In order to be more organized and productive, one of the best things you can do is create a weekly planning routine. A weekly planning routine is a repeatable process used to manage to-do lists, obligations, and appointments. Weekly planning not only helps you to be more productive, but having a well planned week will reduce stress, help you to maintain healthy habits, and may even save you some time. Creating a weekly planning routine for your home and family is a great way to start off the school year.
As with any organization project, your routine can be as simple or as elaborate as you like (or need). A weekly planning habit allows you to see the direction that your week needs to progress, set priorities, and anticipate what is upcoming. But where do you start?
Start With the Basics
The first basic of a weekly planning routine is picking a time and place to work on your plan. Setting the environment allows you to give planning the proper attention it deserves. Once you establish the when and where you can gather the tools you need. A notebook, pen, and your calendar may be enough to get your started. Add a favorite snack or refreshment…and you have a habit in the making. For example, my planning routine takes place at my desk, on Monday morning, with my planner, calendar, and a hot cup of coffee. Yours may include a comfy chair, on Sunday night, with a glass of wine.
Plan Time for Routine Tasks
Routine tasks are things that are done on a regular basis. These are things that get done once a week or maybe every day. Things like making lunch, a teen that needs to shower each morning, or getting sports equipment together are examples of routine tasks. Routine tasks are often done without much thought or consideration. Therefore, it is easy to underestimate how much time they actually take. By understanding how much time is needed for these tasks you are able to estimate the time needed to perform them.
Tip: Since mornings are usually crazy, consider moving elements of your morning routine to the night before. In the case of an indecisive dresser, setting aside time on the weekend for outfit picking can cut down on some morning angst.
Calendar Management
Having a family calendar system is beneficial on many levels. Whether it is a whiteboard in the kitchen, google calendars for everyone, or a paper calendar, having some type of calendar is almost essential when juggling multiple schedules.
During your planning session fill in as much detail as you can on your calendar. Put the whole family’s schedule in one place. Add to the calendar practices, tutors, tests, and other appointments that come up during the week. By doing this, you are able to see the full picture of what the week is going to hold.
Check out examples of family command centers on my Pinterest Board by clicking here.
Set Priorities and Goals
Use the planning time to set priorities for the week. Encourage the rest of the family to do the same. By understanding each others’ priorities, you are better able to support each other when needed. And don’t underestimate the power of goals, even if they are just simple. One way to help your family with goal setting is by asking question that everyone needs to answer. This will shed light on their goals for the week.
Goal Setting Questions: What are the three things that need to happen this week for you to feel amazing on Friday afternoon?” Or, “what is one thing you are looking forward to this week and why?”
When you implement weekly planning sessions with your family you create a solid communication system. This enables you to move through the week with fewer surprises.
For more tips on Back to School organization, check out this post: Five Helpful Tips for Back-to-school Organization.
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Also read:
Back to School Is Here – Tips for Back-to-School Organization