How to Plan Your Week in 20 Minutes
The short answer
Once a week, sit down with your calendar. Write in the things that happen at set times, then list everything else you need to get done. Rank that list, give the top tasks a time slot, and leave open space for the week’s surprises. [1][2] Twenty minutes is a good target. The steps below are sized to fit.
Before you start
Pick one time each week, such as Sunday evening or Monday morning, and use the same place to plan every time: a paper planner, a notebook or a calendar app. Have last week’s plan nearby so you can carry over anything unfinished.
Step 1: Write in fixed plans (5 minutes)
Start with anything that happens at a set time: work shifts, classes, appointments, meetings, practices and social plans. [2] Then add the things you need for your own well-being, like meals, sleep and exercise. [3]
Step 2: Brain-dump the week’s tasks (5 minutes)
On a separate page, list everything you need to do this week. [1] Include flexible tasks that still need to happen, like laundry, errands or reading. [2] Don’t sort yet. Just get it all down.
Step 3: Pick your priorities (4 minutes)
Mark each task by how much it matters. One simple way is the ABC method: [3]
- A: very important, or due soon
- B: important, but not as urgent
- C: low stakes if it waits
When choosing, think about what’s due first, what’s hardest and what moves your goals forward. [2]
Step 4: Block time for the top tasks (4 minutes)
Give each A task a specific time slot. If a task is big, break it into smaller pieces. [1]
- Overestimate time. Be realistic about how much you can do, and assume tasks will take longer than you expect. [1]
- Match tasks to your energy. Put harder work at the times of day you’re sharpest. [1]
- Leave open space. Stanford’s guide suggests leaving blank time so you can shift tasks when something comes up. [1] Memorial University suggests setting aside a few “flex” hours each week. [2]
Step 5: Check the plan (2 minutes)
Read the week through once. If a day looks packed, move a B or C task to a lighter day. Treat the plan as something you can change. If something gets in the way, move things around. [1]
Use your daily and monthly pages too
- Monthly: keep big dates (birthdays, bills, school events) on a monthly view, and copy that week’s dates into your weekly plan each time you sit down. [2]
- Daily: each morning, look at today’s blocks and make a short to-do list for the day.
At the end of the week, notice when you got the most done and what took longer than planned. [2] Use that the next time you plan.
Plan on paper
If you like to plan by hand, the Undated Weekly Planner is in our shop. For more detail each day, there’s the Undated Daily Planner, and for the big picture, the Undated Monthly Planner.
Make it easier
Want it on paper? Use the Undated Weekly Planner to keep track as you go.
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