Hi guys! This week, I wanted to talk about how to plan your week and accomplish your goals. If you're anything like me, you might take on too many tasks and say yes to too many things, leading to feeling overwhelmed and getting very little done. This used to be my reality until I started closely examining my weeks and taking advantage of the tools and resources around me.

Weekly Planning Framework

1. Weekly Overview:

• Find a routine that works best for you.

• Stick to your routine as best as you can.

I like to treat each week as Monday through Sunday. Reviewing everything is extremely important. I like to review my physical planner, my weekly review form which captures everything that I did right, everything that could have been better, and any possible solutions to overcome those challenges. I also like to set goals for the next week. I set them for four main categories: my clients, my home, my business, and my relationships.

2. App & Other Computer Integrations:

• Try to find ways to reduce repetitive tasks as much as possible.

• Use apps/programs where you already are. On average, people check their phones 58 times a day. Why not utilize those checks to see tasks and agendas, since you're already there?

I’m a huge advocate for Google Calendar because it's accessible on my phone and laptop and syncs with all my apps and programs. I also use a project management tool. This is where I can list all of the tasks in one area. If you're curious about the difference between calendar management and task management, please see my other blog post “Let Me Turn Your To-Do List into a Ta-Da List.” But essentially, in the project management tool (I use ClickUp), I capture all the tasks I need to work on with subtasks. Ideally, you want to keep everything in one place to review and check off as needed. Unfortunately, life doesn't always add up that way, so having apps that integrate with each other is a great way to stay on top of things. Your Google Calendar can sync up to your Todoist, and keep a running calendar of your scheduled activities while knocking items off of your to-do list, for example. There are so many apps and integrations available in today's market it's actually harder to find things that don't work than do.

3. Task Breakdown and Management:

• Acknowledge that tasks can be masked as projects.

• Break projects/tasks into smaller tasks, and keep going.

• Start with the easiest task to get the ball rolling.

Some things unfortunately sound like tasks but are actual projects. Think back to when you were in school and your home assignment was to write a book review on “Where the Red Fern Grows.” Well, it’s not just a task. First, you have to read the book, write a rough draft, edit the draft one or two times (if you're lucky), and then finally turn in a final draft. There are several subtasks that were needed before you could finally cross that horrid “write a review of Where the Red Fern Grows” off of your to-do list.

The Benefits of Planning Out Your Week

• I am a firm believer in “decision-making fatigue.” This is where you as a person only have so much willpower and cognitive control over making decisions each day before habits take over. For example, planning out meals or meal prepping saves the bad habit of eating out or eating poorly.

• Get more time back. Brian Tracy said, “Every minute you spend in planning saves 10 minutes in execution,” which directly correlates to getting more time back in your week.

• More intentional focus. With a proper plan in place, you are more likely to focus on the task at hand. This includes being more present in the moment when spending time with spouses, children, or pretty much anyone you're dedicating time towards.

Conclusion

Planning your week effectively can transform your productivity and help you accomplish your goals without feeling overwhelmed. By leveraging tools like Google Calendar, ClickUp, and integrating apps that reduce repetitive tasks, you can stay organized and focused. Remember, the key is to find a system that works best for you and stick with it. Start by setting clear goals, breaking tasks into manageable pieces, and using the right tools to streamline your workflow. With a solid plan in place, you'll find yourself more productive, less stressed, and better able to focus on what truly matters in your life.