We all think, plan, and stay organized in our own ways, and knowing your personal planning style can make the process easier (and WAY more fun). We created this quiz to help you clarify the tools and habits that work for your unique brain.
Choose the answer below that feels most true for you. If multiple answers resonate, go ahead and check any of them. You can be a “hybrid” planning type!
Ready to get started? Let’s do it!
1. How do you usually remember what needs to get done?
A. I write tasks down and put them somewhere central so I’ll see it
B. I plan best when I talk through tasks with someone
C. I visualize them in my head
D. I rely on structured routines and reminders
2. When you look at a blank calendar, how do you feel?
A. I’m ready to start filling it out!
B. Overwhelmed - I don’t know where to start
C. I’m excited to color-code and personalize it
D. I want someone to give me a template or structure to follow
3. What usually trips you up when trying to plan?
A. I overlook small tasks that feel minor in the moment (but add up)
B. I have a hard time turning big ideas into clear action steps
C. I can’t “see” how the pieces fit
D. I don’t always know how to break my ideas down into a realistic plan
4. Which tool sounds MOST helpful to you?
A. A detailed checklist
B. A friend or coach helping me think it through
C. Stickers, colors, or visual
D. A set time every week to plan things out
5. What do you wish planning felt more like?
A. Simple and productive
B. Supportive and encouraging
C. Creative and fun
D. Predictable and consistent
6. What motivates you to follow through on tasks?
A. Checking things off a list
B. Talking about my goals with someone
C. Seeing my progress visually
D. Having a clear, step-by-step routine
7. What trips you up when it’s time to follow through on your plan and you get stuck?
A. I forget what I was supposed to do
B. I lose momentum without encouragement
C. I can’t picture where I’m at or what’s next
D. I get off track and the whole routine falls apart
Ready to see how you scored?
SCORING & TYPES
Mostly A’s —> The Checklist Champion
Mostly B’s —> The Verbal Processor
Mostly C’s —> The Visual Thinker
Mostly D’s —> The Structure Seeker
Mostly A’s: The Checklist Champ
You thrive on structure and love the dopamine hit you get from checking things off a list.
Planning Tips For Checklist Fans:
- Break projects into bite-sized tasks before putting them in your planner.
- Start each day by choosing your top 3 priorities.
- Plan backward from deadlines so nothing sneaks up on you (we call this “planning ahead by planning backwards.”
- Keep a running list of “next steps” to make transitions easier between tasks.
- Use bullet points or boxes in the notes section of the Seeing My Time® Adult Planner System to track recurring tasks.
- Use our daily and weekly tear-off pads to keep tasks visible and actionable.
- Create checklists for routines (like morning prep or end-of-day wrap-up).
Mostly B’s: The Verbal Processor
Talking things out helps you plan and stay motivated.
Planning Tips for Verbal Processors:
- Talk through your week before writing it down - it’ll clarify your priorities. A regularly scheduled family or partner meeting can help with this.
- Talk out loud and then “brain dump” onto paper to get everything into view before organizing it.
- Ask a friend or coach to reflect your goals back to you.
- Read your plan out loud once it’s made. This can boost memory and follow-through.
- Set aside 10–15 minutes weekly to talk through your planner with someone.
- Record voice memos or use your phone to brainstorm tasks before writing them down.
- Use sticky notes in your planner to jot ideas during conversations. Move them around to the day/time you want to work on the project.
Mostly C’s: The Visual Thinker
You need to “see it” to remember it - and enjoy making it fun!
Planning Tips for Visual Thinkers:
- Sketch your week or use diagrams to map out how tasks fit together.
- Use visual themes (colors, shapes, or doodles) to group similar tasks.
- Create a visual “progress bar” to see how far you’ve come on bigger goals.
- Print out visual reference sheets or mind maps to keep near your workspace.
- Color-code your planner by type of task (school, work, personal, etc.).
- Use icons, drawings, or stickers to mark special events and deadlines.
- Keep your weekly plan in the front vinyl pocket to stay top-of-mind.
Mostly D’s: The Structure Seeker
You do best with clear steps and routines to stay consistent.
Planning Tips for Those Who Need Structure:
- Piggyback your planning ritual into an existing routine (like with your morning coffee or right after lunch).
- Use planning templates that follow the same format each week.
- Focus on sequencing: What comes first, second, and third?
- Check in with your planner at the same time each day to strengthen the habit.
- Choose a regular planning time (like Sunday night) and set a reminder.
- Use the goal-setting pages to break big tasks into small, weekly steps.
- Create repeatable routines and list them in your planner (like homework check-ins or meal prep).
Now that you know your planning style…What’s next?
Understanding how your brain naturally approaches planning can make a big difference. The key to success is working with your brain’s strengths. Use your results to lean into what works for you, explore new tools and strategies, and remember: executive function skills can be learned, practiced, and strengthened over time.
Want support putting your style into action? Check out our tools and programs designed to help you plan effectively and follow through with confidence.