Lighthouse behind rock arch

Are you tired of feeling pulled in multiple directions? Do you wish for a more balanced approach to life? Have you tried using some planning systems to find they are great at making you thinking big, but break down on the day-to-day and others help with the day-to-day, but never get above that.

Some planning systems focus big and drill down, I call these Top-Down systems. Some systems start on the day-to-day managing tasks, projects, and short-term goals, I call these Bottom-Up systems.

Top-Down

Top Down systems have several strengths: Structured, goal-oriented, planning-focused. These systems are great at helping us figure out our motivating values, and priorities. The Top-Down system I first encountered was the Franklin Planner System based on the book The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen R. Covey.

Bottom-Up

Bottom-Up systems have several strengths: Flexible, adaptive, focused on micro-actions and iterative growth. These systems are great at helping us be effective in completing tasks, focusing, and being effective with time. The Bottom-Up system I first encountered was the Getting Things Done methodology based on the book Getting Things Done The Art of Stress-Free Productivity

The Middle-Way Method

The Middle-Way Method focuses on integrating both top-down structured strategies and bottom-up flexible approaches, ensuring that we make thoughtful decisions while staying adaptable. The goal is a balanced, personalized approach to decision-making, personal growth, and problem-solving.

Today I will cover the following topics:

  • Understanding the foundational principles of the Middle-Way Method.
  • The benefits of adopting the Middle-Way Method.
  • An Application of the Middle-Way Method.

Foundational Principles

The Middle-Way Method is not a one size fits all system, but a method of continual improvement. The Middle-Way Method helps us avoid over-working, focusing on trivial concerns, and helps us keep important relationships a priority.

Benefits of the Middle-Way Method.

Balance

The Middle-Way Method helps us achieve balance by identifying our priorties, focus on accomplishing goals, completeing projects and emphasizing important relationships.

Flexability and Resiliance

The Middle-Way Method allows for the completion of custom systems, allowing a personalized approach. The method allows for both short-term efficency and long-term goal completion. The method also incorporates both agilith to change and strategic foresight.

Applcation of the Middle-Way Method

Top-Down ideas:

  • Mission and Vision Statements
  • Roles and Relationships
  • Daily, Weekly, Monthly, and Yearly Reviews

To start utilizing the Middle-Way Method Start with the Top-Down ideas. Think big, Think about your values, relationships, and guiding principles. The next step is to distill these into your Mission and Vision statements.

Next continue thinking big and long term. What are your goals?

Bottom-Up ideas:

  • Data Capture Strategies
  • Organization
  • Action

Once you have set the big picture, it is time to start working on how you are going to manage the productivity part of the system.

You can use any tools you like for this. Here are a few I have created over time:

Final Thoughts

The Middle-Way Method allows for a personal customized approach to determine what is important, and how to get your work done. A while back I created this video to explain the Middle-Way Method. Take the time needed to start with the big picture and develop your planning system, and remember you can change the system over time to fit your needs.