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Do you think you’re killing it in your career just winging it day by day? Nah, that ain’t it. Let me put you on the game – it’s all about that to-do list life. For real, your whole future could depend on your weekly planning
Listen up, my people. You didn’t leave Lagos, Nairobi, or Accra just to be average in the diaspora. You came to excel, to make your family proud, to build that life you’ve been dreaming of.
But let’s be real – life in these foreign streets isn’t a joke. Between juggling that 9-to-5 (or 9-to-9 if we’re being honest), side hustles, and trying to maintain a social life, it’s easy to feel like you’re drowning. 
That’s where the power of the to-do list comes in. Not just any list, mind you, but a strategic, well-planned weekly guide that’ll turn you from a chicken with its head cut off to a lion ruling its pride.
The Science Behind To-Do Lists: Facts, Not Fiction
Let’s break it down with some hard facts. A study published in Forbes found that professionals who used to-do lists were more likely to remember important tasks and deadlines.
But here’s the kicker – it’s not just about writing things down. The real magic happens in your brain. When you create a to-do list, you’re engaging in a process called “cognitive offloading.”
You’re freeing up mental space by transferring tasks from your mind to paper (or digital notes). This allows your brain to focus on execution rather than constant remembering.
For example, instead of waking up every day thinking, “What was that thing I needed to do for work?” you can wake up, check your list, and get straight to business. It’s like having a personal assistant in your pocket, always ready to remind you of what’s next.
Weekly Planning: Your Blueprint for Success
Now, let’s get into the meat of it – weekly planning. This isn’t just about scribbling down tasks; it’s about strategically mapping out your week to maximize productivity and minimize stress. Here’s a step-by-step guide to mastering the art of weekly planning:
1. Sunday Night Strategy Session (60 minutes)
Set aside one hour every Sunday night. Find a quiet space – your bedroom, a café, wherever you can focus. Bring your tools: a planner or notebook, your phone for checking emails and calendars, and maybe a cup of tea to set the mood.
2. Brain Dump (15 minutes)
Write down everything on your mind for the coming week. Everything. For example: “Finish Q3 report, call Mom, buy a birthday gift for Ade, schedule dentist appointment, prepare for a team meeting…”
3. Prioritize Like a Pro (15 minutes)
Use the Eisenhower Matrix.
- Urgent and Important (Do immediately): E.g., “Finish Q3 report due Tuesday.”
- Important but Not Urgent (Schedule it): E.g., “Start research for a new project proposal.”
- Urgent but Not Important (Delegate if possible): E.g., “Reply to non-critical emails.”
- Neither Urgent nor Important (Eliminate): E.g., “Reorganize desk drawer.”
4. Break It Down (15 minutes)
Take big tasks and split them into actionable steps. Instead of “Finish Q3 report,” write:
- Monday: Gather all sales data and create initial graphs (1 hour)
- Tuesday: Write the first draft of the analysis (2 hours)
- Wednesday: Review and revise draft (1 hour)
- Thursday: Create final presentation slides (1.5 hours)
- Friday: Practice presentation and submit (30 minutes)
5. Schedule with Intention (10 minutes)
Assign tasks to specific days and times in your calendar. Block out focus time for important tasks. E.g., “Tuesday 10 AM – 12 PM: Write Q3 report draft. No distractions!” Include buffer time between tasks. Don’t pack your day tighter than a Lagos danfo.
6. Plan for Success (5 minutes)
Add self-care and personal development to your list. Schedule gym time, reading time, or that online course you’ve been meaning to start. Example: “Thursday 7 PM – 8 PM: Watch next module of ‘Advanced Excel for Finance Professionals’ course”
The Hustle Harder Mindset: From Plan to Action
Now that you’ve got your week mapped out like a pro, it’s time to execute. Here’s how to stay on track and crush your goals:
1. Start Each Day Right
Wake up 30 minutes earlier than usual. Use this time to review your daily tasks and set intentions. Example of the morning routine:
- 6:00 AM: Wake up
- 6:05 AM: Quick Stretch
- 6:10 AM: Review today’s to-do list
- 6:20 AM: Visualize completing your main task
- 6:30 AM: Begin your regular morning routine
2. Use the Two-Minute Rule
If a task takes less than two minutes, do it immediately. This prevents small tasks from piling up and becoming overwhelming.
3. Track Your Progress
Use a simple system to mark tasks as they’re completed. This could be as basic as crossing items off or using a digital tool that lets you check boxes. At the end of each day, review what you’ve accomplished. Celebrate your wins, no matter how small.
4. Stay Flexible
Life happens. If something unexpected comes up, don’t panic. Have a system for quickly reprioritizing. Maybe use a coding system: A for must-do, B for should-do, and C for nice-to-do.
5. Weekly Review and Reflect
Every Friday afternoon, spend 30 minutes reviewing your week. Ask yourself:
- What went well?
- What could have been better?
- What did I learn?
- Use these insights to improve next week’s plan.
Conclusion: Your Roadmap to the Top
Listen, the journey from where you are to where you want to be isn’t a straight line. It’s filled with detours, potholes, and sometimes, complete roadblocks. But with the power of the to-do list and strategic weekly planning, you’ve got a GPS guiding you through it all.
Remember, every big win starts with small, consistent steps. That promotion you’re eyeing? It begins with crushing this week’s tasks. That business you dream of starting? It starts with dedicating time each week to learn and plan.
So, here’s your challenge: This Sunday, set aside that one hour. Plan your week like your future depends on it – because it does. Be specific, be realistic, but most importantly, be consistent.
In the words of our people, “Little by little, the bird builds its nest.” Your career success is built the same way – one well-planned week at a time.
READ: What Do Successful People Do Every Day?
In this article, we’ll explore the daily routines and practices that successful people adopt to stay on track, achieve their goals, and maintain balance in their lives.
