How I Get the Most Out of Every Week

3 min read3 days ago

Some weeks fly by, and I feel like I’ve accomplished a ton. Other weeks? Well, they seem to slip through my fingers, leaving me wondering where the time went. Over the years, I’ve refined a system that helps me stay intentional with my time while leaving room for flexibility — because, let’s be honest, life happens.

One of the biggest game-changers for me has been starting my week with a big-picture view. It’s easy to get lost in daily to-dos, but when I take the time to plan my week ahead of time, I set myself up for success. Here’s how I do it (using my favorite digital planner, of course)…

1. Laying the Foundation with an “Ideal Week”

I like to start by mapping out my Ideal Week — not just a random schedule but a visual guide for how I want my time to be spent. This isn’t about rigidly locking in every moment, but more about creating a framework for balance.

I use a one-page spread that allows me to block out my time for key priorities. Mornings are when I’m at my sharpest, so I dedicate that time to deep work. Afternoons tend to be better for meetings, creative tasks, or catching up. Evenings? That’s when I disconnect and focus on personal time.

The beauty of this approach is that it gives me a reference point. When I sit down to plan my week, I can compare what’s coming up with what I intended my time to look like. If something isn’t aligning, I make adjustments.

2. Connecting the Big Picture to the Daily Details

Once I have my weekly structure in place, I break it down further. A good week isn’t just about appointments and tasks — it’s about creating space for the things that truly matter.

I carve out time for:

Work priorities — What’s my top focus this week?
Personal growth — Reading, learning, or creative projects.
Health & wellness — Exercise, meal planning, and sleep.
Relationships — Scheduling time with family and friends.
Habits & routines — Small things that keep me grounded.

I also build in buffer time because life isn’t predictable, and having that flexibility means I don’t spiral when things don’t go according to plan.

3. Morning & Evening Routines: Bookends for Success

If my week is the roadmap, then my morning and evening routines are like the signposts that keep me on track.

Mornings set the tone. I try to start my day with intention — whether that means reviewing my plan, journaling, or getting in some exercise. When I rush into my day without a plan, I feel scattered.
Evenings help me reset. Before I wrap up, I do a quick review: What went well today? What needs to shift tomorrow? A five-minute reflection helps me feel in control instead of constantly playing catch-up.

4. Reviewing & Adjusting

At the end of the week, I do a quick check-in:

What worked well?
What didn’t?
What adjustments do I need to make for next week?

This is where the 12-week year mindset comes into play. Instead of waiting until the end of the year to evaluate progress, I treat every week like a small step toward bigger goals.

Bottom Line

Maximizing my week isn’t about being busy — it’s about being intentional. Having a structured approach helps me feel more in control, but the key is flexibility. Some weeks go exactly as planned; others require adapting on the fly. Either way, having a solid weekly planning system keeps me moving forward without feeling overwhelmed.

If you’re looking for a way to better map out your week, consider starting with an Ideal Week layout. Whether it’s in a planner, a notebook, or a digital tool, having a visual guide can make all the difference. I use this one.

How do you approach your weekly planning? Let me know in the comments!