Experts say that you need only 30 minutes to plan your entire week. How do you do it? Follow the OATS formula:O: Objectives. What results do you want to see by the end of the week? Write them down and rank them.

A: Activities. What do you have to do to achieve your goals? List the necessary activities, and put them in sequence.

T: Time. How much time will each activity require? To plan realistically, allow yourself more time than you think you will actually need. This gives you flexibility if unexpected problems develop.

S: Schedule. Look at your calendar and decide when you can do each activity. Most people underestimate the power of a schedule, but you won’t get anything accomplished if you don’t schedule time to do it.

- adapted from President’s Newsletter, and the Manager’s Intelligence Report