This routine has felt like unlocking a new achievement in adulting. What does my weekly planning look like? What kinds of things do I think about and what do I focus on? Details and tips for you.
“The first step to recovering from decision fatigue, to get out from under the pile of choices weighing on you, is to get some distance from them. You need some perspective to both clearly identify and corral your choices. We do this by writing them down.” – Ryder Carroll – The Bullet Journal Method[1]
In 2018 I came across Ryder Carroll’s Bullet Journal Method. I got excited about it, bought his book, and immediately went down the YouTube rabbit hole. I had already been making To Do lists in random notebooks for years, but this was a whole new level.
I started with a new journal (because why not?) wrote “My Bullet Journal” across the title page in thick Sharpie. The brown leather cover felt official, and I was excited to feel more prepared for my week ahead. I made a plan. I would pick an hour on Saturday to spend alone with my bullet journal, my lists, and the calendar. I am not super artistic, so I decided to stick with the minimalist layouts. In less than a month. I was thrilled with the results. The time gave me focus and calm.
The mess of spaghetti that used to be my planning and all our upcoming events became ordered.
It felt like unlocking a new achievement in adulting.
That was over 6 years (what feels like a lifetime) ago. Bullet Journaling keeps me on track for my week and helps me keep information out of my head. I can approach my week calmer and react to unexpected situations with speed. I know what I need to do, how much free time I have, and what habits I am working on.
So, what does my weekly planning look like?
What kinds of things do I think about and what do I focus on?
(Here is my process so that you can adjust it for your unique life.)
The Weekly Review – My Practical List:
View my calendar for the next week ahead.
- I update the digital family calendar with anything that has come up that hasn’t been entered yet.
- I write out the basics of my schedule in my Bullet Journal. I refuse to rewrite all the details that I store digitally, but I make a quick reference list that helps me do other kinds of planning.
- I note any extras or unique events that are happening that week.
- I make a task list based on specific things that need to be done for events happening.
- example: Get a tray of cookies from the grocery store on Monday for the PE class party happening on Tuesday. Or return library books on Friday.
Glance over the list of household chores that need to be done.
- The usual weekly chores and kid chores
- Deep cleaning tasks, farm chores, home repair, or decluttering projects (there is always something extra…) I pick one or two to focus on per week.
Update my task lists from previous pages.
- What things did not get checked off?
- What do I need to get done?
- What can I let go of? What seemed important but now I can just skip?
Check the weather for this week.
- This may change how I cook, our outside activities, or outside chores.
Look over my healthy habits, reading list, and self-care ideas.
- What can I do for myself this week to stay healthy and grounded?
- How can I make space for self-care and taking a daily walk?
“Moms need a weekly review just as much as a business executive. We have sports practices, volunteer dates, meals, and so much more we must accomplish in a week. The process of evaluating everything that’s upcoming in a calm manner beforehand helps us meet our commitments with peace and preparedness.” – Mystie Winckler[2]
What My Weekly Review is NOT:
- Setting up my expectations so that everything goes “perfectly”.
Nope! Life happens.
I want to be headed somewhere so I can pivot and adjust my plans instead of start over.
- Getting tasks done.
It is the planning, organizing, thinking, and writing down all the information.
This was hard for me at first. It felt like I was wasting my time when I could be doing all the tasks. Trust me, there is value in planning ahead.
- Solving all the world’s problems.
It is focused. I am not solving world hunger or making my retirement plan.
What is my next right thing to do this week? What should I spend time on tomorrow? How can I prepare for our busy Thursday?
When I take the time to do my Weekly Review I move away from a reactive state. I want to be someone who is thinking about the long-term, planning for what matters to me, and spending time reflecting. I do not want to just live each day as it comes with what is in front of me.
My weekly review has also given me the tools I need to show myself grace. It’s easy to assume that not much has been done or that time has been wasted.
Progress in various areas is often underestimated.
Looking over my lists silences my inner drill sergeant. I get clarity.
It saves me time during the week. I’m no longer stopping what I’m doing to make decisions or rethink what needs to be done. I’m able to notice patterns and nuances when I slow down and do my planning all at once.
I can pivot more easily. I’m able to be more flexible during the week when I know what is expected of me and what my plans are.
My weekly planning also helps me with communication.
Thank you for reading. This post is public so feel free to share it. 😁
This intentional step of planning and reflection has been a game-changer for me. Bullet Journaling and my weekly review practices have shifted and changed over the years, but it is still the anchor of my planning.
Each season of the year is different. Each month has new challenges. I need to have it all planned out in one place for reference and sanity.
Reflection Question: How do you plan for your week ahead?
I would love to hear your planning ideas! Please share in the comments. ⬇️
📖📝💙- April
P.S. – Just for fun, here is a visual quiz post I created about List Making Styles.
Which one are you?
Cover Photo by Julia Kicova on Unsplash
[1] Ryder Carroll. The Bullet Journal Method. (New York, Penguin, 2018) chap. Decluttering Your Mind – Also, check out his YouTube videos! https://www.youtube.com/bulletjournal
[2] Mystie Winckler – She is a practical and compassionate resource for moms with way too many things to do. Her workshops, podcast, and blog materials helped me climb out of burnout. https://simplyconvivial.com/
This quote is from her blog post: https://simplyconvivial.com/2020/stay-organized-with-a-weekly-review/ posted May 5, 2020.