How to Plan with Intuition
By MK Emerson
Let’s start with a confession: for years, I was the queen of rigid schedules. You know the type—color-coded planners, alarms for everything, even "spontaneous" time meticulously penciled in. I had three calendars!
Okay, still do and I’ll explain that as time goes on. It has to do with reducing stress, believe it or not.
However, in the past I thought if I controlled every detail, I’d be more productive, accomplished, and let’s be real, happier. Spoiler alert: I wasn’t.
Instead, I ended up feeling like the new AI bots running on a never-ending loop of tasks. Sound familiar? That’s where intuition came in and saved the day (and my sanity).
What Does Intuitive Planning Even Mean?
Intuitive planning is about blending your natural instincts and feelings with a bit of structure.
It’s like dancing between what your gut tells you and what your calendar demands. It doesn’t mean ditching your goals or abandoning to-do lists; instead, it’s about listening to yourself and creating a plan that flows with your energy, emotions, and needs.
I write about this more specifically here: What is Intuitive Planning?
Think of it as giving yourself permission to do what feels right—not just what looks "right" on paper, or to your boss, parents, friends, whomever.
Why Intuition Matters in Planning
Here’s the thing: life isn’t predictable. Your energy levels fluctuate, your priorities shift, and unexpected things pop up. When you’re too rigid with your plans, you can miss the cues your body and mind are giving you. Ignoring those cues often leads to burnout, procrastination, or—my least favorite—the guilt spiral.
By planning with intuition, you’re honoring your unique rhythm. You’re saying, “Hey, I see you, and I’m going to work with you, not against you.” And trust me, your intuition knows more than you think.
Steps to Start Planning Intuitively
Check In with Yourself. Before you start planning, pause. Ask yourself, How do I feel today? What’s pulling at my attention? What am I excited (or dreading) to do?
This step is key because it aligns your plan with your current state of mind and energy. You can do this on Plan Day–the day you choose to plan out your week. For me that’s Sunday, but I also recommend Friday right after all your tasks are completed so you have a fresh mind on what next week needs to include.
Prioritize the Non-Negotiables Let’s be clear—there are always things you have to do. Bills need paying, work needs doing, and your mom’s phone calls need answering (Hi, Mom!). Identify these non-negotiables first. But instead of cramming them into every available slot, think about when you’ll naturally feel most equipped to tackle them.
For example, if you’re not a morning person, why schedule your hardest task at 8 AM? Save it for when you’re more awake and alert.Leave Room for Flexibility Not every moment of your day needs to be planned. In fact, leave some white space in your calendar. Scratch that. Leave A LOT of white space. This gives you the freedom to shift things around if you’re not feeling it or to dive into something spontaneous (like an impromptu coffee date or a walk to clear your head).
Follow Your Energy Some days you’ll feel like conquering the world, and others, getting out of bed feels like a win. And guess what? That’s okay.
Plan your tasks around your energy levels. When you’re feeling motivated, tackle bigger projects. When you’re low on energy, focus on simpler, less demanding tasks.
A low-energy day isn’t a failure; it’s an opportunity to rest or recalibrate. Believe it or not, that’s my Monday! Go figure.Reflect Daily At the end of the day, take five minutes to review. What worked? What didn’t? How did you feel? Reflection is a powerful tool to fine-tune your intuitive planning. Over time, you’ll notice patterns—like how certain times of day or tasks drain or energize you.
Be Kind to Yourself Some days, your plan won’t go as expected. Life happens. Instead of beating yourself up, embrace it. Adjust and move forward. Intuitive planning is about progress, not perfection, and definitely all about adapting to the flow.
A Quick Example of Intuitive Planning
Let’s say it’s Monday. You have a work deadline, a grocery run, and a fitness class you’ve been meaning to try. Here’s how intuitive planning might look:
Morning: You wake up feeling groggy. Instead of forcing yourself to dive into work immediately, you start with a quiet coffee and 10 minutes of journaling. Then, tackle a small, easy task to ease into the day.
Midday: Your energy picks up. Now’s the time to focus on that deadline because you’re sharp and motivated. Afterward, you reward yourself with a nutritious lunch.
Afternoon: You’re feeling a bit drained. Grocery shopping sounds doable, so you head out and check it off your list.
Evening: The fitness class? You’re not feeling it today. Instead, you stretch at home and relax with a book. And that’s perfectly okay.
Intuitive planning isn’t about abandoning structure—it’s about weaving in flexibility and listening to yourself. It’s about creating a life that works with you, not against you.
So the next time you sit down to plan your day or week, don’t just ask, What do I need to do? Ask, How do I want to feel while doing it? Then, let your intuition guide you. You’ll be amazed at how much more aligned and fulfilled you’ll feel. You’ll also BE accomplished.
Now, over to you—what’s one way you can bring more intuition into your planning? Share your thoughts in the comments!
Or contact us for more information or to share your story.
Love, MK
This blog was written to inform readers of how to plan with intuition. It is not to be consider as professional advice, it is merely an opinion practiced by the author. Take what you want from it and grow, or toss it away and move forward. We’re here for fun!