Habit 3/12 - Planning: How I Learned to Manage My Time (and My Life)

I’ve always thought of myself as a spontaneous person. The kind who enjoys the freedom of doing whatever feels right in the moment. But there came a point where my “go with the flow” mentality was doing more harm than good. I found myself constantly overwhelmed, chasing deadlines, and frustrated at how little I was achieving. Sounds familiar?

That’s when I started taking planning seriously, and it completely changed how I approach my days—and my life. Here’s what I’ve learned along the way, and how you can use planning to take control, even if you’re someone who thrives on spontaneity or struggles with focus (hello, ADHD friends, I’m looking at you).

The Night Before: Setting Up for Success

One of the most powerful lessons I learned early on was the importance of pre-planning the night before. I used to wake up with a sense of dread because I had no clear direction for the day. I’d spend my mornings figuring out what to do, which only wasted precious time and mental energy.

Now, I make it a habit to plan my top priorities before I go to bed. It’s simple but life-changing. When I wake up, I know exactly what I need to do—no hesitation, no mental fog. I can get right to work, and it sets the tone for a productive day.

Lesson: Pre-plan your most important tasks the night before. When you wake up, you’ll have a clear path to follow, which eliminates decision fatigue and lets you start the day with focus.

Time Blocking: Structure with Room for Freedom

Time blocking was another game-changer for me, especially when I noticed that traditional to-do lists weren’t cutting it. My days were packed with tasks, but I never seemed to finish everything. That’s when I discovered time blocking—literally scheduling chunks of time on my calendar for specific tasks.

It may sound rigid, but here’s the beauty of it: you can block time for anything, including fun and spontaneity! I started time blocking tasks like emails, deep work sessions, even workouts—and I also reserved time for creativity, random adventures, or just to recharge. It’s like I’m building my own flexible structure, which is especially useful when distractions hit.

Lesson: Block out time in your calendar for everything—including breaks, hobbies, and downtime. It’s a method that gives you structure without feeling trapped. If you struggle with focus or procrastination, this can help keep you on track while also making room for fun.

Staying on Track with ADHD: A Different Approach

As someone who works with many clients dealing with ADHD, I know how hard it can be to stay organized. The traditional methods of planning don’t always cut it. That’s why I’ve adapted my planning strategies to be more ADHD-friendly.

Instead of long, overwhelming to-do lists, I break tasks into small, manageable pieces. I also set timers (hello, Pomodoro Technique!) and use visual aids like color-coded calendars to keep my mind focused. The key is to make your plan dynamic and flexible enough so that it works with your brain—not against it.

Lesson: If you struggle with focus, break tasks into smaller chunks and use timers to create a sense of urgency. Visual aids like color-coding can also help keep you on track.

Fun and Spontaneity: The Balance of Planning for Joy

One of the biggest misconceptions about planning is that it kills spontaneity. In reality, it does the opposite. When I started time blocking, I made sure to leave room for what I call “creative chaos”—those moments when I can do whatever I feel like, whether it’s grabbing coffee with a friend, taking a walk, or diving into a new project on a whim. Planning doesn’t mean rigidity; it means intentionality. By carving out time for spontaneity, you create a balance between structure and freedom.

Lesson: Don’t forget to plan for joy. Block out time for things that make you happy—whether that’s a quick walk, reading a book, or simply doing nothing. It’s about creating space for fun, even on the busiest of days.

The End of the Day: Reflect, Adjust, and Grow

Finally, one of the best lessons I’ve learned is to reflect on my day. I used to beat myself up when things didn’t go as planned, but now I treat each day like a learning opportunity. Every evening, I take a few minutes to review my progress, adjust what didn’t work, and celebrate what I accomplished. It’s a small act that has made a big difference.

Lesson: At the end of each day, take a few minutes to reflect. What worked? What didn’t? Adjust your plan for tomorrow, and remember to celebrate your wins, no matter how small.

Conclusion: Planning is Your Secret Weapon

I used to think planning was for overly organized people—those who lived by their schedules and never left room for the unexpected. But planning, as I’ve come to learn, is a tool for anyone who wants to create more freedom, more focus, and more fulfillment in their lives. Whether you’re navigating ADHD or just trying to make the most of your time, planning doesn’t have to feel restrictive—it can be the key to living the life you really want.

This is Habit 3/12 from my “ 12 Life Changing Habits series” . Check out the rest and let me know which helped you the most!

Your favorite mindset coach,

Dana Grinberga