Value-Plan Methodology - My Approach to Productivity

Date: 16.02.2025

In this post, I present Value-Plan Methodology, my personal approach to productivity that helps me to ensure that I am working on the right things at the right time. I will introduce the methodology, explain its core principles, and provide an example of how it can be applied in practice.

From Wasted Hours to a Search for Productivity

Have you ever spent hours on a task, only to realize later that it wasn’t worth your time? Or worked on a project that was doomed to fail from the start? Have you ever wondered how many hours of your life have been wasted on such pointless activities?

I know I have. This has been, and still is, one of the biggest frustrations in my life. Looking back, I’ve worked on numerous projects that never delivered results. In hindsight, many of them were unlikely to succeed from the beginning. If I had taken more time to evaluate them upfront, I would have seen that they weren’t worth the effort.

For the projects that did succeed, I often spent a lot of time experimenting and exploring before finding the right approach. Experimentation is valuable - it provides learning and insights. But I frequently wondered whether I was taking the most efficient path. Was I spending too much time testing unnecessary ideas? Could I have reached the solution faster?

Then, there were projects that were simply too big. I often felt overwhelmed, unsure where to start or which direction to follow.

Frustrated by the countless wasted hours and driven by a desire to improve my personal productivity, I began searching for a solution.

I turned to books like "Principles" by Ray Dalio, "The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People" by Stephen Covey, and "Atomic Habits" by James Clear. These are fantastic books, filled with profound insights on effectiveness and productivity. I highly recommend them. I also came across "Getting Things Done" by David Allen, a method that provides a structured approach to organizing tasks, setting priorities, and making clear decisions. Again, I strongly encourage trying it out.

Inspired by these readings, I decided to develop my own productivity framework. I launched a project called "Procedures," aiming to create a structured, step-by-step method for completing tasks - whether it was a morning routine or building a web application. The idea was simple: document clear procedures, follow them, and eliminate inefficiency. I even built a website to store all my procedures online.

It didn’t work.

I never used the procedures. Even the small effort of visiting the website felt like a hassle. The five hours I spent creating the site turned out to be yet another waste of time.

But not a complete waste.

I learned a valuable lesson: the key to personal productivity framework is simplicity and ease of use. I didn’t need rigid procedures for every aspect of my life. What I needed was a simple methodology - a set of core principles, essential rules, and a flexible technique.

That realization led me to create the Value-Plan methodology.

What is the Value-Plan Methodology?

Below are the core principles of the Value-Plan methodology:

Principle 1: Action requires value. No value, no action.

The Value-Plan methodology is based on the idea that every action you take should provide value. Whether it’s a task, project, or goal, it must contribute to your long-term objectives. If it doesn’t, it’s a waste of time.

Principle 2: Results need documentation.

Every result you achieve should be documented. If it is not, it will be forgotten, and the effort will be wasted.

Along with these principles, the methodology includes a further set of rules:

  • Any action or task that is undertaken requires a plan. If there is no plan, there is no action.
  • Every plan needs a goal. If there is no goal, there is no plan.
  • Every goal needs to bring value. If there is no value in completing the goal, the goal should not exist.
  • Each goal has to be measurable and have a deadline.
  • Value, goals, and plans need to be documented and written down.
  • Every task and action must be documented to validate results and ensure accountability. Undocumented work cannot contribute to measurable value.
  • Determination of value and plan must be informed. Misinformed decisions lead to wasted time and effort.
  • Any task that can be automated should be automated.

The above is a credo that I remember by heart and follow in my daily work.

An Example of Applying the Value-Plan Methodology

Let’s take a simple example to illustrate how the Value-Plan methodology can be applied in practice. Let's consider a goal of writing a blog post.

Step 1: Define the Goal

Goal: Write a blog post on the Value-Plan methodology.

Step 2: Determine the Value

Value: Share my personal productivity approach, potentially create new connections with like-minded readers, and receive feedback on the methodology. Additionally, build online visibility and practice writing skills.

Step 3: Create a Plan

Plan:

  1. Research the topic and gather relevant information.
  2. Answer preliminary questions about the blog post:
    1. What is the purpose of the post?
    2. Who is the target audience?
    3. What are the key points to cover?
  3. Write the blog post outline.
    1. Determine the structure of the post.
    2. Define the main sections and key messages.
  4. Write the first draft.
  5. Review and edit the draft.
  6. Publish the post.

Step 4: Documentation

Keep all the files regarding the blog post in one folder. Write down the goal, value, and plan. Document the process so that each point above results in a documented action (e.g., research notes, outline, draft, etc.).

What remains is the execution of the plan, documentation of the results, and evaluation of the value achieved.

Flexibility and Extensions

Since the Value-Plan methodology is grounded in principles rather than rigid methods, it can be easily adapted to different needs and preferences. For larger projects, each step can be broken down into smaller tasks, ensuring that every action taken contributes meaningfully to the overall goal.

The methodology can also be extended with specific techniques and tools. One such tool I developed is the "Value-Plan Template"—a structured document that helps define goals, determine value, and create a plan. This template can be applied to any task or project, ensuring consistency and alignment with the Value-Plan methodology.

Use of AI

As I envisioned, the Value-Plan methodology can and should make extensive use of LLMs. The primary function of AI in this context is to support informed decision-making. At times, the value of a given goal may not be immediately clear. Tools like LLMs can offer advice and feedback, helping to confirm whether the goal is truly worthwhile.

More importantly, AI can assist in planning by outlining steps, providing additional guidance on execution, identifying potential obstacles, and offering strategies to overcome them. AI can also help document both the process and results, ensuring thorough record-keeping.

Additionally, the methodology emphasizes that any task capable of being automated should be automated. This is where AI excels, as many simple and repetitive tasks can be efficiently executed by LLM-based tools, allowing more time for high-value work.

Conclusions

The name "Value-Plan" captures the core elements of the methodology: value and planning. Without value, actions become meaningless. Without planning, efforts become inefficient.

Thanks to the Value-Plan methodology, I’ve been able to focus on what truly matters, avoid wasting time on senseless tasks, and achieve better results in my projects. As a side benefit, the methodology has also increased my motivation. By clearly defining the value of a task, I subconsciously reinforce my reasons for pursuing it. Breaking the goal into smaller, actionable steps creates a clear path forward, making the goal feel more achievable and better integrated into reality.

In summary, the Value-Plan methodology is my simple approach to productivity, prioritizing meaningful actions and strategic planning. I encourage you to try it and adapt it to your own needs. If you have any questions or feedback, feel free to reach out to me at lukasz@ls314.com - I’d love to hear your thoughts and experiences!