Wednesday Wisdom - Take Control of Your Week in 4 Practical Moves (Free Download)

Introduction

Running a business can feel like being pulled in ten directions at once. Emails, meetings, admin, and curveballs pile up fast. Without a clear plan, you end up busy all week but wondering what you actually achieved.

Here’s the upside: you don’t need a fancy system or endless apps. Four straightforward moves are enough to set up your week so you stay focused, cut stress, and actually move the needle.

Step 1: Empty Your Head

Why it matters: Your brain is brilliant for ideas but terrible for storage. Getting everything out clears the fog and gives you perspective.

How to do it:

• Grab whatever works for you: notebook, app, or whiteboard.

• Write down every task, thought, and worry for the week.

• Don’t edit or organise yet—just unload it all.

Step 2: Decide on Your Big 3

Why it matters: Some tasks change the game, others just fill the day. Picking three forces you to focus on what really counts.

How to do it:

• Look back at your list.

• Circle the three items that will make the biggest difference.

• Ask yourself: “If I only nailed these three, would the week still feel like progress?”

Step 3: Lock Them Into Your Calendar

Why it matters: If it’s not scheduled, it’s optional. Blocking time makes your priorities non‑negotiable.

How to do it:

• Open your calendar.

• Assign clear time slots for each of your top three.

• Treat them like meetings with yourself—no cancellations allowed.

Step 4: Work the Rest Around Them

Why it matters: The smaller stuff still needs attention, but it shouldn’t run the show. Protecting your big wins first keeps you out of the “busy but not productive” trap.

How to do it:

• Fit admin, emails, and calls into gaps around your priorities.

• Use low‑energy times for quick tasks.

• Batch similar jobs together to save effort.

Wrap‑Up

Planning your week doesn’t have to be a marathon. In 15 minutes you can set yourself up for focus and progress:

• Empty your head.

• Pick your big 3.

• Block them in.

• Fit the rest around them.

This simple rhythm gives you clarity, reduces overwhelm, and ensures you finish the week with real wins—not just activity.

Weekly Planning Checklist

✅ Spend 5 minutes dumping all tasks, ideas, and worries.

✅ Choose the 3 priorities that matter most.

✅ Block time in your calendar for each.

✅ Fit smaller tasks around those priorities.

✅ Review at week’s end: Did you hit your big 3? What needs tweaking for next time?

👉 Want the printable version of this system? Grab it here—free to download!

FREE Weekly_Planning_Checklist 01092025.pdf

Download PDF • 19KB

Tick check tick tick check, checking the list twice, just like Santa

Disclaimer

Whilst every precaution has been taken to ensure this information is accurate, Stuart Ashley takes no responsibility for any errors contained within. Please conduct your own research before making business or financial decisions.