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Feeling stuck or overwhelmed? Here’s a simple way to reset, refocus, and move forward with confidence.
How to Plan When You Don’t Know Where to Start
Ever Stared at Your Planner and Thought, ‘Where Do I Even Start?’
You’re not alone.
Maybe you’ve bought a brand-new planner, hoping it will finally bring some order to your life. But instead of feeling organized, you’re frozen—staring at the empty pages, unsure where to begin. Or maybe your planner is already filled with tasks and appointments, but none of it feels like it’s helping you move forward.
The problem isn’t you. The problem is the way most people approach planning. It’s easy to get caught up in trying to do everything at once, which leads to stress and decision fatigue.
The good news? You don’t need a complicated system to start making progress. You just need a simple, intentional approach that helps you move forward, one step at a time.
Step 1: Pause & Reflect (Before You Write Anything Down)
Before you dive into lists and schedules, take a step back. Planning without reflection is like trying to navigate without a map. You might be moving, but not necessarily in the right direction.
Ask yourself:
- What’s actually important right now?
- What’s overwhelming me the most?
- What do I need more of in my life?
Sometimes we feel stuck because our minds are cluttered with too many thoughts. Take a few minutes to brain-dump everything onto paper (now you can start writing): tasks, worries, ideas, goals. Getting it all out will help bring clarity.
Action step: Write down three things that would make the biggest difference in your life right now.
Step 2: Simplify & Prioritize
Feeling overwhelmed often comes from trying to do too much at once. Instead of listing everything that needs to be done, focus on what will move you forward.
The Rule of 3
Each week, pick three key areas to focus on.
For example:
- Instead of “Get my life together,” break it down into smaller steps like “Plan three dinners, clear my email inbox, schedule my workout.”
- Instead of a long list of home projects, choose “Declutter my closet, clean out the fridge, organize one drawer.”
Focusing on just three areas helps you avoid overwhelm and make real progress.
Action step: Write down your three focus areas for the week.
Step 3: Start Small & Build Momentum
Once you’ve identified your priorities, the key is taking action. But if you still feel stuck, start smaller than you think you need to. Tiny little steps are a huge help for getting started.
If you’re overwhelmed by your house, don’t aim to clean everything, just clear one counter. If your work feels chaotic, don’t try to power through, maybe just answer one email. If you’re exhausted, don’t set an ambitious workout goal, instead drink a glass of water and step outside for fresh air.
Small actions break the cycle of inaction and create momentum.
Action step: Write down one tiny action you can do right now.
Step 4: Create a Simple Plan (That You’ll Actually Follow)
A planner should help you feel more in control, not more overwhelmed. Instead of cramming it full of unrealistic to-dos, create a flexible framework:
- Daily: Choose 1–3 priorities (not a long list of tasks).
- Weekly: Set a loose structure (theme days, focus blocks).
- Monthly: Pick a main goal or habit to work on.
Example:
Instead of scheduling every hour of your day, block off time for what matters most: self-care, personal growth, family time, or whatever aligns with your priorities.
A simple structure makes it easier to follow through.
A note from my ADHD brain: If you are like me and the thought of writing down only 3 things to focus on each day stresses you out (because there are 100 other things demanding space in your brain), then go ahead and make your list of everything you can think of to do, in a place separate from your regular plans. It can be in your planner, but put it on a different note page. Or grab a random sheet of paper or another notebook and write it down there. You could even list it all out in your phone notes. But then once you have your list, choose your 3 priorities to focus on for that day or week.
Action step: Write down your top three priorities for tomorrow.
Final Thoughts: Progress Over Perfection
The key to getting unstuck isn’t about finding the perfect planner or system—it’s about taking small, intentional steps every day.
Ask yourself: What’s one thing I can do today to move forward?
You don’t need all the answers. You don’t need to plan out the entire year. When you don’t know how to plan, you just need to start small, keep going, and trust that clarity will come with action.
📌 Want More Help Creating a Planning System That Works for You?
Check out my Seasonal Reset Kit, designed to help you reset your planner, refocus your goals, and step into the next season feeling clear and confident.
What’s one small step you’re taking today? Let me know in the comments! I’d love to hear!
