How to Create a Weekly Planning Routine That Actually Works
- Sasha Curin
- Mar 19
- 3 min read
"I'll do it when things calm down a bit."
Sound familiar? I used to tell myself the same thing about planning my week properly. But here's the truth: things rarely "calm down" when you're running a business. Instead, I discovered that creating a solid weekly planning routine was actually the key to making things calmer.
That's exactly why I created the Simple Bullet Journal Weekly Planner (which you can download for free below!) – a straightforward, paper-based system that's helped people take control of their week. No complicated apps, no endless notifications, just clear, intentional planning that works.
Today, I'm walking you through exactly how to set up a weekly planning routine that will increase your productivity and bring some much-needed calm to your busy schedule.
Why You Need a Weekly Planning Routine
Before we get to the how-to, let's talk about why this matters.
A solid weekly planning routine:
Gives you a bird's-eye view of your priorities
Reduces daily decision fatigue
Helps you spot potential conflicts early
Creates boundaries between work and personal time
Makes you more proactive than reactive
Setting Up Your Perfect Planning Routine
1. Choose Your Power Planning Time
The key is consistency. Pick a time when you're mentally fresh and unlikely to be interrupted. For most business owners, this is either:
Sunday evening (to start the week prepared)
Monday morning (to build your momentum and get straight into work)
Personally, I do mine on Sunday evenings with a cup of tea. It helps me sleep better knowing I've got a clear plan for the week ahead.
2. Create Your Planning Environment
Make this a ritual you look forward to:
Find a quiet space
Clear your desk
Gather your planning tools (my Weekly Planner, your favorite pens)
Turn off phone notifications
Maybe add some music or your favorite drink
3. The 30-Minute Planning Process
First 5 Minutes: Review & Reflect
Look at last week's accomplishments
Note any tasks that need to move forward
Review any meeting notes or important emails you've flagged
Next 10 Minutes: Brain Dump & Organise
List everything you need to do this week
Include both work and personal commitments
Use the symbols from our Weekly Planner to categorize items, these are found in the key section at the top of the page.
Following 10 Minutes: Prioritise & Schedule
Mark your non-negotiable commitments first
Assign priorities (★) to your most important tasks
Break down big projects into smaller tasks
Be realistic about what you can achieve
Final 5 Minutes: Review & Adjust
Check for any day with too many tasks
Ensure high-priority items have dedicated time
Add buffer time for unexpected issues
Note any tasks you might need to delegate
Making the Most of Your Weekly Planner
Now that you've got your routine down, here's how to maximise our Weekly Planner PDF:
Daily Implementation
Start each day with a 5-minute review of your weekly plan. Check off completed tasks with a tick(✓). Move tasks that need rescheduling, use this icon (>). Add new tasks as they come up and end each day by reviewing tomorrow's plan.
Pro Tips for Success
Don't over schedule – leave white space for unexpected tasks
Use the priority markers consistently
Keep your planner visible on your desk
Color Coding
Use different coloured pens for different types of tasks
Highlight priorities in a distinct colour
Mark personal vs. business tasks differently
Troubleshooting Common Challenges
"But what if my week never goes as planned?"
That's normal! The goal isn't perfect execution but better preparation. Your planner should be flexible enough to adapt while keeping you focused on what matters most.
"I keep forgetting to plan!"
Set a recurring calendar reminder and treat it like an important meeting with yourself. Because it is.
Ready to Start?
Download my Free Weekly Planner PDF, print it out and start your planning routine this week. Remember, the best system is the one you'll actually use, so feel free to adapt this routine to fit your style and needs.
Want to share how you're using your planner? Tag me in your planning photos on Instagram @contentlyso.co – I'd love to see your system in action!
Blog Written by Sasha Curin
Comments