Planning for time is the first step towards clarity, control, and confidence in business. This article outlines why it matters and how to do it well.
“Prior Planning Prevents Poor Performance” — that classic 5P rule is gold for small business owners. While it’s tempting to skip the planning stage and dive straight into tasks, that habit often leads to chaos, missed opportunities, and burnout. Good planning doesn’t just organise your time—it sharpens your focus, reduces stress, and drives results.
Why Planning for Time Matters
“A goal without a plan is just a wish.” — Antoine de Saint-Exupéry
Clearer Vision, Better Results
When you carve out time to plan, you’re giving your goals direction. Without planning, even your best ideas can get lost in daily busyness.
Minimises Stress and Overwhelm
Good planning breaks big tasks into smaller ones. It helps you spot gaps before they become problems.
Builds Trust and Accountability
Clients and teams alike value consistency. A well-planned business is one that people rely on.
The 5 Ps of Success: Prior Planning Prevents Poor Performance
1. Prior: Prepare Before You Begin
- Know your work style. Don’t over-commit.
- Schedule important tasks during your peak focus times.
- Gather resources ahead of time to hit the ground running.
2. Planning: Build a Clear Roadmap
- Use tools like digital planners or time-blocking apps.
- Make daily and weekly to-do lists.
- Rank tasks in order of importance and urgency.
3. Prevents: Expect the Unexpected
- Always have a Plan B.
- Build in buffer time for the unexpected.
- Reflect daily: what worked, what didn’t, what to change.
4. Poor: Avoid the Pitfalls
- Don’t overcommit.
- Avoid multitasking—it splits focus.
- Focus on progress, not perfection.
5. Performance: Celebrate and Improve
- Recognise small wins along the way.
- Regularly review performance to make improvements.
- Use feedback to adjust your planning process.
Practical Ways to Improve Planning for Time
“If you fail to plan, you are planning to fail.” — Benjamin Franklin
Create a Weekly Time Budget
- Assign time to tasks like client work, marketing, admin, and learning.
- Treat these blocks like appointments.
Use the Right Tools
- Tools like Trello, Asana, or Microsoft To Do can support better planning.
- Sync calendars across devices so nothing gets missed.
Prioritise with Purpose
- Use techniques like the Eisenhower Matrix to sort urgent from important.
- Learn to say no to low-value tasks.
Planning for Time in Team Environments
“Plans are nothing; planning is everything.” — Dwight D. Eisenhower
Set Team-Wide Priorities
- Hold weekly planning meetings.
- Use shared digital tools for visibility and accountability.
Align Goals and Schedules
- Set shared deadlines.
- Discuss realistic workloads and timelines.
Create a Culture of Flexibility
- Planning doesn’t mean rigidity—be ready to adapt.
- Encourage open conversations when priorities shift.
Planning for Time: Your Path from Confusion to Confidence
Across the board, planning sets you apart. It’s not about perfection—it’s about progress, clarity, and getting things done with less stress and more confidence.
You’ve got the vision. Now put it into action.
👉 Ready to turn your planning into powerful action? Join our Passion, Commitment, Focus and Action Coaching Program and take the next step in building a business you love.
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