<p>Good morning, everyone! Anna Marie Ellison here from Grit & Grace. Can you believe it? It’s the last Friday of August, and we’re heading into a long weekend. If you’re anything like me, August feels like it flew by in the blink of an eye. Between school starting back, open houses, and all the hustle that comes with getting into a new routine, it’s been an intense month. Oh, and did I mention I started at a new real estate company too?</p><p>With so much going on, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. That’s why I’ve made Fridays my Focus Fridays. I try not to take any appointments on this day and instead use the time to clear my mind, wrap up any loose ends, and prepare for the week ahead. And since we’ve got Labor Day on Monday, I’m doing my usual Sunday prep today so I can fully enjoy the holiday with my family.</p><p><strong>Step-by-Step Guide to Preparing for Your Week</strong></p><p>I want to share my simple yet effective method for prepping for the week. I hope it helps you feel more mindful, purposeful, and relaxed as you tackle your tasks.</p><p>* <strong>Create a Quadrant System:</strong> Grab a notepad and draw a large square, dividing it into four quadrants. Each quadrant will represent a different focus area for your week.</p><p>* <strong>Bottom Two Quadrants: Personal Prep</strong></p><p>* <strong>Outfit Planning:</strong> Think about your week ahead. Are there specific days you need to dress up? Do you have workout days or early starts? Planning your outfits ahead saves time and stress each morning.</p><p>* <strong>Meal Planning:</strong> Write down your meals for the week. Breakfast might be the same every day, but think about your lunches and dinners. What can you prep ahead? What’s on autopilot for you?</p><p>* <strong>Top Two Quadrants: Brain Dump</strong></p><p>* <strong>Personal Tasks:</strong> List any personal errands or appointments you need to take care of. Do you need to update the family budget, schedule a doctor’s appointment, or find time for a little self-care?</p><p>* <strong>Work Tasks:</strong> Carry over any work-related tasks that need attention next week. Follow-ups, client meetings, and any other priorities should go here.</p><p>* <strong>Get It All on Paper:</strong> Spend about 30 minutes getting everything out of your head and onto paper. This simple act of writing it all down can bring so much clarity and peace of mind.</p><p><strong>Questions for You</strong></p><p>Now, I’d love to hear from you! How do you prepare for your week? Do you have a similar system, or maybe you do something completely different? I learn so much from hearing about how others stay organized and focused. Leave a comment below and share your tips, tricks, and tweaks. Let’s help each other be the best versions of ourselves!</p><p></p><p>Remember, taking time to prepare isn’t just about staying organized—it’s about self-care. It’s about showing yourself that you matter, that your time and your peace of mind are worth protecting.</p><p>I hope you all have a fantastic weekend, enjoy the holiday, and I’ll see you next week!</p> <br/><br/>Get full access to Grit & Grace at <a href="https://gritandgracebyame.substack.com/subscribe?utm_medium=podcast&#38;utm_campaign=CTA_4">gritandgracebyame.substack.com/subscribe</a>