OMG, The Best FREE Weekly Planner Template Ever!
For the past few months, I have been using the best FREE weekly planner template ever! I have tried using planners in the past – big desk calendars, batch planners, phone schedules, etc. But, I never found one thing that really worked and helped me to stay on task until this one! This is not a blog post planner or marketing planner, it is a weekly to-do list. Download your FREE weekly planner template at the end of the post.
Benefits of Using the FREE Weekly Planner Template
For many, to do lists are the only way they can get things accomplished efficiently. For others, they think to do lists are unnecessary. However, studies have shown that people who write things down, be it in a
The theory behind this is that when you write out exactly what needs to be done, what order they need to be done in and when they need to be finished, it reduces chaos within the brain. It allows you to focus on each task because you don’t have to worry about forgetting an important step.
Much like trying to remember anything else, if you see it, hear it and write it down, it tends to stick with you longer than if you just do one (or none) of these things.
This is SO TRUE FOR ME! If I don’t write it down it doesn’t get done. And gratification of checking something off my list is so satisfying especially as a small business owner.
Not to mention when done properly, to do lists can save you a lot of time and boost your bottom dollar. Again, it’s because you can work faster, more efficiently and therefore generate more sales quicker.
Tips for using the FREE weekly planner template effectively
To do lists don’t work on their own. There are some things you can do to make them even more effective. Take a look…
Prioritize – Life gets in the way at times so chances are you won’t get every task on your to-do lists completed. Make sure you are doing the most important tasks first. These will be the key tasks that make you the most money or get you closer to your goals.
Divide the list – If long lists make you crazy, divide them into time slots, task types or whatever makes sense to you.
How much work can you get done in 3 hours? Make that one section. Which tasks require a quiet environment? Sort those out into their own section.
It doesn’t matter how you make your list, as long as you prioritize the tasks and actively work on each section.
Plan around your most efficient times – Do you do your best work early in the morning? Later in the afternoon? Whatever time you work best, plan to do the most important tasks then.
Reflect on Your Progress with Weekly Planning
Take some time to reflect on your progress with weekly planning.
Evaluate daily, weekly and monthly – Track your progress each day, week and month. Take a day to look back over everything to see what worked, what didn’t, why it didn’t, what you can do differently, what might need to be scrapped and what needs to be added.
Scrap it – If you’ve had something on the bottom of your to do list(s) for more than a couple weeks, chances are it’s not as important as you once thought. Consider removing these items from the list. It will keep you from stressing about not getting them done and you can always move it to a future bucket list.
Quality over Quantity – Don’t confused quantity over quantity. Sure, it might look great that you completed 50 tasks in one day, however, of those tasks are not getting you closer to your goals, then they are really a waste of time. It’s better to complete 3 high-impact tasks that get one closer to your goals than a bunch of insignificant ones.
Outsource – If some of those lower-quality tasks must be completed in order to reach your goal, outsource them to someone else. Just because a task needs to be done, doesn’t mean YOU have to do them. In fact, you should be working towards outsourcing any tasks that don’t need your personal attention. If you find the right assistant(s), chances are, it’ll save you money in the end.
How to Use the FREE Weekly Planner Template
Did I hear you ask “how do I use the free weekly planner template”? That answer is super simple. Just print, pick up a pen and start. It is not complicated. Write down what you plan to accomplish in the morning, afternoon and evening each day. I am not super specific when I write down my tasks.
For example, I might write tasks such as:
- Post to Facebook
- Blogpost for a specific website
- schedule email
- follow up with phone call
This makes it quicker and easier for me. Just writing quickly what I hope to accomplish gets me on track and more productive. It sets a daily schedule for me really which is super helpful.
Bonus – Reflection Questions
Also included with the FREE weekly planner template, are reflection questions for each day. These questions are:
What things went well today?
What things didn’t get finished and why?
When/how will I finish the pending items and stay on track the rest of this week?
I don’t answer these questions on paper each time, but it does prompt me to think about what I can do to make my day more productive.
Download your FREE Weekly Planner Template Here
Sign up to receive the weekly email from
Resources for Planning other Business Tasks
If you are working on planning other business tasks, check out these resources.
Product launches can be so task-heavy and time-consuming. They can make you feel like you have no clue where to start. This Product Launch Workbook walks you step by step through the process to complete an efficient product launch. By completing the workbook pages, you will be learning and launching your product at the same time.
Want to plan the next 90 days? The 90 Day Business Goals Workbook digital download helps you to expand your potential and accomplish your goals. You will learn how to set and follow through on your business goals.
