Here’s how 30 minutes every Sunday can change the course of your week

It’s the end of the week.

I use this time to plan ahead to ensure I’m going towards the direction that I want.

Since 2020, I’ve dedicated over 190 hours to mastering my weekly planning routine.

Today, I’ll show you how I do weekly planning, so you can do the same.

Find Your Focus Zone

The right location can make all the difference.

For me, it’s Starbucks near our home.

It may sound overrated but let me explain.

Being surrounded by a few people while planning makes me feel like I’m in my own productivity bubble.

There’s something motivating about seeing others chatting while I’m writing on my notebook.

It pushes me to stay sharp and use my time wisely, knowing that every minute counts.

Pick Your Pillars of Success

80% of people think that in order to have a successful week, you have to do more.

In reality, it is about focusing on what matters.

My key pillars? Personal Development, Health, Business, Family, and Career. 

But here's the trick—I don’t tackle everything in one week.

I used to try to improve all key areas at once.

It led to burnout.

Now, I pick 2 key areas to focus on.

Next week, it's hitting 1,600 daily calories and booking 3 business calls. Everything else would be a bonus.

This approach keeps me from feeling overwhelmed and helps me make real progress.

Brain Dump Like a Boss

Here’s what everyone almost lacks at the start of the week: clarity on the big picture.

Brain dumping is getting everything out of your head and onto paper without worrying about how “good“ or “doable“ it is.

It provides a clear view of your thoughts and ideas, allowing you to see the big picture.

Now, who doesn’t want that, right?

And I’ve been using this technique for over a decade. It is my go-to tactic for handling stress and creative blocks.

So what I do is I look at my key pillars, ask myself what should I do next, then write everything down on paper.

Prioritize with Passion

You now have a clear picture of everything that you need to do (thanks to brain dumping).

But, the items on your to-do list is too many!

Well, you have to accept that you can’t do everything.

Focus on what’s going to move the needle the most.

Choose 3 items on your list, and commit to yourself that you’ll get it done.

By hook or by crook.

I used to juggle multiple projects at a time.

It only led to shallow progress.

Oftentimes I experienced saying “That looks cool! Let me try that!“

In the end, nothing gets done.

Now, I dive deep into one project at a time.

Focusing on it for 2-4 weeks.

This strategy allows me to achieve significant results and learn.

If you do this for 1 year, then you’ll complete 12-24 critical life projects.

Now that’s progress!

Schedule or Bust

Here’s the deal: if it’s not on my calendar, it won’t get done.

As someone balancing content creation, a full-time job, and family life, my calendar is my best friend.

It helps me manage everything: from personal goals to professional commitments.

Identify your priority tasks and projects.

Migrate them into your calendar.

Here’s Your Action Item

Start by scheduling 30 minutes this weekend to prepare for your upcoming week.

Find the right environment, brain dump, prioritize, and schedule.

Planning ensures you make each minute count.

If you need any help with planning for your week, feel free to ask here. I’m excited to help you out.

Here’s to your best week (yet),
Vikko

In other, less important news:

• It was my first time tasting dragon fruit last week. It is now my favorite fruit! Low calorie + makes me feel full. Yum!

• What I’m reading: Man’s Search for Meaning by Viktor Frankl

• I’ve reached 2,500 followers on Threads!