April: Planning — Turning Chaos into a Game Plan

Planning is a powerhouse executive function skill. It helps us turn dreams, ideas, and responsibilities into something manageable.

If you feel like life is one long game of catch-up, it might be because you’re reacting instead of planning.

Why Planning Matters

Planning gives you agency over your time and energy. It allows you to:

• Anticipate problems

• Allocate resources

• Say no (or yes!) strategically

• Reduce the pressure of last-minute stress

What Good Planning Looks Like

It doesn’t have to be fancy. Good planning means:

• Looking ahead at the week

• Choosing your top priorities

• Breaking down bigger tasks into steps

• Making space for flexibility

Executive Function Practice for April

• Start each Monday with a 15-min planning session

• Use sticky notes to break down big projects

• Identify your “top 3” tasks each day

• Add buffer time between appointments and transitions

Final Thoughts: Planning That Works for You

Planning and prioritizing isn’t about creating a rigid schedule or checking every box — it’s about deciding what matters and making sure your energy and time reflect that. This month, start with small wins. Try one strategy, see how it feels, and adjust. Progress beats perfection every time.

Coming Up Next Month

May: Prioritization — Now that we can plan ahead, we’ll work on learning what to do first, what can wait, and what doesn’t matter at all.