life” situation really hard to deal with, in particular staying positive and motivated. So it struck me, that we could use the same method to plan a little spontaneity back into our lives and start redressing that balance and feeling like we’ve taken back control.

Here’s how to apply some “Future Month Spontaneity”

1. Draw yourself a simple chart, with columns for the areas that are important to you

2. On each column header, add a manageable target for number of positive things for each category you’d like to achieve over the coming month (it’s ok if it’s just one, everything is progress!)

3. Think about what success looks like, and for each category, jot down some ideas that you can seek to achieve. Again, basic and achievable is better than grand and unrealistic! For wellbeing this can be as simple as making sure to book that massage appointment that’s overdue, or get 5 minutes of fresh air a day, 3 times a week, if you’re currently not getting any.

4. You can always build up or tone down next month!

5. Make a reminder to review as some “Past Month Positivity” practice in 28 days.

6. Happy Planning!

Next fortnight, as we commence the countdown to this Philosopher-In-Residence’s fortieth birthday, I’ll be musing On 0-9. Join me and reflect back to your early years and what you have learned/what you would philosophise about in a letter to your younger self.

Please get in touch with any particular aspects of this topic you’d like me to write about.

In the meantime,

Happy Planning

PS If you want some other free tips for your business life, check out the Working Well blog – out fortnightly on Wednesdays, courtesy of Make Me A Plan’s Productivity Expert, Penny Le Kelly. Browse the latest edition here: https://www.makemeaplan.com/news/book-review/