WEEKLY PLAN DETAILED INSTRUCTIONS
Welcome to the Weekly Instructions series, designed to provide you with clear and concise guidance for the week ahead. Whether you’re navigating work projects, personal goals, or simply seeking to optimize your routines, these instructions are tailored to help you stay organized and productive.
Weekly Plan Instructions
Key Steps to Build Your Weekly Plan
PREWORK: Set Up for Success
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Review your 90 Day Calendar updating any key activities and dates.
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Review the 90 Day Plan and Monthly Plan looking for priorities and identifying the Must-Do tasks – review the Must Should Could tool for more information.
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If you are using a digital Task Management System – scan your digital tasks to ensure that you add them into the process.
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Check your electronic diary for important appointments, meetings and events. Add these to the weekly plan.
Step 1: Define the Planning Period
Start by clearly outlining the time frame you’ll be focusing on. Use either a “Week Commencing” or “Week Ending” protocol.
Note: The first and last week of the month may start or finish on an “odd” day. We have allowed for 5 weeks in every month just to cater for this.
Step 2: Define your Intention for the Week
Give your week a purpose. Consider what you want to achieve and the atmosphere you’d like to create. Setting intentions helps set a positive direction, making each task more meaningful and aligned with your overall goals.
Step 3: Map your Key Deliverables for the week
What must you deliver this week? Highlight the most important deliverables from your role and/or team this week.
Step 4: Add Your Big Rocks
Copy your Big Rocks from the 90 Day and/or Monthly Plans. No need to modify them for the weekly plans. This ensures continuity across the quarter.
Step 5: Define Your “Must-Do” Priorities for the Week
Pinpoint your must-do tasks within each Big Rock. Start with the essentials to maintain focus and build momentum. By addressing key priorities first, you establish a clear pathway towards achieving your goals, ensuring that crucial responsibilities receive the attention they deserve.
Step 6: Define Your “Should-Do” Tasks
Acknowledge the tasks that contribute to your goals but aren’t as urgent or “Must-Do”. Allocate Should-Do’s to each Big Rock, as required. These ‘should do’ tasks add value and complement your key priorities. Striking a balance between must-do and should-do tasks ensures a comprehensive approach to your weekly productivity.
Step 7: Define Your “Could-Do” Tasks
Finally, explore additional tasks that have potential benefits. While not essential, ‘could do’ tasks provide room for growth and creativity. Embrace opportunities beyond your immediate priorities, allowing flexibility in your schedule for unexpected opportunities or innovative ideas.
Step 8: Stop, Prop, and Reflect on this Plan
Pause to reflect on your progress. Stop and assess what’s working well and what could be improved. Propose adjustments to your approach based on insights gained. Taking notes ensures a continuous learning process, helping you refine your strategies for even greater productivity in the future.
Ask yourself the following questions:
- Is there anything missing? Is there anything I need to change?
- Is it achievable given everything else I have going on? Be realistic.
Will this plan help me achieve my longer term goals? - How will I hold myself accountable to this plan? Buddy, Coach, Peer
Group?
BONUS – Step 9: Weekly Review
At the end of each week take the time to reflect on the week that has been
and complete the Weekly Review template that asks 4 simple questions:
- What went well in the last week?
- What didn’t go so well in the last week?
- What do we need to change for the next week?
- Are there any tasks that we need to rollover to the next week?
