Last Sunday as I wrote my plans for the week ahead I wondered how many people do this. I don’t do it every Sunday and when I don’t, my week is not productive at all, I feel as though I am wondering about aimlessly productivity-wise. Conversely, when I plan I’m so much more focused that I can just let emails pile up as I try to meet personal deadlines before close of business on Friday. I used to plan work during the weekend but I don’t tend to anymore. So, I sat down and thought about why I like planning on Sundays. Mental Preparation As with most people, my productive/working week starts on Monday. If I make plans on Sunday it means that I am ready to go by the time Monday starts. For me, it doesn’t work to do this planning on any other day because it makes Mondays feel like they’ve started on the wrong path. Reviewing The Week The planning process doesn’t take much time, perhaps 20 minutes, but it also allows me to review what didn’t work or happen the week before. Most people don’t finish everything they tasked themselves to do because, by nature, we all think things take less time than they actually do. It’s Saturday morning as I write this and when I woke up at 4 a.m. I planned to write, post and schedule emails for three blogs. I’m only on my second blog and the third will not happen. This is what happens, it’s life. It’s okay though, because it’s Saturday, and I don’t work on Saturdays but my body clock forgot that so here we are, essentially in “bonus time”, doing some extra work. Creating Focus & Clarity Unlike New Years’ Resolutions weekly reviews tend to be more specific and generally much more achievable. Having a focus for the week gives each day a sense of direction it doesn’t have when you just wake up and start making things up as you go along. Taking Time To Think Normally, when the week starts we go into autopilot and don’t pause to think even when we know we need to. Sundays are a good time to have this very necessary pause so that we don’t go into overdrive doing things week-in week-out that are not working. Sundays are an opportunity to change tack, to refocus, to energize. My big question to you is: do you sit down and plan your week? How do you plan? How could you plan better? Have a business or life question you want me to answer? Please email it to me with the subject “Question”. Note that all such questions will be answered as a blog post and will be sent to my full email list. Want to start a business? Check out The Money Spot Program.
9 Comments
Sandra
31/7/2016 11:42:07 pm
It's always pleasure reading your blog Heather. I usually plan my week when I think/feel that I'm off balance or unmotivated. My main problem is that I don't always specify which day(s) each task should be accomplished. I sometimes find myself rushing to get things done towards the end of the week. Somethings might not even be done from week to week.
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Heather Katsonga-Woodward
1/8/2016 04:49:50 am
That is actually a common problem and my solution will appear next week!
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Fiona
2/8/2016 12:01:09 pm
Heather it's so lovely to have you back, motivating us as you do. Planning so crucial, my unfortunate situation is i work fulltime in a CRAZY environment, and to try and make an action plan for my side business is almost impossible. It pains me that my own dreams lag behind whilst working for someone. Sigh....
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Heather
23/8/2016 06:44:33 am
Hey Fiona,
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Claire
2/8/2016 02:25:04 pm
Thank you for insight regarding being organised and focused.
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Sandy
2/8/2016 05:20:29 pm
This makes so much sense. It's like writing with an outline. It's easier. I'm going to be more proactive about this. Thank you.
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Heather
23/8/2016 06:45:59 am
I'm rooting for you at the sidelines!
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Mary
2/8/2016 08:23:52 pm
Hi Ms. Heather you are doing a great job. I enjoy your websites from natural hair products, purchasing homes, You are so knowledgeable I am leaning something each time I read items on your website. And thanks for answering all my questions.
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Heather
23/8/2016 06:45:24 am
Thanks for the encouragement Mary! H xx
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Heather on WealthI enjoy helping people think through their personal finances and blog about that here. Join my personal finance community at The Money Spot™. Categories
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