How to Create a Weekly Planning Routine That Actually Works

"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.

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

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 momentuem 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

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.

• Don't overschedule – leave white space for unexpected tasks
• Use the priority markers consistently
• Keep your planner visible on your desk

Color Coding

• Use different colored pens for different types of tasks
• Highlight priorities in a distinct color
• Mark personal vs. business tasks differently

"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.

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!