52-Week Personal Development Syllabus

Week 1: Revisiting Your Time Mgmt Foundations … Starting With A Serious Self-Assessment Of What’s Working And What’s Not

1. Re-introduction to calendar scheduling and time blocking

   • There’s no need to start over … or to do something like re-inventing Google calendar app or whatever else you use now; you don’t need another swanky app with new features and color-coded doodads to learn … but you must begin by taking a serious, hard look at what’s working OPTIMALLY FOR YOU, in YOUR system. Getting by isn’t good enough … what’s not as OPTIMAL as it could be?
   • You’re not a kid – you have a LIFETIME of experience with project management, goal setting and personaltime management systems … build on that foundation and re-do the foundation if it’s soft.
   • What do you rely on now? How well is that method working? Is it just a stale version of what got you by? What was the secret of what made that system work? How could that system work better?
   • Do you need to change anything? Why? Is everything broken … or do you just need to get serious about being more consistent? What are the new tricks that an old dog like you should be learning?
   • When you think about your current time management system, what comes to mind in terms of what’s not working? Why do you think that? Do you have data and proof? Do you use something like a “Distraction Journal” or “Examen Notebook” to detail what’s stopping you from being more consistent?

2. Revisiting the basics of time optimization, goal setting, serious action plans and some form of Plan-Do-Check-Act follow-thru management

3. Revisiting your Big WHY – how well do you think you understand your personal values for task prioritization? {HINT: You will never understand those personal values well enough, until you are dead. There’s always something more that God has for you to learn.}

4. Identifying what drives, or what is failing to drive, the focus of your attention in your current attention management practices … this is what the Examen Journalling is all about for any of those times when you struggle … and, as we all know, if you are not struggling, you are killing yourself and making your doom more imminent.

5. Recognizing loss of focus or procrastination patterns uncovers symptoms of deeper issues.

   • Procrastination is not likely about willpower or your lack of it.
   • Underlying unresolved issues are generally what drives or are the largest contributor to problems with focus or procrastination.
   • Your lack of a solid connection between task objectives and the big overall WHY of your existence is mostly likely behind the problems driving your procrastination … that lack of connection is not going to fix itself.

6. Reviewing and re-implementing all of the material that you have learned about written to goal setting and SMART criteria

7. Christian mindfulness based stress reduction (MBSR) techniques starting with basic breathwork and relaxation techniques … and then building on the basic sign of the cross… it’s worth repeating that to emphasize that Christian MBSR is entirely built from the ground up on everything that drives a careful, mindfull sign of the cross.

Start with basic breathwork, either box-breathing methods for diaphagmatic breathing or the “4-7-8” breathing technique … make the sign of the cross mindfully with extra care, deliberately, slowly, CAREFULLY.

As you make the sign, you will also be doing a coordinated 4-7-8 breath cycle … after you have developed the habit, it will become comforting … because it’s all about our love of God.

First, a four-count deep, quick, huge inhale (as you touch your forehead) - then, a seven-count holding of the breath (as you touch your heart) - and finally, an eight count exhale (as you touch each shoulder). Coordinate your breathing cycle with your physical motions and your intentional prayer … so don’t just say it or go through the motion, but intentionally PRAY the sign of the cross … starting with the four-count INHALE, as you mentally express gratitude for ALL of your blessings, IN THE NAME OF THE FATHER … then, holding your breath for seven counts, you will contemplate the fullness of the mysteries of Jesus Christ, dwelling on the suffering and sacrifice … you wrap up the cycle as do a final eight-count long exhale as you contemplate the meaning of Resurrection, the new Creation and everything thereafter through the Holy Spirit and the expansion of the faithful through the church and celebration of the sacrements.

As you breathe, you should notice how your diaphram pushes your belly out to fully engage in mediatative diaphagmatic breathing. Diaphramatic breathing is foundation of meditative breathing techniques, so you must have a grounding in diaphramatic breathing before wasting time prematurely moving on to the basic MBSR body scan meditation, followed perhaps by Hatha yoga and postures that help you to relax and breathe more deeply, then move on to guided meditation [via something like the Hallow app or similar], then experiment on your own with longer forms of meditation which work for you. Prayerwalking [without audio distractions] is one thing that might helpful, going to daily mass and arriving early to spend time in prayer beforehand might be something else to try. Experiment … but, above all, give these things some repititions and TIME for them to work … use a charitable mindset to encourage results, ie at first, fake it, until you make it; but there’s no need to beat a dead horse … just be a little patient*.

Re-establish your connection to your Catholic religious practices and the larger community of the faithful who share your appreciation for Catholic traditions. Don’t just go to daily mass, but pray the rosary and explore other ways to deepen your faith and grow in your relationship with the larger body of believers.

Week 2: Establishing Baselines and Catholic Principles

1. Re-initializing or creating your new “first” weekly schedule with time blocks
2. Time audit: tracking current time usage
3. Defining personal and professional values
4. Attention assessment: identifying major distractors
5. Procrastination log: documenting avoidance behaviors
6. Setting initial short-term and long-term goals
7. Introduction to Catholic catechism and its relevance to self-control

Week 3: Implementing Basic Strategies

1. Refining time blocks based on energy levels
2. Introducing the Pomodoro Technique for time management
3. Aligning daily tasks with core values
4. Creating a distraction-free work environment
5. Implementing “eat the frog” technique for procrastination
6. Breaking down goals into actionable steps
7. Basic mindfulness meditation practice

Week 4: Developing Self-Awareness

1. Experimenting with different scheduling techniques
2. Time journaling: reflecting on productivity patterns
3. Value-based decision making in daily choices
4. Mindful technology usage to reduce distractions
5. Identifying emotional triggers for procrastination
6. Introduction to PDCA (Plan-Do-Check-Act) cycle
7. Self-reflection on spiritual growth and Catholic teachings

Week 5: Enhancing Focus and Discipline

1. Advanced calendar management strategies
2. Implementing time-boxing for enhanced productivity
3. Utilizing Eisenhower Matrix for task prioritization
4. Developing a personal focus ritual
5. Delayed gratification exercises for procrastination management
6. Setting process goals vs. outcome goals
7. Exploring MBSR (Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction) techniques

Week 6: Cultivating Metacognition

1. Flexible vs. rigid scheduling: finding your balance
2. Analyzing personal productivity metrics
3. Refining personal mission statement based on values
4. Practicing mono-tasking for improved focus
5. Cognitive restructuring for procrastination thoughts
6. Implementing weekly review and planning sessions
7. Journaling for metacognitive awareness

Week 7: Spiritual Integration and Emotional Intelligence

1. Aligning schedule with spiritual practices
2. Time tithing: allocating time for personal growth
3. Incorporating Catholic virtues into decision-making
4. Attention training through contemplative prayer
5. Using the Examen for procrastination reflection
6. Goal alignment with spiritual aspirations
7. Emotional awareness exercises for stress management

Week 8: Habit Formation and Behavior Change

1. Creating time-based habits for consistent scheduling
2. Habit stacking for optimized time management
3. Developing keystone habits aligned with values
4. Habituating deep work sessions
5. Implementing “implementation intentions” for procrastination
6. Habit tracking for goal-related behaviors
7. Establishing a daily mindfulness routine

Week 9: Advanced Time Management Techniques

1. Time-blocking for creative vs. analytical tasks
2. Utilizing time-tracking software for optimization
3. Conducting a quarterly values review
4. Flow state cultivation techniques
5. Structured procrastination strategies
6. OKRs (Objectives and Key Results) for goal setting
7. Time management in relation to the liturgical calendar

Week 10: Deepening Self-Awareness and Reflection

1. Experimenting with alternative calendar systems
2. Personal energy management techniques
3. Values clarification exercises
4. Attention restoration through nature exposure
5. Self-compassion practices for procrastination tendencies
6. Reflective goal-setting based on past performance
7. Ignatian spirituality and discernment practices

Week 11: Productivity Systems and Workflows

1. Implementing a personal kanban system
2. Designing efficient workflows for recurring tasks
3. Aligning productivity systems with personal values
4. Digital minimalism for enhanced focus
5. Overcoming perfectionism-driven procrastination
6. Creating a personal dashboard for goal tracking
7. Stress reduction through systematic organization

Week 12: Emotional Intelligence and Interpersonal Skills

1. Time management in collaborative settings
2. Emotional intelligence in prioritization decisions
3. Communicating personal boundaries for focus preservation
4. Managing distractions in social environments
5. Accountability partnerships for procrastination management
6. Goal-setting in relationships and teamwork
7. Empathy-based stress management techniques

Week 13: Cognitive Enhancement and Learning Strategies

1. Cognitive load management in scheduling
2. Speed reading and information processing techniques
3. Critical thinking in value-based decision making
4. Attention span extension exercises
5. Learning strategies to overcome procrastination
6. Mind mapping for goal visualization
7. Cognitive behavioral techniques for stress management

Week 14: Technology Integration and Digital Wellbeing

1. Leveraging AI for calendar management
2. Digital tools for time tracking and analysis
3. Values-based approach to technology use
4. Attention management in the digital age
5. Using technology to combat procrastination
6. Goal-tracking apps and software
7. Digital detox strategies for stress reduction

Week 15: Physical Wellbeing and Productivity

1. Scheduling for optimal physical health
2. Exercise and movement for enhanced time management
3. Nutrition planning aligned with personal values
4. Physical environment optimization for focus
5. Body-mind connection in procrastination management
6. Integrating health goals with broader life goals
7. Stress management through physical activity

Week 16: Financial Stewardship and Time Value

1. Time-money relationship in scheduling
2. Budgeting time like money
3. Value-based financial decision making
4. Attention to long-term financial goals
5. Overcoming financial procrastination
6. Goal-setting for financial wellbeing
7. Reducing financial stress through planning

Week 17: Creativity and Innovation in Personal Management

1. Creative scheduling techniques
2. Innovative time management strategies
3. Cultivating creativity aligned with personal values
4. Attention management for creative flow
5. Embracing productive procrastination
6. Setting and achieving creative goals
7. Using creative expression for stress relief

Week 18: Social Dynamics and Time Management

1. Balancing social commitments in your calendar
2. Efficient communication and time management
3. Aligning social circles with personal values
4. Managing attention in social settings
5. Overcoming social procrastination
6. Collaborative goal-setting and achievement
7. Social support systems for stress management

Week 19: Professional Development and Career Advancement

1. Career-oriented time management strategies
2. Continuous learning and professional development scheduling
3. Aligning career choices with personal values
4. Focused skill development and attention management
5. Overcoming career-related procrastination
6. Setting and achieving professional goals
7. Work-related stress management techniques

Week 20: Advanced Spiritual Practices and Moral Development

1. Integrating extended prayer times into daily schedule
2. Deepening time management through spiritual disciplines
3. Advanced study of Catholic moral teachings
4. Contemplative practices for enhanced focus
5. Overcoming spiritual acedia (sloth)
6. Setting goals for spiritual growth
7. Cultivating inner peace through spiritual practices

Week 21: Mind-Body-Spirit Integration

1. Holistic scheduling for mind-body-spirit balance
2. Integrated time management approaches
3. Aligning actions with higher purpose and values
4. Mindfulness-based attention training
5. Whole-person approach to overcoming procrastination
6. Setting holistic life goals
7. Comprehensive stress management strategies

Week 22: Advanced Metacognition and Self-Reflection

1. Meta-awareness in time perception and usage
2. Reflective practices for continual time optimization
3. Deep self-inquiry for value alignment
4. Advanced techniques for sustained attention
5. Metacognitive strategies for procrastination prevention
6. Self-authorship in goal setting and life design
7. Cultivating equanimity through self-awareness

Week 23: Relationship Management and Time

1. Scheduling quality time in relationships
2. Efficient conflict resolution for time preservation
3. Shared values in relationship building
4. Balancing attention between self and others
5. Overcoming relational procrastination
6. Setting and achieving relationship goals
7. Stress management in interpersonal dynamics

Week 24: Seasonal and Cyclical Approaches

1. Adapting schedules to seasonal changes
2. Leveraging natural cycles for enhanced productivity
3. Aligning with liturgical seasons and values
4. Seasonal attention management strategies
5. Overcoming seasonal procrastination tendencies
6. Quarterly goal review and adjustment
7. Seasonal stress management techniques

Week 25: Advanced Habit Engineering

1. Creating second-nature scheduling habits
2. Habit loops for time optimization
3. Aligning habits with deepest values
4. Attention residue management
5. Micro-habits for procrastination prevention
6. Habit-based goal achievement systems
7. Stress-reducing habitual responses

Week 26: Mid-Year Review and Recalibration

1. Comprehensive schedule audit and optimization
2. Time management strategy refinement
3. Values realignment and recommitment
4. Attention management progress assessment
5. Procrastination patterns analysis and strategy adjustment
6. Mid-year goal review and reset
7. Stress levels evaluation and management plan adjustment

Week 27: Flow State Mastery

1. Scheduling for optimal flow experiences
2. Time dilation and compression in flow states
3. Value-driven deep work practices
4. Attention stability in flow states
5. Overcoming resistance to enter flow
6. Setting flow-promoting goals
7. Stress reduction through frequent flow experiences

Week 28: Advanced Catholic Teachings and Practices

1. Liturgy of the Hours and daily scheduling
2. Sacramental living and time sanctification
3. Catholic social teachings and value-driven action
4. Lectio Divina for deep focus training
5. Examining conscience for procrastination insights
6. Aligning personal goals with God’s will
7. Finding peace through trust in divine providence

Week 29: Leadership and Influence

1. Time management for leaders
2. Influencing others’ time usage effectively
3. Leading by example in value-aligned living
4. Attention management in leadership roles
5. Guiding others to overcome procrastination
6. Setting and communicating team goals
7. Stress management in high-responsibility roles

Week 30: Adversity and Resilience

1. Maintaining schedules during challenging times
2. Time management techniques for crisis situations
3. Value-based decision making under pressure
4. Sustaining focus amidst distractions and difficulties
5. Overcoming procrastination triggers in adversity
6. Adaptive goal-setting in changing circumstances
7. Building resilience through intentional stress management

Week 31: Advanced Cognitive Techniques

1. Cognitive chunking for enhanced scheduling
2. Mental models for time optimization
3. Cognitive flexibility in value application
4. Neurofeedback for attention enhancement
5. Cognitive restructuring for deep-rooted procrastination
6. Mental contrasting for effective goal pursuit
7. Cognitive approaches to stress reduction

Week 32: Philosophical Perspectives on Time

1. Exploring different cultural concepts of time in scheduling
2. Philosophical approaches to time management
3. Existential perspectives on values and meaning
4. Phenomenology of attention and presence
5. Philosophical examinations of procrastination
6. Teleological approaches to goal setting
7. Stoic practices for stress management

Week 33: Transcendence and Peak Experiences

1. Creating space in schedules for transcendent experiences
2. Time perception in peak states
3. Aligning peak experiences with core values
4. Attention quality in transcendent states
5. Overcoming procrastination through transcendent motivation
6. Setting goals for personal growth and self-actualization
7. Stress dissolution through transcendent practices

Week 34: Advanced Technology Integration

1. AI-driven schedule optimization
2. Cutting-edge time tracking and analysis tools
3. Values-based digital boundaries
4. Biofeedback for attention management
5. Gamification strategies for overcoming procrastination
6. Virtual reality for goal visualization
7. Tech-based stress management solutions

Week 35: Interdisciplinary Approaches

1. Applying systems thinking to personal scheduling
2. Cross-disciplinary time management strategies
3. Integrating diverse value systems
4. Attention management lessons from various fields
5. Interdisciplinary perspectives on procrastination
6. Holistic goal-setting across life domains
7. Multifaceted stress management approaches

Week 36: Essentialism and Minimalism

1. Essentialist approach to scheduling
2. Minimalist time management techniques
3. Clarifying and focusing on core values
4. Attention minimalism and deep focus
5. Reducing commitments to overcome procrastination
6. Simplifying goals for greater impact
7. Stress reduction through lifestyle simplification

Week 37: Balancing Structure and Flexibility

1. Creating adaptable scheduling systems
2. Balancing routine and spontaneity in time management
3. Flexibility in value application across contexts
4. Fluid attention allocation strategies
5. Structured flexibility to combat procrastination
6. Balancing fixed and adaptable goals
7. Stress management through balanced living

Week 38: Advanced Emotional Intelligence

1. Emotion-aware scheduling
2. Leveraging emotions for enhanced productivity
3. Emotional congruence with personal values
4. Emotional regulation for sustained attention
5. Understanding and managing emotional procrastination
6. Emotionally intelligent goal-setting
7. Advanced emotional techniques for stress management

Week 39: Intuition and Decision Making

1. Intuitive scheduling practices
2. Balancing analytical and intuitive time management
3. Intuition in value-based decision making
4. Intuitive attention allocation
5. Gut feelings vs. procrastination: discernment
6. Setting goals aligned with intuitive knowledge
7. Intuitive practices for stress reduction

Week 40: Legacy and Long-term Impact

1. Scheduling with legacy in mind
2. Long-term time management perspectives
3. Value transmission and generational impact
4. Attention to long-lasting contributions
5. Overcoming short-term thinking and procrastination
6. Setting legacy-oriented goals
7. Managing stress through purpose-driven living

Week 41: Cultivating Wisdom

1. Wise time allocation practices
2. Discernment in time management decisions
3. Wisdom traditions and value alignment
4. Attention mastery through accumulated wisdom
5. Sage advice for overcoming procrastination
6. Wisdom-based goal setting and life planning
7. Stress management through wise living practices

Week 42: Integrating Work and Life

1. Holistic life-work scheduling
2. Seamless time management across domains
3. Unifying personal and professional values
4. Balanced attention across life spheres
5. Overcoming domain-specific procrastination
6. Setting integrated life-work goals
7. Comprehensive stress management in a unified life

Week 43: Mindfulness and Presence

1. Present-moment aware scheduling
2. Mindful time management practices
3. Values embodiment through presence
4. Cultivating moment-to-moment attention
5. Mindfulness-based procrastination intervention
6. Presence-oriented goal setting
7. Mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) deep dive

Week 44: Solitude and Silence

1. Scheduling solitude and silent time
2. Productivity in stillness and quiet
3. Deepening values through silent reflection
4. Attention restoration through solitude
5. Using silence to overcome procrastination
6. Retreats and solitude in goal achievement
7. Stress reduction through silence and solitude

Week 45: Mentorship and Guidance

1. Seeking and scheduling mentorship
2. Time management wisdom from mentors
3. Value alignment through guided reflection
4. Attention management lessons from experts
5. Accountability partnerships for procrastination
6. Mentor-guided goal setting and achievement
7. Stress management through support and guidance

Week 46: Creativity and Innovation Revisited

1. Scheduling for enhanced creativity
2. Innovative personal productivity systems
3. Creative expression of personal values
4. Managing attention for optimal creativity
5. Creative solutions to chronic procrastination
6. Setting and achieving innovative personal goals
7. Creative stress management techniques

Week 47: Advanced Integration and Synthesis

1. Synergistic scheduling across all life domains
2. Synthesizing diverse time management approaches
3. Integrating values into a cohesive life philosophy
4. Unified attention management framework
5. Holistic approach to overcoming procrastination
6. Creating a personal manifesto for goal achievement
7. Comprehensive stress management life plan

Week 48: Teaching and Sharing Knowledge

1. Scheduling time for knowledge sharing
2. Efficient methods for teaching time management
3. Articulating and sharing personal values
4. Techniques for teaching focused attention
5. Guiding others in overcoming procrastination
6. Mentoring others in goal-setting and achievement
7. Leading stress management workshops

Week 49: Advanced Catholic Spiritual Practices

1. Integrating contemplative prayer into daily schedule
2. Time management insights from monastic traditions
3. Deepening understanding of Catholic moral theology
4. Cultivating ‘supernatural’ attention through faith
5. Spiritual warfare against acedia and procrastination
6. Aligning personal goals with the Christian vocation
7. Finding peace through advanced Catholic spirituality

Week 50: Future Planning and Anticipation

1. Long-term life scheduling and planning
2. Anticipatory time management strategies
3. Future-proofing personal values
4. Preparing attention skills for future challenges
5. Preemptive strategies for future procrastination risks
6. Setting long-term, visionary goals
7. Building stress resilience for future uncertainties

Week 51: Integration and Advanced Applications

1. Designing a personalized ideal week template
2. Creating a time abundance mindset
3. Becoming a steward of time through Catholic teachings
4. Achieving prolonged states of deep focus
5. Teaching others to overcome procrastination
6. Long-term visioning and goal-setting (5-10 years)
7. Cultivating equanimity through advanced mindfulness

Week 52: Reflection, Celebration, and Future Planning

1. Annual calendar review and optimization
2. Celebrating time management victories
3. Recommitting to core values and Catholic principles
4. Creating a distraction-free digital and physical environment
5. Procrastination progress review and future strategies
6. Annual goal review and setting new aspirations
7. Integrating all learnings into a personal growth manifesto