Time: 30 Minutes
STEP 1: On Sunday evening or Monday morning, print or make a copy of the Planning the Week Worksheet.
STEP 2: In the first column, “Action Item Description”, list each of your key actions for the week. Under “Due Date”, record the day each item is due. Under “Time Required to Complete”, estimate the number of hours you will need to invest in order to complete each item. Be sure to accurately reflect all of the time you will need. It is critical not to underestimate this part of your plan.
STEP 3: Rank your action items according to their priority for completion.
STEP 4: Total the amount of time for all of your goals at the bottom of the worksheet. Review your calendar for the week and determine if you have the time in your schedule to meet your personal deadlines.
STEP 5: Ask yourself: Based upon everything I know or expect to happen this week can I meet the time requirements of these actions?
If the answer is No, review the worksheet to identify any low priority deliverables. Determine if the due date can be moved to the following week or if something can be completed by someone else (i.e. a spouse, child, friend)
If the answer is Yes, schedule the time necessary on your calendar. Be sure to treat this time with respect, limit interruptions, and commit yourself to working during these blocks of time. Plan to answer voice and email messages after each time block.
Use Solution Template: Planning the Week Worksheet
Planning the Week
Identify each of the items you are responsible for during the week and the amount of time you will need to commit to each one.
