How to Plan Your Week When Every Week Looks Different

I used to think the “right” way to plan was a perfectly consistent routine – same schedule, same layout, same process. Every. Single. Week.

But real life doesn’t work that way. My weeks are never the same.

Some are jam-packed with appointments, meetings, and deadlines. I’m barely catching my breath between tasks. Other weeks are slower – room for projects, organizing, or finally washing the cross country socks that have been glaring at me from the laundry basket. 😬

For a long time, this inconsistency made me want to quit planning altogether. I’d set up a beautiful layout that worked for one week…and the next week looked totally different. Suddenly the boxes were either overstuffed or sitting empty. Cue the planner guilt.

Then it hit me:

If my life isn’t the same every week, why should my planner be?

The Game-Changer: Switch Your Layout to Match Your Week

Now I start with one simple question: What does this week need?

• Busy week (lots of moving parts): I use a daily layout so I can time-block, brain-dump, and capture details without cramming.
• Calmer week (space to breathe): I switch to a weekly layout for a big-picture view without overcomplicating anything.
• Mixed week (a little of both): I use a hybrid—weekly for the overview, plus a daily page for my most full days.

No drama. No starting over. Just swapping the page that fits the season I’m actually in!

Keep Anchors the Same

Even when my layout changes, my anchors don’t. These live in the same place every week so my brain can rest:

• Meal plan (simple is fine – grilled chicken + veggies counts!)
• Habit tracker (3–4 tiny habits max)
• One rest rhythm (walk, early bedtime, family game night – anything that refreshes me)

Those anchors keep me grounded, no matter what the calendar throws at me! So they get a place in my week no matter what kind of week it is.

Plan Only What You Know (and Leave Room for the Unknown)

Here’s the rule that saved my sanity: Plan what’s certain. Leave margin for the rest.

On day one, I fill in immovable commitments (appointments, deadlines) and my anchors. Then I keep margin for the unknown and adjust midweek. This way I don’t feel “behind” when plans change – because I KNOW things are going to change, and my plan already made room for flexibility.

A Simple 4-Step Weekly Flow

If you like a checklist (same 🙋🏼‍♀️), here’s my quick rhythm:

1. Name the week: Busy / Calm / Mixed.
2. Pick the layout to match: Daily / Weekly / Hybrid.
3. Place your anchors: Meals, habits, one rest rhythm – or whatever works for you!
4. Fill in what’s certain + create margin for what’s not: Adjust midweek without guilt.

Why the S.O.S. Planner Makes This Easy

I designed the S.O.S. Planner to flex with real life – 30+ interchangeable layouts, dated monthlies + undated daily/weekly pages, and faith-focused tools (prayers, gratitude, priorities) so your plan reflects what matters most. You can swap layouts anytime without starting over. One system. All your seasons!

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Come See This in Real Life (You’re Invited!)

Join us for our Planner Reveal Party – happening October 13 at 11:00 AM PT (on Zoom!) 🎉
I’ll show you exactly how I choose layouts each week and how to switch up your planner to fit your current season.

You’ll get:

• A behind-the-scenes look at the S.O.S. Planner (including some HUGE new announcements!)
• How to choose the right layout for your week (busy, calm, or mixed)
• Free Weekly Planning Checklist just for RSVPing 🎁

If every week looks different at your house too – you’re not doing it wrong, friend. You just need a system that bends with your life! 💛