The Framework

Phases

Time horizons from hours to a lifetime for planning and reflection. Each phase requires different types of thinking and different planning approaches.

"Don't start the day until you have it finished. Don't start the week until you have it finished. Don't start the month until you have it finished. Plan your day."- Jim Rohn
60 minutes

Hour

The hour is your unit of focused work. This is where deep work happens and where you make real progress on important tasks.

"The key is not to prioritize what's on your schedule, but to schedule your priorities."

Key Practices

  • Use techniques like Pomodoro (25 minutes work, 5 minutes break)
  • Eliminate distractions during focused work blocks
  • Take short breaks to maintain energy and focus
  • Track your most productive hours and protect them
24 hours

Day

Each day is an opportunity to make progress toward your goals. A well-designed day balances productivity with rest and relationships.

"Don't start the day until you have it finished."

Key Practices

  • Start with a morning routine that sets you up for success
  • Identify your top 1-3 priorities for the day
  • End with an evening reflection on what you accomplished
  • Protect time for rest, meals, and relationships
7 days

Week

The week is your primary planning unit. It's long enough to accomplish meaningful work but short enough to adjust course quickly.

"Don't start the week until you have it finished."

Key Practices

  • Conduct a weekly review every Sunday or Monday
  • Set 3-5 key objectives for the week
  • Schedule your most important tasks first
  • Review what worked and what didn't
90 days

Quarter

Quarterly planning allows you to set ambitious goals while remaining agile. 90 days is long enough for meaningful change but short enough to maintain urgency.

"A goal without a plan is just a wish."

Key Practices

  • Set 3-5 major goals for the quarter
  • Break each goal into monthly milestones
  • Review progress monthly and adjust as needed
  • Celebrate wins and learn from setbacks
365 days

Year

Annual planning helps you set a theme and direction for the year. It's an opportunity to dream big while staying grounded in reality.

"Where do you want to be one year from now?"

Key Practices

  • Choose a theme or word for the year
  • Set major goals across all life pillars
  • Create a vision board or written description of your ideal year
  • Schedule quarterly reviews to stay on track
Your lifetime

Life

Lifetime planning connects your daily actions to your ultimate purpose. What legacy do you want to leave? What does a life well-lived look like for you?

"Begin with the end in mind."

Key Practices

  • Write your personal mission statement
  • Imagine your ideal life 10, 20, 30 years from now
  • Identify your core values and ensure your life reflects them
  • Consider the legacy you want to leave

Continue to Practices

Learn the AIR practice for daily intention and reflection.

View Practices