It’s that time! The time when you realize you have a million things you want to accomplish, but don’t know where to start. Best thing to do at a time like this is to refocus. I sat down to a list of many things I have been wanting to accomplish, but noticed that some things were not moving forward and other things were moving too slow. When I get into a situation like this I start feeling like I am not getting anywhere in life.

So I took a few minutes to clear my head and reboot! I sat down inhaled and exhaled and starting writing. One thing I recently learned was that ‘To do lists’ are so yesterday. What’s in today is called RPM charts. If you wanna get things done believe me this is a great start.

What RPM stands for is Results-Purpose-Massive Action Plan. I took a piece of paper and tri-folded it so I would have three columns. I put one header for each column. Then I started to think, “what is the number one thing that I have been wanting to do but just haven’t done it?” I would have to say memorizing Quran. I have been wanting to do this for the longest time, but I’ve always put it on hold, and at times I even feel like I am not capable of doing it.

Just to give you an example of how RPM works, I’ll go through one layout.

Memorizing Quran

-Results-

  • I want to memorize the whole Quran by December 31, 2009 inshallah

-Purpose-

  • To become hafiza of the Quran
  • To teach Isra Quran
  • To receive reward from Allah SWT
  • Inshallah attain Jannat ul Firdous

-Massive Action Plan-

  • Stay up after Fajr and memorize new ayah for one hour on a daily basis
  • Recite new ayah in salah throughout day
  • Listen to audio of new ayah throughout day
  • Make dua for this goal
  • Find a mentor who is a hafiza, someone who will motivate me and give me tips on memorization

So there you have it. It’s simple, easy and just take a few minutes. When you do a RPM chart it helps you think things through as to how you are going to achieve your goals and what your purpose is in doing them. I feel like this is a lot better than listing things you want to do in a ‘To do list’, which come to think of it doesn’t really have any meaning.

Next time you feel an overload, reboot and start RPMing!