Mary Kay Ash is quoted as saying, “Plan your work and work your plan.” When I started my Mary Kay business almost seven years ago, I went through new consultant training on lots of different things but time management was one of the biggies. It was also one of the things that has stuck with me the longest. I constantly struggle with over-commitment or over-zealous expectations on how much I can actually get done. When I reign myself in and sit down to make a plan, I always seem to get a better grasp on what I can actually get done in a given amount of time.

Make a “Brain Dump” List

Plan Your Time

The next step is to use a document that is known in the Mary Kay world as a “Weekly Plan Sheet.” Plan your time according to your priorities. Fill in your spiritual/church time first. Fill in your non-negotiable tasks, like your standing work schedule and extracurricular or volunteer activities. Fill in your family time. Fill in your reoccurring weekly duties which may also be on your “Brain Dump” list. For example, you may grocery shop and meal prep at the same time each week. Then see what tasks you have left on your “Brain Dump” list and plan them in on your weekly plan sheet based on the time you have left and the time it takes to complete each task. It might even help to prioritize that list so you’re checking things off that list that need to get done sooner rather than later.

I also like to color code my “Weekly Plan Sheet.” It is a good visual to see if you’re balancing your time well or if something is lacking in your plan, like family time. Here are the colors that I like to use:

Green = Work
Purple = Church/Spiritual Time
Pink = Personal Time
Blue = Family Time
Orange = Writing Time (You can make this whatever hobby/extra activity that you do.)
Red = Tasks/Errands
Yellow = ???

I’ve got a copy of the “Weekly Plan Sheet” for you here:

Take it and run with it. See how it works for you. I’m going to do the same this week and get back on track with “Creating Winning Days” for myself!

Next, we’ll talk about how to make a plan for housework that breaks it down into bite-sized pieces and doesn’t overwhelm you. Stay tuned!

Show me your Weekly Plan Sheets in the comments below!