Your planning system is sabotaging you

It's not a secret that I've been dealing with anxiety for a long, long time. I often feel like my brain is working against me, telling me that I don't do enough, that I could do more, and that whatever I do, I better do perfectly (or else).

I'm dealing with that much better than I used to, but I'm also aware this is something I will have to deal with forever. Still, I'm always looking for ways to make sure the anxiety doesn't take too much space.

Which led me to the realisation that I had impossible standards for myself. When I plan my weeks, I tend to plan for the best case scenario.

I never think that my cat could need an emergency visit to the vet, that I could catch a cold, that I could have a bad night that would completely sap my energy... No, I cram everything I want to accomplish into my tight schedule and hope for the best.

And when the best doesn't come (because life is messy like that), I beat myself up.

I fall into this pattern of Friday optimism → overstuffed calendar → inevitable failure → guilt. It's effing exhausting.

Can you maybe relate?

If so, I have two techniques that I have found immensely helpful, and both come from my wonderful clients. I love that about Yoga with Clem, we always share what works for us and support each other. I read this quote that the most consequential decision you'll make in business and in life is who you surround yourself with, and I couldn't agree more.

The Question

When you plan your week, ask yourself: "Which 1–2 outcomes would make you say on Sunday night: This week was demanding, but it respected me."

I love that it both gives us focus (what is our true priority right now) and space for the unexpected to happen.

If energy allows, more tasks might be ticked off, but if those 1-2 outcomes are all I accomplish next week, I can feel satisfied and unburdened by guilt.

(Thank you, Paul!)

The Energy Check-In

One of my clients asks herself every morning: "What percentage is my energy today?"

She doesn't try to analyse or judge what she feels. She just makes an honest assessment, so she can calibrate her day accordingly. If she's at 30%, then giving 25% of her energy is more than enough. She makes sure she keeps enough in the tank so that the following day, after a good night, she might be at 70%.

(Thank you, Camille!)

The Reminder

This is a note to self as much as it is a reminder for you: we are humans and our energy fluctuates.

Honouring low-energy days isn't laziness, it's listening to your body's actual capacity rather than fighting it. There's a triple benefit to it: carrying less guilt, making more realistic progress and crucially, leaving space for the unexpected (which will happen).

So your challenge for this week is to try these two methods, and see how it feels to leave breathing room.

Om, peace 🧡

Clem