1. Pick a pen. The research is clear: physically writing something down helps you to process and remember better. Writing is part of the HALO process, so what could be better than choosing a writing implement that you love. I always plan with an erasable because things change and I prefer a very sharp pen, so my current favorite is the .38 Pilot Erasable Ballpoint Pen. If you like a thicker erasable pen, then you can try the .70 Pilot, FriXion Clicker Erasable Gel Pen which are available in a variety of colors. Jet pens also has many amazing options- including the “sampler” packs of any a color and they send you a dozen pens of different types in that color. Papersmiths also has some great pen like the Everyday Pen (although it’s not erasable) and also carry pen holders like the Rama Eye Clip. For years at a time, I planned with very simple Bic mechanical pencils, which I think is a great starter option. Pick what works for you!
2. Order tabs. I use Avery Ultra Tabs on the sides of the HALO Planner. I place a tab on each Monthly Goals page so that I can easily navigate to the current month when I am grabbing the HALO planner from my bag and need to quickly jot down notes. These are adhesive, easily removeable tabs which come in a variety of sizes and colors. I like to use the 3” x 1.5 for the sides and sometimes I will add some of the smaller tabs at the top on certain pages I need to refer back to over time- like a project page or a notes page. I also recently discovered magnetic tabs, which are a little thicker but easier to move around.
3. Create a Weekly Planning Routine. A well-defined Weekly Planning Ritual is the quickest way to banish overwhelm. Make a list of all the things you want to do / have to do every week- this can include anything from checking progress for your direct reports, requesting agendas for meetings, clearing email to date night, meal planning and scheduling exercise classes. Then create a checklist of these tasks. Pick a time that you can reliably do these tasks uninterrupted each week. If you need inspiration, check my Weekly Planning Routine.
4. Decide which habits are non-negotiables. Once, I made a list of the daily habits to which I wanted to commit. The list included 8 hours of sleep, 90 minutes of exercise, journalling, reading, writing, meditation and visualization. After writing it all down on paper, I realized, given my work schedule and the time I wanted to spend with my family, I was setting myself up for failure by attempting to complete a list of habits which would take12 hours per day. So, I boiled down my list to “non-negotiables” that I was absolutely committed to every day: 7 hours of sleep and 45-minutes of exercise. Then I widened the time horizon beyond the day- realizing that if I looked at the full week, I could do more of those habits. Decide what your “non-negotiables” for Daily Habits and spread out the others across the week and the month.
5. Reflect on what’s working and what’s not. Often you order a new product because you are frustrated with or want to inject some new energy into some area of your life. While you are waiting for the HALO to arrive, take some time to reflect on what you are trying to in this next phase. This could take the form of a conversation with a friend, a journal entry or a mental musing on a walk. Within that reflection, take time to dream. What do you most want in your life? Where you’re your biggest gaps? What would you attempt if you knew you couldn’t fail?
Happy Planning!
