How I Prepare for the Week to Set Myself Up for Success
Every week, I make a point to set myself up for success with three major steps: clearing up the mess from the previous week, reviewing my upcoming schedule, and then planning accordingly. It’s a process that helps me feel grounded and ready to tackle whatever the week throws at me.
Step 1: Cleaning Up the Mess
Cleaning up my mess involves multiple layers—both physical and mental. First, I literally clean up my house. This includes doing laundry, putting things back in their places, and getting rid of the clutter that tends to accumulate throughout the week. With two working adults who regularly exercise and two busy school-aged girls who dance five days a week, the laundry alone can pile up quickly. There are also all the random things that don’t get put away properly because, by the end of the day, the priority is simply getting everyone to bed. And in the morning, the focus is on getting out of the house. The result? A messy house by week’s end.
Another part of my cleanup involves my email inbox. While I do a decent job of staying on top of professional emails, my personal inbox is another story. By the end of the week, it’s not unusual for it to be hovering around 1,000 unread emails—filled with school updates, activity reminders, sale flyers, and donation requests from professional organizations. I take some time to go through those emails, deleting, archiving, and responding as necessary so I can start the new week with a cleaner slate.
A third piece of cleaning up my mess is tackling whatever small area of clutter has been annoying me all week. Whether it’s a pile of boxes that have been sitting untouched or a corner of the kitchen that’s become a catch-all for miscellaneous items, I take 10-15 minutes to tidy up something that’s been bothering me. That small effort makes a big difference in how I feel moving into the new week.
Finally, I address my mental mess. I reflect on moments during the previous week where I may have reacted poorly or set unrealistic expectations for myself. Did I overcommit? Did I let something small get under my skin? More importantly, I reflect on what went well. What am I proud of, and how can I build on those positive actions and choices? Taking a few moments to reflect on these questions helps me approach similar situations with more clarity and confidence in the upcoming week.
I also make sure to carve out time for recovery. Rest and recovery are crucial to my ability to start each week fresh and energized. It’s easy to overlook, but giving myself permission to rest helps me hit the reset button.
Step 2: Planning for the Upcoming Week
Once the mess from the previous week is under control, I shift my focus to planning the upcoming week. This starts with reviewing schedules, not just for me but for the entire family. My husband and I sit down together to discuss any big events in our work or personal calendars. We also review what’s going on for our daughters—whether they have performances, school events, or extracurricular activities.
After we’ve aligned our calendars, my husband sends a text to our nanny to ensure she’s on board with any necessary changes, especially if one of us is traveling. We also make sure to share the week’s plans with our daughters. Giving them a heads-up about what’s coming up, especially when there are changes in routine, helps everyone feel more prepared and reduces last-minute stress.
In addition to family planning, I take a closer look at my work calendar. I check for meetings, deadlines, and important events, and I block out time for commuting and workouts. This planning helps ensure that I not only get my work done but also take time for my own health and well-being.
Step 3: Scheduling Based on Priorities
With a clear understanding of the week ahead, I begin to schedule the various tasks and priorities into my calendar. I make sure there’s room for self-care, like workouts or a quick meditation session, alongside the daily grind of work and family obligations. By setting realistic goals and carving out time for what’s important, I feel more in control and less reactive to whatever surprises the week may bring.
I have also learned to expect the chaos of the unexpected. At the beginning of the week - I identify things that are things I would love to accomplish during the week - but would be okay if they get pushed. This gives me space
When possible - I also look for time for me to have intentional me time and time to catch up with friends or have dedicated time with one of my girls and husband. of course these activities might occur the next weekend, but when I can look forward to some of those activities it helps with positivity during the week.
By tackling the previous week’s mess and preparing in advance, I find I can start my week with a clean slate and a sense of purpose. These three steps help me approach each week with intention, balance, and—most importantly—confidence that I’ve set myself up for success.
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