Weekend Planning for Success

Weekend Planning for Success

Your weekend is the best time to set yourself up for success in the coming work-week. Planning ahead can improve your life regardless of what is going on. Maybe you have a busy career, family responsibilities, some fitness goals you are trying to achieve, or all 3 plus some more! Following a structured approach to weekend planning, can help you stay organized, focused and ready to jump into the week with confidence.

Step 1: Prioritize your goals

Before getting to your weekend plans, take a minute to think about what your goals are, both personally and professionally. Then dial it back a little, ask yourself, “What can I do this week to get closer to my goals?”. Setting clear goals, that are achievable, for your upcoming week helps you stay intentional and focused. These tasks that you plan for yourself can be for whatever is important to you, think work, exercise, meal prep, spending time with your family, etc. This will give you a roadmap for the week, so instead of the usual mindless routine that is set by your work schedule, you have a direction for your goals.

Step 2: Meal planning and/or prepping

I am a big fan of meal planning and prepping. It has saved my ass so many times. It is so helpful to help you maintain healthy eating habits, especially when you are super busy. Taking some time out of your weekend to plan your meals ahead, and possibly even make them, or part of them, can save you time AND money throughout your week. Keep in mind that you want to have balanced, nutrient-dense options that align with your goals. You can batch prep, or chop your vegetables, or even make seasoning blends for your meals for the week. Anything that helps you stay on track during the week. Then when you hit your slump during the week or someone calls in and you have to work extra, no worries, you are ready and able to stay on track.

Step 3: Set your surroundings up for success

What you surround yourself with is key to being productive and sticking to your goals. Some ways you can do this are organize your workspace, declutter your house, and put your good food choices, like the food you prepped, in the front of your fridge, so it is the first thing you see when you are looking for food. This will help you keep your week smooth! Having a clean, clutter free space, and keeping your good food easily accessible sets you up for a great week, keeping you productive and focused instead of scattered and stressed.

Step 4: Plan out workouts and self-care

It is so hard to find time for yourself when you desperately need it. Planning ahead for some me-time is crucial. Think about what time that workout class is that you have been dying to try and see if you can’t squeeze it in. Then put it in your calendar, this will help you take it more seriously. The next thing for your calendar? Book a massage, or reading, or meditation. It does not have to be a full hour if you cannot come up with that time in your schedule. Start by finding 10 minutes in your schedule, first.

Step 5: Realize shit happens

Planning ahead is important, but so is not letting yourself get too stressed is also important. Unexpected things can and will happen, it’s ok! Have some flexibility, give yourself grace and have some backup plans or contingency options. Workout alternatives if you just can’t make it to that class, or protein snacks in your office if you left your prepped food at home are great examples of this. Remember, if one thing goes wrong, it’s ok, just jump back on the horse!

Weekend planning is all about helping yourself later. Be a friend to your future self and prioritize your goals this coming week!