How To Create A Weekly Task List System
Feel Like Your Week Is Running You?
If you’re a creative business owner—photographer, designer, or solopreneur—you’ve probably experienced this: It’s Monday morning, and your mind is already racing with everything you should be doing. By Friday, you’re wondering where the week went and why so many things are still unchecked. That was me, week after week. Until I created a weekly task list system that helped me stop drowning in disorganization and finally start moving forward with clarity and confidence.
Whether you’re deep in client work or juggling business and family life, this simple approach to weekly planning for photographers and other solopreneurs can help you get more done—with way less stress.
Step 1: Start With a Dump List
Every week begins the same for me: with a massive brain dump. I call it my dump list, and it’s where I spill everything out of my head and onto paper (or my digital planner):
- Business tasks
- Client appointments
- Social media plans
- Blog posts
- Pinterest pins
- Personal errands
- Even random ideas that pop up
The key here isn’t organizing it yet—it’s just clearing mental clutter.
🧠Try this: At the start of your week, set a timer for 10–15 minutes and create your own dump list. Don’t edit. Just write everything that comes to mind.
Step 2: Build Your Weekly Task List With Purpose
After the dump list, I start building out my actual weekly task list by assigning each task to a specific day.
Here’s my system:
- Add non-negotiables first
- Appointments
- Deadlines
- Client sessions
- Next, add marketing tasks
- Blogging
- Pinterest scheduling
- Social media posts
- Finally, include progress tasks
- Goals tied to the quarter or year
- Long-term projects
- Business development ideas
This creates a weekly to-do list that’s not just busy—it’s intentional and aligned with my big-picture vision.
✅ Pro tip: Use themes or categories to make your weekly schedule more structured and easy to follow.
Step 3: Front-Load Your Week for More Breathing Room
One of the smartest things I’ve done for my weekly task list? I front-load my Monday through Wednesday with the majority of my to-dos.
Why? Because:
- I’m most focused earlier in the week
- It creates space for flexibility later
- I can take Fridays lighter—or completely off—without falling behind
- It gives me mental freedom for self-care or creative work
This strategy has been a game changer in both my productivity and overall wellness.
🌿 Try it: Shift 70–80% of your week’s heavier tasks to the beginning of the week. Leave Thursdays and Fridays open for overflow, rest, or unexpected needs.
Why a Weekly Task List Works (Especially for Creative Solopreneurs)
If you’re a one-woman show handling all the behind-the-scenes of your business, having a clear weekly task list is everything. Without it, it’s way too easy to get pulled in a million directions or spend hours wondering what to work on next.
A simple weekly schedule helps you:
- Stop reacting and start planning
- Focus on what truly matters
- Reduce decision fatigue
- Make real progress toward your goals
- Balance your personal life and business in one place
📸 This kind of weekly planning for photographers is especially helpful when you’re managing editing timelines, client shoots, and marketing your brand all at once.
How a Weekly Task List Can Shift Your Business And Lead to Growth
Before I created this system, I felt constantly behind. But now, thanks to my intentional weekly planning for solopreneurs, I feel clear, in control, and way more confident heading into each week.
I’ve seen this work for my clients too—especially when we pair it with a HoneyBook Full Setup or 1:1 Coaching Call. Once their workflows are streamlined and their tasks are mapped out clearly, they go from overwhelmed to organized in just a few weeks.
Create Your Weekly Task List Today
Here’s your game plan to start building a smarter week:
- Step 1: Do a full brain dump
- Step 2: Organize tasks into a purpose-driven weekly to-do list
- Step 3: Front-load your weekly schedule to create more space later
It doesn’t need to be fancy. It just needs to work for you. This is just planning—done simply, done well, and done with freedom in mind.
How to Organize Your Weekly Task List: Tools That Work With You
Now that you’ve got the method, let’s talk about the tools. The best tool is the one you’ll actually use—so here are a few simple options to help you manage your weekly to-do list without the tech overwhelm.
🧰 1. Google Task Manager
If you live in your Gmail or Google Calendar, this is a no-brainer. You can add tasks, set deadlines, and even nest subtasks. It’s perfect for solopreneurs who love staying digital and synced across devices.
📱 2. Apple Notes
Minimal and super easy to access from your phone, tablet, or Mac. I love using Apple Notes to jot down my dump list quickly or check off items in my weekly schedule as I go.
📓 3. A Journal or Notebook
Old-school? Maybe. Effective? Absolutely. There’s something powerful about writing it all out by hand—especially for creatives who think best on paper. Bonus: it’s distraction-free.
📄 4. My Canva Weekly Task List Template
Want a pretty, plug-and-play way to plan your week?
👉 Click here to download the Canva Weekly Task List Template
I created this to make weekly planning for photographers and solopreneurs easier and more visual. Print it out, reuse it, or keep it saved on your iPad to update each week. It’s flexible, simple, and designed with creative entrepreneurs in mind.
🔄 Reminder: Use whichever tool feels most natural. The goal is to simplify—not overcomplicate.
