Sunday is the most important day because it sets the tone for the rest of week. Do everything to get ahead on Sunday. That is the goal of the Sunday strategy session. This ritual includes things you love as well as the work you need to do. If you are only focused on work or school then you will miss out. So first thing on Sunday do something that you enjoy. Read a book for pleasure. Go for a hike. Have breakfast with a friend. Spend your Sunday morning in a way that fills you with joy and allows your mind to get out of the way. It’s like eating dessert first. Once you have done this, you are ready for your meal.
Find a quiet spot to review your week ahead—not only your scholarly pursuits, but your other pursuits as well. I use a spreadsheet developed by Stephen Covey, author of The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People, but any planning tool will do.
If you have some urgent small tasks, finish those so they don’t clutter up your week. The goal of this time is to get prepared for your week and develop a bird’s eye view of what’s coming up. Once you have reviewed your week, consider studying anything that’s dragging you down so you can start the week ahead instead of behind.