Thoughts are swirling around in your mind about things that need to get done. Things you want to get done. Things that need to get done, just not necessarily this week.
There are errands to run because you’re down to the last roll of toilet paper. The boxes of items to donate have been riding around with you in the back of your vehicle for the past two weeks waiting to be dropped off. You’d like to put together a plan for your family’s meals for the week but are barely organized enough to know what you’re making for dinner today.
That use to be me.
Until I created a system that keeps me in check.
It keeps me focused and I can customize it from week to week. It includes my meal plans for each day of the week as well as my to-do list for any special projects coming up in addition to all of life’s regular occurrences.
My system is simple. Because the last thing I want is more chaos. And I’m pretty sure you wouldn’t mind a little less chaos too.
So I want to share my creation with you. My Firework Philosophy Weekly Productivity Planner.
Before I honed in on my weekly productivity planner, I’d make lists on paper and in the notes app on my phone. I’d add notes to my calendar items and lists in my journal. I would have sticky notes of reminders cluttering my desk and counter space. I would attempt to use a whiteboard only to decide that wouldn’t work either. I’d wonder if I should just break down and buy a planner that promised to have it all when it comes to keeping your life organized and on track.
I didn’t want all the sticky notes and lists. I didn’t want an extra planner to carry around that would probably include sections I wouldn’t use anyway.
I wanted simple and flexible. So I made it myself and now I want to share it with you.
First, a few things about my weekly productivity planner…
IT’S SIMPLE
It’s basically two simple columns. You’ll see…
IT’S CUSTOMIZABLE
I use this planning system to keep track of my errands, special projects (mainly blogging tasks and any upcoming special events like birthdays) and meal plans for the week. That doesn’t mean you have to use it just like that. Make it your own.
Use it to keep track of your errands and meal plan. Or just your errands. Or just your special projects.
It’s also customizable in the sense that you can print copies of the one-page weekly planner and post it on your fridge or stick it inside your journal or post it above your desk. Wherever you’ll see it regularly. That is KEY! This system won’t work if you don’t keep it in a place where you constantly and conveniently have access to it.
You could also do what I do and recreate the simple design in your journal or notebook each week if you don’t have regular access to a printer or just don’t want to carry around an extra piece of paper.
IT’S ACCOUNTABILITY
This planner is an accountability partner. It holds you to the tasks, projects and plans you want to accomplish during the week (which is why it’s so important to keep it with you or in front of you at all times). It reminds you to TAKE ACTION!
I’m sure you don’t feel good about letting a friend down when you commit to doing something for them. So why would you want to have a lack of commitment to yourself? If it’s Thursday and you realize you haven’t checked a single thing off your action planner, get moving! Don’t let yourself down by not getting things accomplished!
IT’S NOT A CALENDAR
I keep my meetings and appointments on my Google Calendar which I always have access to since my phone is usually nearby. The Firework Philosophy system is to keep track of all the others things that must get done in between all of the meetings and birthday parties and sports practices and family gatherings.
IT’S NOT A CATCH-ALL
This system is designed to help you organize your life one week at a time. The fact that it is only one page is intentional. There is a reason there are a limited number of rows. The limited space means you must focus on what MUST get done that week. The design does, however, provide space (the Capture It column) to capture the tasks or chores that come to mind that you know you must do soon but not necessarily that particular week.
Also, I do not use this system at work, although it can certainly be effective for your work. At work, I utilize my Outlook calendar and a simple white board system – but as far as my personal life goes – the errands, meal planning, household tasks and special projects – all of it is organized with my one-page weekly productivity planner that reminders me to take action and get things done!
RELATED: How To Design An Action Map to Achieve Goals
Once you sign up to receive my free Firework Philosophy Weekly Action Planner, you’ll get a version with examples of how I use this design. You’ll also have access to a fillable and/or printable version with rows (if you like structure for your lists and notes) or free space (if you’re a free-spirited note-taker).
This system has simplified so many aspects of my life – organizing errands, projects and meal plans – and my hope is it does the same for you so you can enjoy productive and organized weeks too.
GET THE FREE WEEKLY PRODUCTIVITY PLANNER!
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