How to Plan a Highly Productive Week: The 3-Steps Framework
Real productivity doesn't have to be hard.
Most agency owners know the feeling of their week falling apart.
Monday starts with big plans, but by Wednesday (sometimes earlier), the week has ran away from you.
Meetings, client calls, and unexpected fires eat up your time, and those important tasks get pushed aside. There’s no shortage of productivity hacks out there, but most don’t seem to stick.
After years of trying different methods, I’ve landed on a simple, effective framework that actually works for me every week.
This framework boils down to three key actions:
Set the Goal
Set the Conditions
Set the Standard
Let’s break these down.
(You can also just watch this short video.)
1. Set the Goal
The Problem: Too Many Goals, Not Enough Focus
Most agency owners start the week with an endless to-do list. It feels productive, but it’s actually counterproductive.
The truth is, setting too many goals dilutes your focus and leaves you spread thin. Instead of making real progress on the things that matter, you get stuck in the weeds, reacting to whatever comes up.
The Solution: A Maximum of Three Goals
When you plan your week, choose no more than three primary goals.
These aren’t just random tasks—they should be tied directly to your bigger monthly objectives, which in turn align with your annual targets. Think of this as a cascading framework where each level supports the one above it. This approach ensures that every week you’re building momentum toward your larger vision.
How to Choose Your Goals:
Start by reviewing your monthly objectives. What are the most critical outcomes you need to achieve this month?
Ask yourself, What are the top three things I need to accomplish this week to move closer to that monthly goal?
Be specific and outcome-focused. Instead of setting a vague goal like "work on client projects," aim for something actionable, like "deliver the draft proposal to Client X."
Why This Works:
Clarity Over Chaos: By setting only three primary goals, you give yourself clear priorities and avoid the overwhelm of a long to-do list. You know exactly what needs your attention.
Progress, Not Perfection: It’s easier to make measurable progress when you’re not trying to juggle a dozen tasks. With only three goals, you can dedicate the time and energy needed to complete them well.
Consistency Builds Momentum: By aligning your weekly goals with your monthly and annual targets, you create a chain of success. You’re not just putting out fires; you’re making strategic, consistent moves toward your bigger vision.
Pro Tip: Write these three goals down and keep them visible throughout the week. Whether it’s on a sticky note by your desk or a task management app, having them front and center helps you stay focused.
2. Set the Conditions
The Solution: Prepare the Battlefield
This step is all about clearing the path for success.
In the military, before taking action, we “prep the objective.”
Imagine you’ve been assigned to take a hill where enemy forces might be waiting. You don’t charge in blindly; you start by dropping artillery to soften the target and clear any immediate threats.
Only then do you send in the troops.
You can take the same approach with your weekly plan: eliminate obstacles ahead of time so you can execute smoothly.
Your Action Plan:
Anticipate Potential Roadblocks: Before diving into your tasks, take a moment to scan your calendar and ask yourself, What could prevent me from hitting my goals this week? These could be meetings, unplanned client requests, or personal obligations that might pop up unexpectedly.
Restructure Your Schedule: Once you’ve identified the potential issues, rearrange your schedule to minimize disruptions. This might mean moving or canceling non-essential meetings, blocking out deep work time, or delegating certain tasks to your team. The idea is to preemptively handle distractions before they become problems.
Eliminate Distractions: Be ruthless about clearing the way for your goals. Set boundaries with your team, turn off notifications, and designate specific times for handling email or calls. The less noise you have, the more focused you can be.
Why This Works:
Prevention Over Reaction: Instead of spending your week putting out fires, you’re taking a proactive stance. By preparing in advance, you reduce the chance of getting sidetracked by unexpected issues.
Better Use of Time: Rearranging your schedule ahead of time helps you create blocks of uninterrupted work, allowing you to dive deep and make real progress on your goals.
Lower Stress Levels: Knowing you’ve already mitigated potential problems helps you approach your work with confidence and clarity, rather than constantly feeling behind.
Pro Tip: Aim to be as thorough as possible in this step. Treat your planning like dropping artillery—clear out anything that could get in your way. The goal is to prep your week so well that it feels like you’ve redrawn the map and created a clear path to success.
3. Set the Standard
The Problem: Goals Require More Than a To-Do List—They Require a Mindset Shift
Setting goals and creating a plan is a great start, but achieving them isn’t just about checking off tasks. It’s about adopting the right mindset and being willing to do what it takes.
Many agency owners hit a wall because they underestimate the personal commitment required. It’s not just about what needs to get done; it’s about who you need to become to make it happen.
The Solution: Define Your Standards and Commit to Them
Setting the standard is about identifying the level of effort, discipline, and sacrifices you’re willing to make for the week. It’s the personal contract you make with yourself about the kind of person you need to be to meet your goals.
This isn’t just about motivation; it’s about setting clear expectations for yourself.
What This Looks Like:
Waking Up Earlier: If your goals are ambitious, you may need to extend your productive hours. Decide ahead of time if you’re willing to get up an hour earlier to gain that extra focus time.
Adjusting Your Routine: You might have to skip a longer workout and replace it with a quick, efficient bodyweight session at home. It’s about making smart, temporary sacrifices that help you stay on track.
Cutting Down on Distractions: This could mean reducing social activities, limiting screen time, or saying no to extra commitments that don’t align with your primary goals.
The key is to identify these adjustments before the week starts, rather than reacting in the moment. Make a clear decision about what you’re willing to trade off, and commit to it.
Personal Boundaries: Setting Non-Negotiables
Setting the standard doesn’t mean sacrificing everything. You need to establish your non-negotiables—those parts of your life you won’t compromise, no matter what.
For example, I will never skip my children’s events, even if it means adjusting my work schedule elsewhere. This helps me honor my values while progressing toward my goals.
Why This Works:
Clarity of Commitment: When you decide ahead of time what sacrifices you’re willing to make, you eliminate the mental tug-of-war during the week. You know what needs to be done and the price you’re willing to pay.
Consistency Beats Motivation: It’s not about waking up every day feeling inspired; it’s about having a clear standard for yourself that guides your actions even when motivation wanes.
Balance and Sustainability: By setting clear boundaries, you avoid burnout. You know where you can bend and where you must stand firm, which makes it easier to maintain your performance over the long term.
Pro Tip: Write down your standards for the week, just like you do with your goals. Make a note of any sacrifices you’re willing to make and the non-negotiables you won’t compromise on. This simple exercise creates a mental shift and reinforces your commitment to success.
Create Your Best Week Yet
If you want a productive week, you need a plan that goes beyond a typical to-do list.
Start by setting a maximum of three clear, outcome-focused goals to streamline your efforts. Prepare the conditions by removing obstacles and distractions ahead of time. Finally, set a personal standard for the week, including the sacrifices you’re willing to make and the boundaries you won’t cross.
This simple 3-step framework helps you stay focused, consistent, and aligned with your bigger vision. Try it next week, and watch how much more you accomplish with less stress and chaos.