The 5-Minute Planning Routine That Will Change Your Life

Listen… I know what you’re thinking: “Girl, I don’t have time to plan my life every single day. I can barely get out the door on time as it is.” And I hear you. But here’s the tea—if you don’t take a few minutes to set your day up, your day is gonna set itself up for you… and it’s usually not cute.

That’s why I’m obsessed with the 5-minute planning routine. It’s quick. It’s simple. And it actually works. No cap, this little daily check-in has saved me from so many “OMG I forgot” moments, unnecessary stress, and straight-up chaos.

And the best part? It only takes FIVE minutes. You spend more time scrolling TikTok in the morning, let’s be so foreal.

So let me break down exactly how this routine works and how you can start doing it today.

Step 1: The Brain Dump 

Before you try to be all organized and aesthetic with your planner, you gotta get the mental clutter out.

• Write down every single thing floating around in your head: the text you need to send, the bill you need to pay, the random reminder to buy more oat milk, all of it.

• Don’t worry about order or neatness. This is literally just mental spring cleaning.

Think of it like emptying the junk drawer before you start putting things in their proper place.

Brain Dump Inserts

Brain Dump Workbook

Step 2: The Must-Do List 

Now that everything’s out of your head, it’s time to get real. Not everything you wrote down deserves space on today’s plate.

Circle or highlight the top 3 non-negotiables.
👉 These are the things that, if you don’t do them today, the day is giving “wasted.”

Pro tip: Don’t overpack this list. You are not a robot. Picking 3 keeps you realistic and focused, so you actually win the day instead of feeling like a failure because you didn’t check off 47 things.

Step 3: Time Check + Blocks 

This is where you make sure your to-do list actually fits into your life.

• Look at your schedule for the day. Do you have meetings? Appointments? Errands?

• Assign quick time blocks to your must-do tasks.

Example:

• 9–10 AM: Deep work (finish that presentation)

• 12 PM: Quick call with Mom

• 3–3:30 PM: Pay bills + emails

This keeps you from writing down a fantasy list and then wondering why you’re overwhelmed.

Step 4: Prep Your Energy 

Now let’s get intentional. Ask yourself: “What kind of day do I want to have?”

• Do you need focus? Pick one thing you’ll do to minimize distractions.

• Do you need calm? Decide on a mini self-care move (deep breaths, music, a walk).

• Do you need hype? Line up that playlist that makes you feel like you’re in your main character era.

This is about setting the vibe before the day hijacks it.

Step 5: Quick Reset 

Last step, and honestly my fave: give yourself a reset.

• Tidy your desk or space.

• Fill up your water bottle.

• Open the tabs or apps you’ll actually need (and close the ones that are distractions).

• Say a quick prayer or affirmation: “Today, I’m focused, calm, and in control.”

Now you’re not just planning—you’re positioning yourself to actually succeed.

Why This Works

Here’s the thing: most people think productivity means long, complicated systems. But the 5-minute planning routine is proof that small, consistent actions beat long, inconsistent ones every time.

• It stops you from reacting all day and puts you in control.

• It clears your mental clutter so you’re not spiraling.

• It makes your to-do list realistic instead of delusional.

It’s giving: “I run my day, my day doesn’t run me.”

If you’re tired of ending every night saying, “I didn’t get anything done,” this routine is your way out. You don’t need a 2-hour morning routine or some Pinterest-perfect planner spread to get your life together.

All you need is 5 minutes. That’s it. Five minutes to brain dump, pick your top 3, block some time, set your vibe, and reset your space.

Do that on repeat, and I promise your life will feel lighter, calmer, and way more put together.

So here’s my challenge: Tomorrow morning, give yourself just five minutes to try this. No excuses. And then come back and tell me if your day didn’t hit different.

Because sis… once you feel how good it is to start your day with clarity? You’ll never go back. Period.