What makes planning with me different (and why it works)
Have you ever…
asked your pals for their productivity tips only to find they didn’t work for you?
bought a planner or downloaded a productivity app, used it for a month or two and then abandoned it?
been told by a well-meaning coach to time block and/or put everything you need to do in your diary?
joined a programme and been given a planning spreadsheet or template to fill in?
sat down for a guided planning session and felt rushed?
By the time they find me, most people have tried everything to be more productive. So it’s only natural they’d be wondering why working with me would be any different.
And for the longest time, I struggled to find the right words! I’ve always known my approach is unique - I’ve not come across anyone else doing quite the same thing – but articulating that has been tricky.
So imagine my delight when I finally nailed it, with the help of the fabulous Janine Coombes (who’s not only an expert at this stuff but has also experienced the magic for herself inside Make It Happen Club).
Together, we identified six building blocks that underpin everything I do. When they’re in place, it becomes so much easier to follow through on what matters most, without the overwhelm.
I give you, The Treehouse Method, aka the thing that makes planning with me different!
Why a Treehouse?
If you’ve been following me for a while, you’ll know the significance of the treehouse. But if you’re new here, here’s the short version:
When you’re stuck in the weeds – bogged down and going round in circles - the only way out is up. Up into the treehouse. The treehouse is a lovely calm, quiet space above the noise, where you can breathe, clear your head, and gain perspective. From there, you can create a plan that gets you moving forward again.
(You can hear the longer version on the blog here, or on the podcast here)
The Treehouse Method is all about what you do once you’re up in the treehouse.
Because it’s not just about kicking off your shoes and getting comfy with a cuppa and a chocolate hobnob (although those things always help). It’s about making sure your visit to the treehouse sets you up for greatness once you climb back down.
So if you’ve ever wondered what makes working with me different to everything else you’ve tried, read on!
The Six Building Blocks of The Treehouse Method
First, for those who enjoy a visual, here’s what it looks like:
Now let’s explore each building block in turn, so you can see how together they add up to an approach to productivity that’s very different to anything you’ve experienced before.
1. Space
You need space to think, away from the noise and free from distractions, so you can find the clarity and focus you need to move forward. This pillar is about having that space in your diary every month – whether that’s with me in Make It Happen Club or as a 1:1 client - and giving yourself the space you need to do your best work.
2. Alignment
Before sitting down to plan, you should always take a moment to reflect on what you want your life and business to look and feel like. Why? So you can make sure your plans take you in a direction that excites you. This is about building a business and a life that feels good and works for you, not someone else’s version of success.
3. Life-Friendly
Work and life don’t live in separate boxes. If you’re moving house, the kids are off school, you’re caring for a relative, or juggling something big in your personal life, it will affect your capacity for work. And the reverse is also true. Plans that ignore this reality often crumble. Plans that acknowledge it? They’re far more realistic and much more likely to happen.
4. Rhythm
A single planning session in isolation might help you focus for a few weeks, but sustainable productivity isn’t a “one and done” thing. Real change comes with consistency. That’s why I invite clients to join Make It Happen Club for a year, and my 1:1 work typically spans at least six months. It’s about building a rhythm - showing up regularly, strengthening your planning “muscle,” and learning what really works for you.
5. Rooted in Neuroscience
It doesn’t matter how great your plan is, if your subconscious isn’t on board, it’ll be pretty darn hard for you to implement. I’m an NLP* Practitioner and whenever you’re planning with me I’ll be keeping an eye out for where you might be getting in your own way. We also tap into some NLP techniques that will fill you with excitement, possibility and the motivation you need to keep moving forward (even when things feel tricky).
6. Achievable
The plans you create in the treehouse with me will be thoughtfully put together, inspired by your vision and rooted in reality. They’ll be very doable, making it easier to follow through and take action. This isn’t about dumping everything on paper and hoping for the best. The point isn’t to overwhelm you with tasks; it’s to make sure you have a plan you can actually follow through on.
Why This Works
The planning process I guide my clients through wasn’t created on a whim. It’s the result of a lot of reading, deep thinking, and observing what works for my clients.
And there’s a scientific reason why planning in this way is so effective:
Executive Function (EF) is the set of cognitive processes that help us plan, prioritise, focus, and juggle tasks.
We have two executive function systems: “hot” EF (in charge when emotions run high) and “cool” EF (in charge when things are calm).
Most of us don’t make great decisions when our hot EF is in charge.
When you plan with me, your cool EF is invited to take the reins. That means you’ll be able to think more clearly, problem-solve more effectively and make better decisions.
All of which results in you having the clarity, focus and motivation you need to take action on the right thing at the right time, once you’re back in the day-to-day.
Over time, clients who commit to this process strengthen their focus, build confidence, and prove to themselves that they can follow through.
In fact the thing I love the most is that it’s not just about being more productive. Working in this way means that a lifetime of feeling like there’s something wrong with you is replaced by a deep knowing that you CAN achieve your goals and make incredible things happen in your business.
Over to you
To recap, the six building blocks of The Treehouse Method are:
Space
Alignment
Life-Friendly
Rhythm
Rooted in Neuroscience
Achievable
Take a moment to reflect: which of these feel solid in your life right now, and which might need strengthening?
If you’re not sure, click here to take my free quiz to discover the real reason you’re finding it hard to get things done.
You’ll get personalised insights based on your answers, with resources and nuggets of wisdom to help you be more productive.
Here’s to getting the important stuff done!