Power Bite #6: Plan Like a Boss – Even if You’re Buried
by Penny Reed
Ever had one of those mornings? The phone’s ringing off the hook, two team members are out, and you’re staring at the day thinking, “Plan? I’m just trying to survive!”
We’ve all been there. And, in this week’s Power Bite, I want to help you shift from survival mode to strategy mode—even if you’re buried in chaos.
The Reframe: Planning Doesn’t Take Time—It Makes Time
Here’s a mindset shift that changed the game for me:
“Planning doesn’t require extra time—it requires an intentional pause.”
Yes, even 90 seconds can change the entire trajectory of your day. Don’t underestimate the power of a quick reset.
One of my favorite quotes comes from productivity expert David Allen, author of Getting Things Done:
“If you don’t pay appropriate attention to what has your attention, it will take more of your attention than it deserves.”
Translation? That mental clutter—those nagging thoughts—will rob your focus all day if you don’t stop and give them a name and a plan.
That’s why I swear by The Power Three:
- What must get done today?
- What can wait?
- What can I delegate or communicate to someone else?
Write them down—on a sticky note, in your planner, or your task management app. Don’t wait for perfect. Just pause and prioritize.
That’s exactly what Penny Reed, AADOM’s Executive Vice President, unpacks in Power Bite #6: Plan Like a Boss – Even if You’re Buried.
Power Tip: Reclaim the Rest of Your Day
Still feeling upside down by lunchtime?
Do a quick “sanity checkpoint.” Take two minutes to reassess your Power Three, breathe, and redirect.
And if your day’s been completely hijacked, here’s the rescue question:
“What do I need to finish well today?”
That one simple question can be your anchor in the storm.
Members: Download Your Power Sheet!
Need help turning this into a habit? This week’s PowerSheet includes the Plan Like a Boss Tracker—a printable tool that helps you regain focus fast when everything feels out of control.
Power Bites and their accompanying Power Sheet are included with your AADOM membership and available anytime on eCampus. Look for a new one in your inbox each week—and start powering up your practice, one bite at a time.
Watch for Your Weekly Power Bite!
We’ll deliver a new Power Bite video in Wednesday’s AADOM Insider newsletter every week. AADOM members can access all Power Bites and downloadable worksheets anytime on eCampus. We’re here to support your success—because when you thrive, your practice thrives too.
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