When I opened Chapter 2 of Eat That Frog by Brian Tracy, one line jumped off the page:
“Every minute you spend in planning saves you ten minutes in execution.”
That’s two whole hours a day, just by planning ahead. Two hours that could be used for family, creativity, or even rest.
My Journey with the Master Task List
Several years ago, I began following Megan Sumrell, who talked about keeping a “master backlog.” I loved the idea, and over time I tweaked it into my own version—a Master Task List.
At first, it was clunky. I kept refining and experimenting, but for the past several years, this system has become the anchor of how I work and plan out all the regular duties. I've even used this to train new hires. It’s where I track annual tasks, all the ongoing projects, and timing for things that must be done year after year. It has been a life saver!
Here’s how I use it today:
Initially this started on paper, then as I refined it and new I had to share it with teammates, it eventually became a excel spreadsheet. I keep everything on the Master Task List. Nothing lives only in my head (for very long anyway)!
On a weekly and monthly basis, I review the list and pull forward what’s relevant.
Each week, I identify at least three major to-dos to focus on. Then, I break them down into bite-sized daily actions that feel doable and clear.
This shift changed everything for me. Before, I would often carry a big weekly task over and over without finishing it. Once I started breaking things into daily bites, I saw consistent progress and far fewer dropped balls. Creating this list allowed me to close a lot of open loops in my head!
The DAISY Method
Brian Tracy has a process that he calls the 6P Formula: Proper Prior Planning Prevents Poor Performance. I’ve come to believe that prior planning wholeheartedly can save time.
In my own words, I’ve built what I call the DAISY Method for planning:
D – Define your big tasks
A – Arrange them on a master list
I – Integrate into your weekly plan
S – Simplify into daily to-dos
Y – Your Payoff = Freedom → When you follow through, the payoff isn’t just tasks checked off. It’s the freedom of extra time, peace of mind, closed loops and so much more energy for what matters most.
Planning on Paper
Nothing works for me without pen and paper. Writing it down makes it real. My whole world changed when I found Tula XII inserts, the provide a massive amount of flexibility and variety. Favorites for day to day planning are the monthly Art of Planning of Journaling kit, bullet journal, Notes Insert, To-Do Insert, and the Declutter Your Mind Insert to keep my planning simple and flexible.
These tools allow me to capture my thoughts, organize my lists, and stay connected to my bigger goals without feeling overwhelmed.
Closing Thoughts
Planning in advance isn’t just about efficiency—it’s about creating a life that feels more spacious and free. I came up with The DAISY Method to keep me focused so I can show up better at work, at home, and in my side line business.
Because at the end of the day, your payoff truly is your freedom.