The Power of the Micro-routine

Journal on a side table with pen and hot chocolate

The Evening Planning Task

What are micro-routines? They are small, intentional habits woven into your daily life that help support your bigger goals. They are small, they are simple, but, done with consistency they can make a big impact. One of the routines I have adopted is to have a daily planning task.

Why a planning task matters

If you build this into your day, consistently, the ripple effect can shift your energy, your mindset and eventually your outcomes. It means you won’t spend the day aimlessly, but will have purpose and feel far less frustrated and much more fulfilled. You will go from reactive to proactive.

What difference has it made to me?

Each evening, I set aside just 10 minutes to reflect and plan:

1. Review the Day
   I ask myself: What went well today?
   I celebrate even the smallest wins—sometimes with kind self-talk:

   • “Well done.”

   • “You persevered.”

   • “Brilliant effort!”

   For bigger achievements, I might reward myself—a visit to a café, booking a cinema ticket, or something else that feels good.

2. Look at my task list and prioritise
   I next look at my ‘to-do’ list, and I will have added some during the course of the day. I look at what to prioritise for the next day. What’s essential? What deadlines are coming up? What’s most important for my progress?

3. Plan Tomorrow
   I then fill out my calendar for the day ahead. How I do that is outlined below.

This planning keeps me grounded and clear-headed.

How to start your own planning routine

1. Choose Your Time
Morning or evening—pick what suits you best. I prefer late evening, just before bed.

2. Identify Non-Negotiables
These are fixed commitments like:

• Work hours

• Appointments

• Meal times

• Health or exercise routines

Include any essential tasks that support your goals.

3. Prioritize Your Day
Look at your to-do list (digital or paper). Choose:

• Top 2 priorities: What will move you forward? What’s urgent or important?

• Up to 8 smaller tasks: These are flexible, nice-to-do tasks. Don’t overpack your schedule.

4. Schedule Realistically
Slot your chosen tasks into your calendar. Be honest about how much time you have.

What to do with tasks that don’t get done

Not everything will go to plan—and that’s okay.

• Don’t delete tasks just because they weren’t completed. That sends the wrong signal to your brain.

• Move them to another day instead.

• Ask: Why didn’t I do this? Was it procrastination? Or something outside my control?

• Reschedule with intention.

Ten minutes a Day

This routine doesn’t need more than 10 minutes. That’s all it takes to feel more in control, less stressed, and more aligned with your goals.

If you can spare extra time once a week, try a weekly review:

• What went well last week?

• What are your key goals for the coming week?

• What needs adjusting?

With daily and weekly planning, you’ll find yourself making steady progress—without overwhelm.