How to Plan Your Month in 20 Minutes
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Hi Friends,
Have you ever noticed the things that make our lives easier in the long run oftentimes feel difficult in the moment?
→ Lifting weights burns but builds strength for the long haul.
→ Veggies aren't as delicious as ice cream but fuel us for a better day.
→ Planning for the future isn't as fun as living in the moment but saves us from future stress.
Today, I spent 20 minutes planning my month. It wasn’t fun—I’d much rather have watched surf edits on YouTube.
But, this monthly planning ritual makes me less stressed, less forgetful, and more productive.
I've realized that 20 minutes of focus results in a month of feeling organized.
However, I wasn’t always like this...let's dive in. 🤿
Why Does Planning Your Month Matter?
I used to wing it, living life week by week. It left me in a constant state of anxiousness. It felt like there was so much to do and not enough time. And, worst of all, I forgot stuff...a lot.
Another late credit card fee… The sinking guilt of wasting money I didn’t have.
Her birthday is tomorrow?! The panic and shame of realizing I’d forgotten plus the scramble to find a last-minute gift.
How am I going to get all of this done? My chest tightens and thoughts spin as I stare at an endless to-do list.
I was living in crisis mode and on the verge of burnout. I resented myself for not being on top of things.
But, as I learned how my neurodivergent brain works, I developed a system to plan my months.
Now, I offload appointments, plans, birthdays, and bills from my working memory and get a clear picture of my month. It makes my life so much easier.
Do I love doing it in the moment? Nope. I have to force myself every time. But afterward, and throughout the month, I’m constantly thanking myself for taking that 20 minutes.
What Are The Benefits of Monthly Planning?
When I plan my month, a few things happen:
I rarely miss appointments.
My bills are paid on time.
I remember birthdays and buy thoughtful gifts in advance.
I know when I’m busy and can intentionally block off downtime for my introverted self.
Without planning, I’d be drowning in missed deadlines, last-minute scrambles, and too many overbooked weekends.
Want to learn more about executive function coaching for adults?
We know planning your month isn't easy. That's what executive function coaching is for!
Schedule your no-cost inquiry meeting today. 👇
Why Most People Don’t Plan Their Month
I get it—monthly planning isn’t fun. It feels boring and overwhelming.
It's boring
For those of us with ADHD, our interest-based nervous systems may not find planning exciting. And, because one of the emotions that cause procrastination is boredom, instead of getting started, we procrastinate.
It takes executive function (a lot)
Planning isn't as easy as it sounds. Before we map out the month, we need to manage our time and NOT procrastinate.
Then, while planning, we need to use more executive functions. Working memory, organization, and sustained attention come into play.
Not so easy, right? This is especially true for neurodivergent adults who may have weaker executive function skills.
People don't have a process to follow
And, most importantly, many people don’t have a clear, simple process to follow. Without a clear starting point or steps, it's no wonder monthly planning feels overwhelming.
Today, we are changing that. In 5 steps that take 20 minutes, you can intentionally plan the entire month.
How to Plan Your Month (5 Steps)
Here’s how to plan your month with intention:
I. Start with Timebound Events
Open Google Calendar or your paper planner and add appointments, events, birthdays, and deadlines (like bills). These go first because they’re non-negotiable.
Then, set reminders for each.
II. Brainstorm Your To-Dos
Write down everything you’d like to accomplish this month—big or small. Don’t filter yourself yet. Just get it all out.
III. Break It Down
On the same list, break down your to-dos into smaller steps. Often, our to-do list is full of projects that have multiple steps.
IV. Get Realistic
Review your list and select the to-dos that truly matter. Make sure they align with your values. Delete or delegate the remaining tasks.
V. Add Personal Deadlines
Look at your calendar and pencil in deadlines for each to-do. Be realistic about your time, especially during busier weeks. If you’re using Google Calendar, add each to-do as a task with a reminder.
Summary
Planning your month isn’t the most fun, but it’s powerful. It offloads your working memory, helps you stay organized, and gives you space to live with intention.
Here’s how I do it:
Add all time bound events, deadlines, and reminders to the calendar
Brainstorm a list of to-dos
Break down bigger to-dos into smaller, actionable steps
Choose the to-dos that can be realistically accomplished this month
Schedule personal deadlines for each to-do based on my availability
Your future self is going to love you for this. ✌️
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About the Author
Eric Kaufmann is a Professional Educational Therapist and Certified Executive Function Coach. He is the Co-founder of UpSkill Specialists, an online adult executive function coaching company that guides adults in overcoming disorganization, procrastination, and productivity roadblocks so they can unlock their potential. He is also the founder of Elevate Learning Solutions, an Educational Therapy practice located in San Clemente, CA, that supports neurodivergent students in becoming independent and confident.