Laura Vanderkam Sunday Priority Planning

Organize your upcoming week using Laura Vanderkam's weekly planning routine. Group priorities into career, relationships, and self before scheduling them directly onto your calendar.

3 time blocks, 25 minutes in total.

Time blocks

Upcoming Week Calendar Audit: 5 min
Scan existing meetings, appointments, and fixed commitments
Three-Bucket Priority Drafting: 10 min
Write 2 to 3 priorities for career, relationships, and self
Priority Calendar Allocation: 10 min
Block dedicated time on your schedule for each priority item

About this routine

Time management author Laura Vanderkam advocates planning the upcoming week before it begins. By doing this review on Sunday evening, you enter Monday with a clear blueprint rather than reacting to incoming requests. Laura Vanderkam's weekly planning routine centers on a three bucket system that balances work with personal life.

The process begins with an audit of existing calendar commitments, such as meetings, travel, or hard deadlines. You then write out top priorities for the week across three categories: career, relationships, and self. Placing personal and relationship goals alongside work priorities ensures that health, family, and hobbies receive dedicated space.

Finally, assign specific time blocks for these priorities directly on your calendar before open hours get filled by lower priority tasks. This simple 25 minute practice establishes focus and keeps important long term goals moving forward week after week.

Why this routine works

Ensures personal and family goals are scheduled alongside work tasks
Reduces Monday morning decision fatigue by setting clear weekly priorities
Prevents open calendar time from being consumed by reactive requests

FAQ

What is Laura Vanderkam's weekly planning method?

Laura Vanderkam recommends planning the week before it starts by categorizing priorities into three buckets: career, relationships, and self. These items are then scheduled directly onto the calendar.

When is the best time to do weekly planning?

Laura Vanderkam suggests doing weekly planning on Friday afternoon or Sunday evening. Planning before Monday prevents reactive scheduling and sets clear intentions for the week ahead.

How many priorities should you set each week?

Aim for two to three specific items per category, resulting in six to nine main priorities across work, relationships, and personal health or hobbies.

Sources

168 Hours: You Have More Time Than You Think, Laura Vanderkam
What the Most Successful People Do Before Breakfast, Laura Vanderkam
Tranquility by Tuesday: 9 Ways to Calm the Chaos and Make Time for What Matters, Laura Vanderkam

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