Own Your Week: Our Guide to Planning With Purpose and Power

“When you show up with a plan, you show up with power.”

That’s the truth we live by here at The Online Women’s Development Network (TOWDN). Because we know that for women balancing careers, families, dreams, and deadlines—a well-planned week isn’t just a productivity hack. It’s a radical act of self-leadership.

Whether you’re leading a team or leading your household, you deserve to move through your week with clarity, confidence, and calm. And it starts with a Sunday moment of intention.

Here’s how to plan your week like the powerhouse woman you are—without the overwhelm.

1. Start With Stillness Before you dive into to-do lists or digital calendars, take a breath. Grab a cup of tea, light a candle, or sit quietly for five minutes. Give yourself permission to slow down.

Ask yourself:
- How do I want to feel this week?
- What’s most important to me right now?
- What do I need more of—and less of?

This isn’t fluff. It’s your foundation.

2. Define Your Non-Negotiables What absolutely must happen this week? Think beyond meetings and deadlines. Your non-negotiables may include:
- A therapy appointment
- Time to work on your business
- Family dinner twice this week
- An evening to rest

Write them down first. These are your sacred commitments.

3. Use the 3-3-3 Rule Feeling stretched in every direction? Try this rule to simplify:
- 3 priority goals: Big wins you want to achieve.
- 3 maintenance tasks: Recurring work, admin, errands.
- 3 moments for joy: A walk, a playlist, brunch with a friend.

Balance matters. This method helps you plan both your impact and your well-being.

4. Block Your Time Like a CEO Your calendar isn’t just a record of appointments—it’s a reflection of your values. Once you’ve set your priorities, block time for them. 

Try:
- Themed days (e.g., “Meeting Mondays,” “Focus Fridays”)
- Time blocking for deep work vs. quick tasks
- Buffer zones between meetings for a breath and a stretch

You deserve space to lead, not just react.

5. Prep Your Environment Clear desk, clear mind. A quick Sunday tidy-up can set the tone for the week. Lay out outfits, plan your meals, and prep your workspace. This small act creates big momentum.

Bonus: Put a sticky note on your laptop or mirror that says:
“This week, I lead with intention.”

6. Anticipate, Don’t Overwhelm Planning ahead is powerful—but over-planning can be a trap. Leave room for the unexpected. If something falls through, don’t default to guilt. You’re not behind—you’re adjusting.

Flexibility is part of the plan.

7. End Each Day With a 5-Minute Reset Before you sleep, take five minutes to:
- Reflect on what went well
- Shift unfinished tasks to tomorrow (without judgment)
- Celebrate one small win

This nightly reset helps you stay grounded and encourages a rhythm of grace—not hustle.

Final Thoughts You don’t need a million tools or a color-coded planner to lead your life with purpose. What you need is a moment—just one quiet, intentional moment each week—to decide who you want to be and how you want to show up.

Planning your week isn’t just about what you do. It’s about how you live.

Free Resource for You:  Feel free to get in touch if you’d like a free Weekly Planning Page to guide your Sunday reflection and power up your priorities for the week. Designed just for TOWDN readers—it can be your new Sunday ritual to elevate your week.