Take control of your time with this free A4 Priorities Planner in brush lettering. Inspired by Stephen Covey’s 7 Habits of Highly Effective People, this planner helps you see which tasks really matter, and which can wait. It’s a simple but powerful way to prioritise your tasks (if there is too many of them), with less stress and overwhelm.

Step-by-step

1. Write down the tasks you need to complete this week.
2. Sort each one into the correct category:
   • 1. Urgent & important – tasks that need your attention now.
   • 2. Not urgent but important – the things that move you forward.
   • 3. Urgent but not important – busy work that can often be reduced.
   • 4. Not urgent and not important – distractions you can minimise or avoid.
3. The ultimate goal is to be able to focus your energy on category 2 - the important but not urgent tasks.
4. Review your list each day and eventually you will hopefully have less in quadrant 1 by prioritising quadrant 2 items.
5. Use this planner weekly to stay proactive, not reactive.

Why this planner works

When you plan by importance instead of urgency, you get ahead of your stress. This template helps you spend more time on meaningful study and less on last-minute panic. Over time, you’ll see fewer urgent tasks because you’ve already handled them early.

How to use your Task & Priorities Planner

• Download and Save it somewhere easy to find, such as your laptop or Google Drive.

• Print it and keep it near your study area, or upload it into your favourite digital tool.

• Need help using templates digitally? Read these detailed instructions on using Quest Study Skills templates digitally.

Next steps

Download your Priorities Planner template

Access it inside the QUEST Study Skills Templates Library, your hub for all free printables.

Ready to plan like a pro?

Learn how to make planning a lasting habit in the Mini Planning Course, a short, practical course that teaches you how to structure your week for success.

Final tip

Don’t wait for “important” to become “urgent.” When you plan ahead, you protect your time, your energy, and your focus. Make this planner part of your weekly rhythm - and watch how much calmer your study life feels.