44 Ways to Prepare for the Week Ahead for a More Organized Year
Benjamin Franklin famously said, “By failing to prepare, you are preparing to fail.” Planning ahead is something almost everyone can agree is important. When done right, it can help you execute projects, meet goals, and still have time left over to have fun and enjoy life.
Yet, many people ignore the benefits and argue that planning takes too much work. I’m here to tell you: that’s not true. Keep reading for 44 simple ways you can prepare for the week ahead, with minimal time or effort:
Plan your fitness regime for the week. How often will you work out? Where will you go? Schedule this time into your calendar so that it is an appointment, not a task.
Go ahead and pack that gym bag and get it ready with the necessities. Workout at home? Same idea, but pick a place near your exercise area to stash what you need.
Sunday is a great time to prep some healthy snacks for the week. This will help you avoid just grabbing something from the kitchen or fridge when you need to munch.
Double check your calendar for the upcoming week and make notes of deadlines, assignments, appointments, and events. If you have them written down in several places, move them to one central calendar.
Grab your purse, briefcase or work bag and do a purge of any unnecessary items. Do you still need it? Can you file it away? What’s missing that you need to replenish or add?
Pull out your device and check the weather for the week. What’s in store and does it impact anything on your calendar?
Coffee drinker? Great! Set-up a space in your kitchen and make sure that everything is ready to go for Monday morning. Ideally, all you should have to do is push the start button to get going.
Grab your planner or just a sheet of paper and make a list of action items that you need to get done this week. Also, add some tasks you’d like to get done if you have time.
Go ahead and clear out all the unnecessary voicemail messages so you start the week fresh.
Create a music playlist for the week. If you know you like upbeat music or working out or need some focus jams to help with productivity, get those lists ready to go on Sunday.
There’s nearly nothing better than starting out the week after a bit of self-care. Get your nails done, grab a pedicure or see your hairstylist so you go into the week looking (and feeling) great.