Planning doesn’t have to be one-size-fits-all. Some days you might feel like mapping out every detail, while on others, going with the flow might suit you better (and that’s perfectly okay) This isn’t about sticking rigidly to one method. It’s about finding a planning style (or a mix of styles) that fits the way you work best.
Different areas of your business might call for different approaches, and sometimes, a little unplanning can be just as productive as a detailed roadmap.
In this post, we’re diving into a variety of planning techniques. Some are structured, some are flexible, and some are wonderfully in-between. This is my favourite way to plan. I need different methods for different things and for different times of the year too
Whether you’re a paper planner enthusiast, a digital devotee, or a fan of keeping things loose, there’s something here for everyone. Let’s explore these creative and effective methods to help you navigate your business with a sense of ease, confidence, and maybe even a little fun. Yay!
1. Planner and Paper
There’s something undeniably grounding and satisfying about putting pen to paper. Traditional planners offer a tactile experience that digital tools just can't quite replicate.
From jotting down notes to doodling creative ideas or physically checking off tasks, it’s a process that feels personal, intentional, and satisfying. For many, the act of writing helps solidify thoughts and ideas, making it easier to focus and remember what’s important.
Plus, there’s a certain charm in flipping through the pages of a well-loved planner, seeing your progress unfold over time. It’s like a visual diary of your business journey and it’s so fun to flip back through at the end of each year to reflect on what you got up to and how the things you got done during certain periods worked out for you and whether those periods of time are suited to those sorts of tasks, events or activities. (Like launching a new offer or for example).
Planner and paper enthusiasts often find that this method encourages mindfulness and reduces digital fatigue. It’s a chance to step away from screens and reconnect with your goals in a more present way. Whether you prefer a simple bullet journal, a structured planner, or a notebook filled with colourful stickers and washi tape, the beauty of this approach is that it’s completely customisable to your style.
You can use it for brainstorming, goal setting, daily to-do lists, or even as a creative outlet. And let’s not forget the joy of physically crossing something off your list.
2. Precise Annual Goal Setting
Annual goal setting is all about the big picture. It’s the perfect opportunity to step back, dream big, and envision the year ahead. By defining clear, actionable goals, you can create a roadmap that guides your business decisions. This method requires a bit of introspection and strategic thinking, but the payoff is a focused and purposeful year.
It’s not just about listing out what you’d like to achieve. It’s about defining clear, actionable goals that align with your vision for your business. This process gives you the chance to reflect on where you are now, where you want to go, and what steps will help you get there.
What makes this method so powerful is its ability to provide clarity and purpose. It forces you to pause, think strategically, and prioritise what truly matters.
3. Quarterly Planning
Breaking the year into quarters is like taking a giant, overwhelming puzzle and dividing it into four manageable pieces. Instead of trying to tackle everything at once, quarterly planning allows you to focus on smaller, short-term goals that align with your bigger annual objectives. This approach gives you the clarity of knowing what’s most important right now, without losing sight of the bigger picture. It’s perfect for business owners who want to stay productive while keeping things flexible enough to adapt to changes along the way.
One of the best parts of quarterly planning is how it creates natural checkpoints throughout the year. At the start of each quarter, you can set specific goals, map out your priorities, and outline the steps needed to achieve them. Then, at the end of the quarter, you can reflect on what worked, what didn’t, and what needs to shift.
This built-in review process makes it easy to pivot when necessary, ensuring you’re always moving in the right direction, even if that direction changes. Whether you’re launching a product, refining your systems, or focusing on personal growth, quarterly planning is a flexible and practical way to stay on track without feeling overwhelmed.
4. Six-Week Sprints
Perfect for those who thrive on momentum and quick wins, 6-week sprints are all about short bursts of focused effort. This planning method is all about short, intense bursts of focused effort where you tackle a few key projects with laser-like precision.
This method is especially handy during school term-time or in the run up to holidays or busy seasons. By concentrating on a few key projects, you can achieve significant progress without the burnout.
By dedicating six weeks to a handful of priorities, you can make meaningful progress without spreading yourself too thin. It’s a method that keeps you motivated, allows for flexibility, and avoids the overwhelm of juggling too many tasks at once.
5. Loose Planning
Sometimes, a little spontaneity can go a long way. Loose planning offers the freedom to adapt and evolve as you go. It's ideal for creative entrepreneurs who prefer to follow their instincts and seize opportunities as they arise. With this approach, flexibility is your best friend.
Instead of rigid schedules or overly detailed plans, loose planning allows you to respond to opportunities as they arise, pivot when needed, and follow your natural flow. It’s not about abandoning structure entirely. It’s basically about giving yourself permission to let go of perfection and trust your intuition. I tried this for an entire year when I was burned out from trying to do it all.
This style of planning works particularly well in areas where creativity and adaptability are key, like brainstorming new ideas, experimenting with marketing strategies, or tackling passion projects. You can still set broad goals or intentions, but the specifics can unfold organically.
6. Word of the Year
Choosing a word of the year is a powerful way to set an overarching theme for your business. It acts as a guiding star, helping you stay aligned with your values and intentions.
Your word of the year can be anything that resonates with you and the season of life or business you’re in. It might reflect a goal you’re working toward, a feeling you want to cultivate, or a mindset you want to embrace. Words like "growth," "balance," or "innovation" are popular choices, but the beauty of this practice is that it’s deeply personal.
For me, this has been a yearly ritual since 2014, and it’s become a cornerstone of how I approach both my business and life. Each year, my chosen word helps me stay focused on my bigger vision, even when the day-to-day feels overwhelming. It’s not about perfection. it’s about having a touchstone that reminds you of what truly matters.
If you’re curious about how to choose your word or want some inspiration to get started, I’ve written an entire blog post to guide you through the process. Check it out here for tips, examples, and a step-by-step approach to finding your word.
Once you’ve chosen your word, consider how you can weave it into your planning. Maybe it’s the theme for your vision board, a word you write at the top of your planner each week, or something you reflect on when making big decisions. However you use it, your word of the year can be a powerful tool to keep you inspired and intentional all year long.
Click here to read Choosing Your Word of the Year: A Guide to Setting Intentions
7. Sticky Note Planning
For the visual thinkers among us, Sticky Note planning is a fun way to plan and physically ‘tick’ things off your list.
This method involves using sticky notes to map out ideas, tasks, and goals. It's a dynamic and adaptable way to organise your thoughts, allowing you to rearrange and prioritise with ease. Plus, there's something incredibly satisfying about moving a completed task from "to-do" to "done" or into the bin if you don’t want to document the completed tasks.
Another fun idea is to use a paper spike to put all of your completed tasks on and see how long it takes you to fill one up. Hey, gamification.
You could colour coordinate your sticky notes or use different pin boards to organise them. This is my go-to for big goals. I have 3 square boards in my office for this. Each one represents a different area of business.
You can categorise your tasks in so many different ways with this method. Here are a few ideas:
• Priority Levels: Organise tasks by importance, from urgent to low-priority.
• Project Phases: Break projects into stages like brainstorming, in progress, and completed.
• Time-Based Categories: Plan tasks for today, this week, or this month for better time management.
• Business Areas: Group tasks by areas like marketing, operations, or client work.
• Goals and Objectives: Separate short-term, long-term, and stretch goals to stay focused.
• Task Type: Categorise tasks as quick wins, deep work, or follow-ups to match your energy.
• Energy Levels: Match tasks to your energy, tackling high-focus work or easier tasks as needed.
• Content Planning: Map out content ideas, drafts, and ready-to-publish pieces visually.
• Personal vs. Business: Balance business tasks with personal obligations and self-care.
• Revenue-Generating vs. Maintenance: Separate income-driving tasks from maintenance work.
• Experimentation and Testing: Track new ideas, ongoing tests, and insights from results.
• Collaboration: Plan tasks for teamwork, shared goals, or items you’re waiting on from others.
Using Apps to Bring Your Planning Style to Life
While this post has explored various planning methods, it’s worth mentioning that many of these techniques can be adapted to apps and digital tools too. Whether you’re a fan of pen and paper or prefer to keep things online, there’s an app out there to suit your planning style.
For structured planners, apps like Trello or Asana are great for mapping out projects, setting deadlines, tracking progress and working with a team.
If you’re into brainstorming or visual planning, Miro or Notion can help you create flexible, collaborative spaces for your ideas.
Tools like Google Calendar or ProperPlan* can be used for time-based planning, including 6-week sprints or quarterly goals. Even sticky note enthusiasts can go digital with apps like Milanote, which lets you move ideas around visually, just like a physical board.
The beauty of planning apps is their versatility. You can combine different methods in one place. For example, you could use a digital planner for your annual goals, a collaborative board for team tasks, and a calendar app for day-to-day scheduling. Whether you’re a tech lover or just looking to streamline your systems, apps can offer a convenient, portable way to stay organised and on track.
----------------
There's no universal approach to planning, and that's the beauty of it. By experimenting with different methods, you can discover what works best for you and your business. Whether you're a meticulous planner or a free spirit, embracing the power of planning can lead to a more organised, productive, and fulfilling business journey.
So, which planning style resonates with you? Are you ready to try something new or do you want to stick with a tried-and-true method? Let us know in the comments below!
