On this page you can do three things:
- Read the testimonials for the Chaos Planning Product. Look at the comments.
- Add your own testimonial in the comments.
- Click here to read more about Chaos Planning (How ‘Irregular’ Folks Get Things Done)
Warm regards
Sean D’Souza
P.S. In case you have any questions, please email me. I do answer every email.
I’ve been a fan of Sean D’Souza and Psychotactics since my wife wrote about it as a great example of online marketing in her book nearly 20 years ago.
I’d read his ideas about “chaos planning” in earlier blog posts and newsletters, but when he put it out in this more fully developed, engaging, and fun to consume version, I had to grab it.
Learning why and how to “plan” for the inevitable chaos in business and life has changed the way I approach scheduling.
Seeing those blank spaces in my calendar is like spotting a lighthouse beacon in a raging storm that will lead me to a safe harbor. I cringe whenever someone talks about their full calendar and try to find a way to introduce them to Sean and his chaos planning concepts and tools.
Tom Collins
USA
I was looking for help with planning. As a result of buying Chaos Planning I found:
—Importance of brain rest
—Allowing for chaos as a means to stop filling all hours with scheduled (often unfinished) tasks
The specific feature I liked most about Chaos Planning:
The system of learning and application presented
Three other benefits
—Importance of teaching others as part of learning
—The bonus was helpful
—Vacation planned into the diary!
—Importance of spending hours on planning before execution
It is a good read and a refreshing way to think about planning.
I’d looked at the product a few times in the past when it had been available but had always felt like I didn’t have enough chaos to warrant needing it.
But this summer was different. I had taken on too many projects and I was feeling worn down. I was exhausted and it felt like my brain wasn’t focused fully, so when Chaos Planning went on sale I grabbed it immediately. This time there was no doubt that my work life had gotten chaotic and I needed some help!
I read and listened to the program the day I bought it and completely restructured my upcoming month. The clear pathway for planning helped me see that I was overcommitted and that’s why I was feeling so exhausted.
Sean’s system is so simple and clear that I was forced to just make changes immediately. I cancelled a project. Cleared the deck, and I felt AMAZING afterwards. It was a huge relief to have a simple way of looking at my time that would prevent future over-scheduling chaos from happening again.
The most important feature of Chaos Planning is actually the system.
Sean is kind of a genius at making systems. If you’ve taken his programs before you know that already. If you haven’t, well, trust me he is. So if you need a system that will help you organize your work and personal life, this is almost surely going to help you.
The simplicity of the system is what makes it work. Once you hear it, you can’t forget it. And you’ll always know why you’re falling behind and how to quickly adjust.
I would recommend this product to anyone who feels like they’re falling behind on their most important projects or who has a creative mind and can get stuck in the start-but-don’t-finish cycle.
Basically, anyone who wants a better way to run their business or work-life should just buy this product and give the system a try. No matter what, you’ll have a mini paradigm shift that will allow you to think about your time more intelligently.
I don’t know if Sean is back from vacation, but I just want to write this email and give a huge thank you for Chaos Planning. I’ve been a productivity geek for a long time now, and I already know that productivity isn’t just about tools or new hacks.
It’s about effectiveness, THEN efficiency. It’s simply about focusing on the right things, as Peter Drucker would say it.
At first, I thought that Chaos Planning was just some kind of gimmick.
I thought it was just about timelines and reducing the planning fallacy by adding 50% time to tasks. But I figured I’d give it a shot because I thought Sean is also a small business owner who also sells info products like me. I thought of Sean as my mentor, so I opened my mind.
Now, I’ve been using a productivity system for a while, and have even ditched the calendar to give more focus to “energy management”, but Chaos Planning has put order into, uhm, chaos.
Just recently, my father got COVID. And the next day, my mother got it, too. I would normally get upset at myself because when unexpected/emergency stuff comes up, I’d always feel “behind” and “guilty” because I haven’t done anything I had planned. It’s literally a cycle of disappointment when my plans get destroyed (even outside my control).
But because I’m now planning for chaos, I feel like I’m foreseeing the future. Because the future has chaos.
I’m not annoyed anymore when my parents have random requests or errands. I’m not upset anymore at people and treating them as “interruptions”. I’m not feeling guilty anymore whenever I wasn’t able to follow my plans.
For everything you do as my mentor, (even if you don’t know me) I want to say thank you.
Planning for chaos reduced my stress levels a LOT. Amid the constant paranoia, it has helped my productivity system get to that “final” level. As a bonus, the focus on learning skills was also a great reminder for me so I can do better work, faster.
Thanks for your work, you two!
Warm regards,
Al
I thought that I already knew enough about planning, and I thought that maybe planning just wasn’t an effective strategy for me.
The value in Chaos Planning—is in the planning process and not the plan itself. By doing monthly, weekly, and daily planning, I have a better idea of what I ought to get done first. And so I do what ought to be done faster and with less pressure.
I liked the audio of the book. After reading through the book once, I listened and re-listened to the audio a few times while doing other stuff. This helps me “absorb” the learning more quickly and completely.
Benefits:
1) I feel more comfortable and confident thanks to the frequent planning and revising.
2) I finish off tasks faster than I did before.
3) I no longer start too many things at once.
I would recommend the product to anyone who would like more time. By using the Chaos Planning system, you end up with more time since you get the important stuff done faster and with more focus
Thank you for writing the book (and recording the audio). And thank you for all the other great resources you offer!
Aman Sandhu
When I found out about the Chaos planning book, I thought it’d be another tactical productivity system that you learn, implement, try and forget because it’s too complex. I’ve decided to give it a shot because my view of the whole work/life balance approach resonates with Sean’s.
Well, yes I implemented what I leanred right as I’ve finished reading but the beauty of this way of thinking is that it’s not another tactic, it’s a system. And if you’re a fan of Scott Adams (Goals are for losers, winners have systems) you know this is gonna work. A system is something that you can incorporate into your routine and take advantage of without even realizing you added another tool.
It works because it’s thought of as a natural process. Even if I just allocated one or two hours of Chaos time in my days, I have the peace of mind that I don’t have to get crazy busy every day scheduling and filling up every single minute of my days with stuff.
Also it helps me think of my routine in terms of how much energy I consume and handle on a daily basis. It’s a long-shot from simply planning your days like you are working a 9-5. That’s why I think it’s awesome for creatives. Now I know that every day I’ve got this pocket where I can balance out my energy.
I ssuggest you get it especially if you feel you are done with tactics and appreciate the benefits of a solid process based on working principles.
I read everything possible on productivity. I also implemented a lot and merged over time several different systems.
Many things work but there is a lingering feeling of doing many wrong things. Also, I am always exhausted at the end of the day. So, my fear was that I wouldn’t find anything new and really helpful.
First of all, listening to the MP3 was really pleasant. I think that for the first time I listened to a product 3 times. It’s shortness helped a lot.
But also how it was “performed” made it engaging.
The main result has come from the implementation of chaos time in my days. It allowed me to get to the end of many days having completed all my todos. It rarely happened before.
As said before, reserving some time every time for chaos was the best thing. I haven’t been able to reserve an entire day each week or even an entire week/month for rest and planning. It scares me a lot. Also, I work with a business partner that would certainly not do that.
The product is really short and some concepts were not new for me. I can’t remember other benefits now.
It simplifies productivity and makes you think of it in new ways.
Regards,
Alberto Cabas Vidani
I didn’t think Chaos Planning would contain such potent life changing information, so I struggled to justify spending the money on it.
Chaos Planning has reshaped my thinking. I realised that the reason most of my plans fail was not because I lacked the skill or confidence, rather because Chaos keep sabotaging my plans .
The section on defining goals and how we need to learn core skills through repetitious practice to reduce the chaos was a massive point of interest for me.
The pronto learning book was fantastic as it helped refine the points of the Chaos system. The Chaos system itself is great and the more I apply it the better it is in shaping my day.
I think it’s the chaos in peoples day that is the number 1 saboteur to their success, yet it’s an invisible killer that people are not consciously aware of .
Kevin Galea
– What were the obstacles that would have prevented you from
buying–Chaos Planning: How ‘Irregular’ Folks Get Things Done?
The cost of the PDF vs the length. I wasn’t sure it was justified but the reviews won me over and your previous book purchase, Brain Audit. Also, PDF seems less professional than a book.
– What you found as a result of buying the product?
Having a PDF is a better options for learning reviewing than carrying a book around, though, I still prefer books. I was very surprised at the benefits of scheduling breaks/chaos into my schedule, which has helped tremendously.
– The specific feature you liked most about–Chaos Planning: How
‘Irregular’ Folks Get Things Done. And how you used it.
Scheduling breaks, planning for chaos. Instead of fighting it, accept it.
– Three other benefits?
It’s very easy to read and implement immediately. Easy to process because it’s broken down easily for digestion. Also love the summary at the end for a quick way to review.
– Would you recommend this product and why? I would recommend it for busy people looking for some new ways to make their planning better.
Amar Rehal
I have about 2 books on planning my time and I bought them once each and never looked at them again.
I often think that being too planned is unrealistic because my headspace is taken up by unforeseen, or the unknown unknowns and it always has thrown by day off course – despite the good intentions on planning.
As a result of buying the product—I’ve found that there’s only so much planning you can do.
The one thing about chaos planning that has helped is that I don’t feel crap about the chaos that always encroaches on a day. It’s flexible yet directional for my day (whereas the other books I bought are overly prescriptive and my life doesn’t work like my iCalendar says it will).
The specific feature you liked most about—For me it’s all about the chaos hours and chaos day. It’s just realistic. It’s meant that I now force my to-dos into a tight planned schedule and let the chaos reign when it reigns. Chaos is a beast that can’t be beaten, just tranquilized with a dart for a few hours a day and then let out of the cage for a few hours a day.
Three other benefits:
-The planning of my year, month, week and day.
-My mind is more relaxed because life is more simple and flexible
-The concept of chaos planning is forgiving and doesn’t make you feel crap when you mess it up.
I already recommended this product to my wife and the Business Director who I am consulting with. Both have very busy schedules and I have heard complain about finding time. This is the answer.
Simon Lamey
I had been listening to and re-reading your podcasts for a couple of months and found the philosophy and approach compelling reading.
I am not at a point to do any real small business marketing but I noticed the Chaos Planning course and thought the subject matter a good skill that I could always improve.
If the title had been more exactly like a project management textbook I would have thought it might be something I have already studied and a subject matter that would be too long and hard to understand. The price could have been an obstacle if it was too high as this would be my first purchase from your company to further explore your teachings.
After reading the product:
I thought the product was very approachable and easy to digest. I have read it three times as you recommend (I don’t know if you recommended that for this course or if I picked that up from something else you wrote).
I use the concepts in my planning to have more realistic timelines for accomplishing tasks.
I think using the word “Chaos “makes the subject matter easier for a layman to understand. I have seen the terms “slack: and “management reserve” used in project management where I work but think it would put most people to sleep.
I liked the many pictures you showed of actual handwritten planning steps. I have sketched out many first draft things by hand now without feeling like I should have put it into a computer. No, I don’t walk to a coffee shop to write out my drafts J
Benefits:
– Gives other pointers on obstacles to planning such as distractions.
– Talks not just about planning but implementing a plan and the importance of competency development and daily practice.
– Reduces frustration when Chaos makes its regular appearance.
I would recommend this product becuase it’s very real-world advice and soundly supported. The writing is interesting with plenty of stories and examples to keep up interest.
Scott Robinson
I only got around to reading the Chaos report a couple of days ago. Honestly Sean, I thought you were nuts – set aside 3-4 hours every day for chaos? You’ve got to be kidding me. Half an hour, an hour at most, sure. But three or four hours every day? Crazy.
But I tried it anyway. At worst I’d have a couple of extra hours to goof off and do some hobbies.
So it’s now just after 2.00pm, I’ve had the kid home from school sick again, and…. I’ve only gotten three things on my to-do list done. Been like this all week. What I’ve had planned for my mornings has taken all day because of ‘stuff’ that’s happened. That three to four hours chaos planning has saved my butt – it’s the only reason I’ll have my study done for an exam tonight.
Since I’ve already got this week overplanned I wont’ have my chaos day this week but will plan it into next week. And then start working on the breaks away. And convincing my hubby that yes, we really DO need to get away from the house for a weekend!
Melinda Brennan
Thanks again for creating this report. 🙂
I didn’t think that a Chaos Planning System would apply to me. After all, I always thought that I’m well organized. But, after reading the report, I realized that while I am able to accomplish a lot on my endless “To Do” list, I always struggle with finding time to work on important projects and feeling like I got something done.
My favorite part of The Chaos Planning System is the Taming Constant Chaos section: “Competency reduces chaos.”, “Minimize distractions”, and “Practice every day” are now my focus.
Other things that I have learned are:
1. If I want to learn something, I must learn it slowly.
2. Find external support to keep me accountable.
3. Take scheduled breaks!
I would recommend this report to others like me who struggle to find the time and focus to work on their important projects every day. The secret is in the “Stop Doing List” and not in the “To Do” list.
Plus, the dragon-slayer cartoon rocks!
Thanks again,
Marina Brito
I’m always skeptical of a “new” planning document. What can be new in planning? Science is science, isn’t it? Fundamentals are fundamentals, aren’t they?
I got your Chaos Planning System because I know you’re a forward thinker. And I’m glad I did.
I found out that you’re actually a backward thinker–and that is what makes your system work, even for a skeptic like me (I am an engineer).
You tie all the pieces together, from the big picture all the way to tactics.
Thanks for developing the program.
Wynn White
OK, so I read Sean’s Chaos Planning report. Cool. Loved it. Maybe I *am* almost there.
Here’s what I found most important:
1. Before, I didn’t understand planning for chaos.
I didn’t understand that it meant you don’t schedule anything else in (what *did* I think that meant?) Anyway, now I have set aside Fridays for chaos, plus 1 week a month, etc. Tie up loose ends during this time.
2. Breaks. I never really stopped working during scheduled breaks.
Duh! I didn’t even have very many of them. Of course if you’re going to work like a maniac, efficiently learning, you need to stop all work during a break or you’ll be exhausted. Umm, kind of like me after working with few breaks for the past 7 years. So now I pledge to schedule in my breaks and turn off the computer! I am even considering trying to turn off the computer every weekend. Scary thought for me. But I think it might be good.
3. Schedule your learning.
I wasn’t planning for learning before. It’s way too difficult for me to create a graphic for my website. It takes ages. I need to learn Photoshop better. It would make a big difference. Scheduling my learning in.
4. Plan my day.
I’ve been operating on a schedule for about 3 weeks. It’s actually working for me! I’ve started getting up a 6am – I get at least an hour of work in BEFORE the kids wake up. It’s a great way to start the day. But it means I have to go to bed on time. I’m going to try for 5:30 next week – this way, I could have 1.5-2 hours work in the am, then 1-2 hours more in the afternoon. Getting in 2-4 hours productive work every day would be revolutionary for me. If there’s a plan to go along with it, I won’t be tempted to waste time and I’ll get things done.
So if you haven’t read the book yet, don’t wait. Sean’s right – we’re almost there!
Sarah Mueller
Well, the success I had with your Outline product squashed any fears I had about the quality of the product. I suppose if there was an obstacle, it would have been my own musing — “do I need help with my planning?” After about two seconds of introspection, the answer was a resounding yes!
Much like my experience with Outlines, Chaos Planning has been paying serious dividends. Total game changer!
Once again, as far as consumption goes, the audio book is AMAZING! I wish my authors and teachers were as forward-thinking as you are with regard to audio versions.
On the implementation side, taking the time to legitimately mark off 3-4 hours for chaos each working day has made all the difference. In the past, just like you described, I stacked up my days with back-to-back everything — totally unrealistic.
I would recommend this product—It was an easy read and an easy implementation, and since putting it into place my stress levels have gone way down. It’s a beautiful thing!
I don’t remember where I first read about Sean, but I have bought many products on line and since many were not helpful, have become skeptical about claims. Sean claims I will have a new skill when I finish one of his products. That dubious claim turned out to be true. Then I paid to get on the waiting list and joined 5000 b.c.
I decided to purchase after listening to the podcast, 3 Month Vacation, and looking at YouTube videos.
Chaos planning made me aware that I over committed without planning for chaos. I was also under prepared in skills in some areas. Chaos had hit me hard and run me over a few times – made me leery of trying to push forward. It stopped me.
I knew I had internalized the concepts when I caught myself discussing plans for a home addition with a contractor. He had no chaos plan and I advised him to build in days for this and be prepared. His profits should go up if he was prepared and the projected time line to completion would be a bit longer but more accurate and possibly earlier (if not as much chaos as planned for occurred).
This little document is really worth the price. I began to eliminate chaos habits from my life and to plan for it. This is really comforting – to know its coming and be prepared. Come on Chaos, I am ready for you!
There were non because I experience my life as an extreme chaos so I was very interested and in need. I’ve found the document through your podcasts.
As a result of buying the product—It made me plan my days more realistic and practice daily what I want to learn, a little every day instead of practising a few times extreme hours with as result: I would quit and be depressed.
Since January I’m drawing, writing poetry and making audio stories everyday 🙂 The thought 70% is enough, helps me enormously. It got me my first illustration job 🙂 And I’m feeling joy again making stuff.
I’m, since a few tears, writing a novel, got a publisher, but got stuck because of my work hard, hardest, humpfggrr method. I’m getting more relaxed now and there’s space increasing to feel the need en fun for writing again. Thank god!
(What goes hand in hand for me is the book: The Artist Way, great help)
Three benefits
I don’t feel alone, I understand life more and accept that chaos is ok (and I’m ok, chaotic, enthusiastic personality)
I would recommend this product—Because it helps you to feel that what you want is reachable.
Thanks, also for the podcasts. I like that they are changing a bit each time, getting better. They’re not perfect, what is great and makes you think: just do stuff, it hasn’t to be perfect to be interesting or loveable.
The biggest obstacle in buying Chaos Planning is my overall fatigue with either Bootcamp type edicts with no flexibility or to the other side the more mystic: “you’ll do it when it is time dear child” advice. Neither appealed to me but my past experience with Sean’s approach gave me the confidence to try Chaos Planning. His no questions asked refund policy provided an additional escape clause for comfort.
I have finally found a time management approach that fits my career. As a consultant my clients love that I will rearrange my day at a moments notice when their chaos come up. No other time management system I have come across has allowed for that. As a result I now actually feel that how I manage my time is “normal.” I always have felt badly that I couldn’t micro manage my minutes…..not anymore!
The single greatest benefit has been a sense of peace as I go through my day. I openly embrace the Chaos and now have a structure in place to ensure that items are completed. This is a system and mindset that fits how I work perfectly and has considerably reduced my stress levels. This approach also allows for the dreams to come to life. I am finally completing some rather dusty tasks.
The focus on increasing competency on core tasks was just what I needed. Based on Sean’s sage advice I am working to improve my skills in several key areas that provide immediate benefits for my business. I have also taken a good look at all the emails I read regularly and have unsubscribed to many that no longer appeal. I am finding myself increasingly more selective to what I focus on. Less distraction is definitely more focus and more space for the inevitable Chaos.
I would recommend this for anyone who deals with interruptions of various magnitudes during the day. Seriously, who does this leave out? Chaos is now a scheduled event.
Many thanks,
Leona Wilson, CHRP, CEBS, CMS
President, Armillary Business Group
Mississauga, ON CANADA
To buy a planning document you got to admit that you are disorganized and need it. That was my major stumbling block.
When I realized that I needed to get a plan I looked for a Psychotactics solution. Others in 5000bc mentioned using Chaos Planning so it was a natural. I bought the premium package (another $3 bucks or so) including the Pronto Learning bonus document.
Slowly I’m getting myself more organized as I apply the ideas. It’s a work style change and it takes time to develop new habits.
I found the audio file the most important part of the whole package. I loaded it on my smart phone and listened to it twice that first day. Then later in the day I read the books. After that I listened every day for the next few days. Then I realized that the audio had a really good five minute summary at the end. (The whole file is about 70 minutes.) So I loaded the mp3 into my sound editing software, copied the last five minutes into a new file, and put it on my desktop. I play that often, any time I realize I’m ‘lost’, as a quick reminder of the principles.
There are great benefits. The ’15 minute principle’ in Pronto Learning cross references to ‘flying solo’ in Chaos Planning. It’s a reminder to get help when you need it. I tend to be ornery and to tough a problem out to a solution by myself. How time consuming is that!
Also, the idea of competency; the reminder to take time to learn something properly. For example, if you buy a new piece of software, set aside self-training time. It will pay off when you’re in a time crunch and need to use the features.
Yes I would recommend Chaos Planning, and to buy the premium package. Chaos and Pronto compliment each other. There is a symbiosis. Chaos tells you what you need to do and Pronto guides you on how to do it effectively.
I started my first Taking Action Plan after reading Chaos Planning. It’s a great system and a challenge to learning to be organized. I’m still working on it.
Murray McGregor
USA
I have spent time and money on a lot of products to improve my time management skills over the years. What really ended happening was that I would try the new system for a while and then go back to my old ways of doing things after that. This happened over and over again with products like the First Things First system from Steven Covey, with GTD from David Allen and a bunch of other systems that stressed on following a methodology for planning. The beauty of the Chaos Planning system is that It is taking for granted that there will be chaos involved in the process of becoming a time management superstar! So already allowing for that has given me a head start in getting around the chaos and managing my time more effectively.
As a result of buying the product, I am able to actually get through my week without having to push things on to the next week. The relief that you get from knowing with certainty that you will accomplish what you had set out to do that week is huge!
The specific feature you liked most about–Chaos Planning is..
One day out of every five is set aside for chaos, One week out of every five is set aside for more chaos and the big one: The vacation times planned out in advance at the beginning of every year that take that take into consideration that there will need to be some down time and you need to take it!
Three other benefits-
a) The audio version of the book helps you to revisit the content while you are doing other things like walking, running or working on your weeds!
b) The section on “Taming the constant Chaos” was worth the price of the book to me because it talks about how you can conquer the chaos by getting faster at your core competencies.
c) The bonus book, “Chaos Planning Speed Learning” gives you ten ways that you can get faster at your job by changing some of your habits. The habit of, “When you teach, you learn” – helps you to solidify new ideas in your mind by talking about it and teaching other people. The habit of, “Minimize dead time” – Helped me to see when I could be more productive and could use my time better.
If I was interested in reading an audio book, for example, I could do it while I was waiting to pick my daughter up from school! The habit of taking breaks is another habit that Sean explains and it makes perfect sense based on how our brains work.
I would recommend this product to anyone that has tried other systems in the past and have felt like those systems did not make perfect sense when implemented over time. Have had a chance to see the old commercial where Sprite is called the “Uncola”? Well, this book is the “UnGTD” or “UnFirstThingsFirst” when it comes to the approach Sean has taken from traditional books on getting things accomplished. And it works. Very well.
Sam Thatte
USA
The title alone got me. Chaos Planning. Now I know I need that! So what made me get it and what did I find?
1. Why I nearly didn’t buy Chaos Planning.
Yes. I nearly didn’t buy Chaos Planning. Even though the title makes me go, “Yes, that’s me. I need that!” So why wouldn’t I buy it? Honestly I’ve made several mistakes online and one of the things that sometimes seems to have hooked me is the headlines that people write to do just that… hook me. Hook, line, and sinker. But… I already owned the Brain Audit at this stage and had seen the quality of Sean’s work so I silenced my cynicism and went ahead with my purchase.
2. Was it worth the money?
For me, yes. It made me see some of my behaviors in a way that made things more manageable for me. I guess I was brought up to feel ‘failure’ when I didn’t get things done as planned day by day. Yet the fact is that things do get in our way – exactly as Chaos Planning outlines.
3. What did I like the most about Chaos Planning?
The fact that I can calculate for Chaos in advance. I can’t stop if happening but I can actually plan for it following Sean’s system. As daft as it may sound I never really thought about this before – I just always seemed to feel like I’d failed when a day came along that threw a curve ball at me. Now I’m able to say, “Ok. It happened. Write if off and move one.” It’s much healthier for me.
4. What else did I like?
External support! This has changed my life and the way I’m doing things over the past few months. And what a difference. Sean I can’t thank you enough for this one aspect of Chaos Planning. Being answerable to others has meant I’ve got things done better than ever before.
5. If you ever find yourself feeling like you’re in chaos and wondering how on earth to get yourself back on track then I would highly recommend Chaos Planning. It gives you real actionable steps that will get you back on track without you feeling like you’re being pulled in every direction!
6. I bought Chaos Planning because I’d bought the Brain Audit and had been reading Sean’s articles for a few months. If you’ve been wondering whether to buy any of Sean’s books all I can say is he kicks butt compared to all the other things I’ve bought in to online. And I’ve wasted a lot of money! If you want to make a good investment online then give Sean a try. You can always return it if you don’t like it : ) Check out his lawnmower guarantee – you’ve got to love that!
OK, so I read Sean’s Chaos Planning report. Cool. Loved it. Maybe I *am* almost there.
Here’s what I found most important:
1. Before, I didn’t understand planning for chaos.
I didn’t understand that it meant you don’t schedule anything else in (what *did* I think that meant?) Anyway, now I have set aside Fridays for chaos, plus 1 week a month, etc. Tie up loose ends during this time.
2. Breaks. I never really stopped working during scheduled breaks.
Duh! I didn’t even have very many of them. Of course if you’re going to work like a maniac, efficiently learning, you need to stop all work during a break or you’ll be exhausted. Umm, kind of like me after working with few breaks for the past 7 years. So now I pledge to schedule in my breaks and turn off the computer! I am even considering trying to turn off the computer every weekend. Scary thought for me. But I think it might be good.
3. Schedule your learning.
I wasn’t planning for learning before. It’s way too difficult for me to create a graphic for my website. It takes ages. I need to learn Photoshop better. It would make a big difference. Scheduling my learning in.
4. Plan my day.
I’ve been operating on a schedule for about 3 weeks. It’s actually working for me! I’ve started getting up a 6am – I get at least an hour of work in BEFORE the kids wake up. It’s a great way to start the day. But it means I have to go to bed on time. I’m going to try for 5:30 next week – this way, I could have 1.5-2 hours work in the am, then 1-2 hours more in the afternoon. Getting in 2-4 hours productive work every day would be revolutionary for me. If there’s a plan to go along with it, I won’t be tempted to waste time and I’ll get things done.
So if you haven’t read the book yet, don’t wait. Sean’s right – we’re almost there!
Sarah Mueller
“You can conquer the world fifteen minutes at a time, if you are ready with the things you have to do.”
Loved the report.
I knit an entire sweater mostly in increments of 15 minutes or less. I kept my needles & yarn in my bag, and knit it on the subway, waiting in line, etc. I rarely got more than one or two rows done at a time. But that was about four inches per week. So after a couple of months, I had a whole sweater. If I hadn’t been carrying my knitting, I would have still have had to spend that time on the subway or in lines, but I wouldn’t have had anything to show for it.
Not only does being prepared let you be productive during otherwise wasted time, but it makes that time a lot more pleasant. Instead of being cranky about having to wait, I was doing exactly what I would have done if I had been sitting on my couch in my bathrobe.”
Jessica Reed, Boston, USA
“I just want to let you know that what you wrote in the report is really good stuff and has prompted me to revisit my plans and time schedule for 2010 (yes already, and we’re not even at the end of Jan !).”
Also, I really love your cartoon on page 3. I just had to print out an extra copy of this page and tape the cartoon above my computer.
Suzanne Wilson, Canberra, Australia
“I really enjoyed the report and got a lot out of it, like so many things in life a counter intuitive approach will often really open doors.
I now need to read it again several times to get it firmly embedded and into a habit, even applying it after a single reading I noticed how it reduced the feeling of overload.
Duncan MacIntyre, Derbys, UK
I only got around to reading the Chaos report a couple of days ago. Honestly Sean, I thought you were nuts – set aside 3-4 hours every day for chaos? You’ve got to be kidding me. Half an hour, an hour at most, sure. But three or four hours every day? Crazy.
But I tried it anyway. At worst I’d have a couple of extra hours to goof off and do some hobbies.
So it’s now just after 2.00pm, I’ve had the kid home from school sick again, and…. I’ve only gotten three things on my to-do list done. Been like this all week. What I’ve had planned for my mornings has taken all day because of ‘stuff’ that’s happened. That three to four hours chaos planning has saved my butt – it’s the only reason I’ll have my study done for an exam tonight.
Since I’ve already got this week over planned I wont’ have my chaos day this week but will plan it into next week. And then start working on the breaks away. And convincing my hubby that yes, we really DO need to get away from the house for a weekend!
Melinda
In 5000Bc their is wealth of information available, every thing is a
master piece but a resent report “Chaos Planning System” has changed my life completely.
I was like a pressure cooker at full pressure, and this pressure was
killing my life not only from business angle but also from all
directions. Now I am more in control at my business, meditation,
health and family and Sean in tears I thank you for that, this was a
priceless bonus.
Cheetu Jaisinghani
http://www.cheetu.com
I’ve been listening to the Chaos Planning audio (read it first), and this daily practice/core competency idea has really struck a chord.
I realise one of the things holding me back is a lack of confidence in some of my core skills. I recognise that spending half an hour a day learning more will really help with my confidence and competency and today have started to do that.
Juliet Fay
I just finished reading and listening your “Chaos Report”.
Thank you so much – it triggered some great ideas in my brain – and I am already working on it. 🙂
Thanks for your advice and feedback
Greetings from Austria – full of snow 🙂
Hans
P.S. Special thanks for your “practice song” 🙂
Hi Sean, and thanks for your report. I just want to let you know that what you wrote in the report is really good stuff and has prompted me to revisit my plans and time schedule for 2010 (yes already, and we’re not even at the end of Jan !).
Also, I really love your cartoon on page 3. I just had to print out an extra copy of this page and tape the cartoon above my computer.
Cheers
Suzanne Wilson
Canberra Australia.
I really enjoyed the report and got a lot out of it, like so many things in life a counter intuitive approach will often really open doors.
I now need to read it again several times to get it firmly embedded and into a habit, even applying it after a single reading I noticed how it reduced the feeling of overload.
Duncan MacIntyre
Derbys UK
I have read Sean’s newsletters on and off for a year or more and have found many gems in the short insites he has offered. Even after this , I was sceptible of buying any “Self Help” type material from the web as it is usually rubbish, I relented and purchased the Chaos Planning bundle from Sean. Well I wish I had relented earlier. The actual booklet is simple and if it was in a book shop I would probably read it and leave it. But I decided to implement the concept and after 3 weeks of following the plan I can now see the top of my desk for the first time in months. Like most good ideas Chaos Planning is simple and when implemented works a treat.
Chaos Planning is pretty fun way to look at planning.
Not your standard book on planning.
The information is clearly present.
The advice from this book is more realistic.
Than most books out there.
But it need a little more flavor.
I love the song.
I think that about it.
Thank you, Sean.
1. If the process had not been so seamless, I would not have purchased Chaos Planning. It was super easy – open email, click, buy and download. Would have loved an audio file!
2. I wish I could say my procrastination approach to work has stopped – but I haven’t had a chance to read it yet! Its in my reading list that I am slowly getting through.
3. Stay tuned.
4. Stay tuned. I am hopeful this read will change my outlook drastically.
5. I strongly recommend it – if the title starts you dreaming of an organized dream world, then you need it. Clearly you operate in chaos.
6. Not now – but stay tuned. And thank you for the Brain Alchemy Workshop – super excited!