How Does Cal Organize His Life?

Introduction

The focus of today's deep dive is on how Cal organizes his life.
A recent experience stressed him out and disrupted his sleep.
The upcoming fall semester added to the stress due to the need to re-engage his organizational systems.

In the summer, Cal relaxes his organizational systems as he has less to do.
For the fall, he has to re-align his systems to accommodate busier schedules.
Each summer, new ideas and projects accumulate, making it hard to manage when fall comes.
Realized returning to his standard planning system is best.

Realized that his decade-old planning system works best for him.
Every fall, the same epiphany occurs: revert to his proven system.
The standard planning system has supported his professional achievements for the last decade.

Core Document
- Basis of what he calls "rooted productivity".
- Summarizes the pieces of the planning system.
Three Main Categories of Core Systems
- Core Documents: Values, career, and personal strategic plans.
- Productivity: Weekly and daily planning.
- Discipline: Routines and habits to support a deep life.

Values Document: Details roles and values by which he lives.
Career and Personal Strategic Plans: Outline the current thoughts, systems, and plans that align with his values.
Maintenance: How he updates core documents.
- Weekly: Review values and create a values plan.
- Weekly: Review and tweak strategic plans.
- Semesterly: Overhaul strategic plans.
- Idea Notebook: Uses Obsidian and a Moleskin to capture ideas and check them periodically.

Weekly Planning: Based on strategic plans, calendar, task list, and values plan.
Daily Planning: Review weekly plan, values, and calendar; create a time block plan for weekdays.
Clear Work Shutdowns: Implement a shutdown routine to separate work and non-work.
Full Capture: Make sure to process all tasks daily to avoid stress and open loops.

The system can handle complex and dynamic professional environments.
Supports achieving big-picture goals while minimizing stress and allowing a fulfilling personal life.
Encourages anyone without an effective system to try his for a month.
Emphasizes that his system supports a flexible yet structured approach to life and work.

System’s effectiveness is proven over a decade.
The simplicity and flexibility make it a go-to for maintaining work-life balance and reducing anxiety.
Disciplines and routines are key to grounding one's life and work.