3 Reasons You Should Always Write a Daily Plan

Derek J. Lovett, Time Management Coach

May 8, 2025

There is a ubiquitous statistic that states, “Spending 10-12 minutes planning your day results in saving an average of 1 - 2 hours a day. It doesn’t take a rocket science to do the math. Much of the time that we waste daily is spent on not knowing what we are to supposed to work on next. However, with a plan that waste can be mitigated.

But I want to take the aforementioned statistic a step further. I believe that planning one’s day should only qualify as planning if it is written down. I am assuming that this statistic already implies that a plan is written but, in the case that it does not, I will go as far to say that written plans at least double the average amount of saved time for most people.

Here’s why:

#1.) When you write it down you share more detail.

Writing out your plan for the day forces you to expound your thoughts and develop the clarity that will allow you to write out what is practical (and not just what sounds good in your head). Therefore, this increases your efficiency and the likelihood of getting things done.

#2.) You have something to reference.

A written plan is a benchmark. You don’t have to wonder what you are supposed to be doing because you can just look at your plan.

Furthermore, it helps you stay on track with your time so that you can see exactly how you are spending your time and, therefore, know when you are wasting time.

EXECUTIVE TIP: Each day holds something different. Log the time you actually spend on activities alongside the time that you planned to spend so that you can stay on track as best as possible and make modifications to fit in essential activities.

#3.) You are able to reflect.  

We naturally learn about ourselves from our experiences. How much more could you improve your ability to strategically plan your day by simply observing what works and doesn’t work for you?

The benefits are endless for writing out a daily plan. At its core, it helps you to have peace of mind that you are doing what you are supposed to be doing it. If you want more tips like this make sure you visit www.refreshcoaching.com.