Why You Need a Think Day (And How to Do One)
If you’re too busy to think, you’re just too busy.
So many of us go through the motions, moving from task to task without ever stopping to ask: Am I heading in the right direction? Am I making choices that really matter to me?
That’s where a Think Day comes in.
I had my first one in April 2024, and honestly—it changed my life, my career, and my business. Since then, I’ve made Think Days a regular part of my seasonal planning, and I believe it could be powerful for you too.
What Is a Think Day?
A Think Day is exactly what it sounds like: a whole day set aside to reflect, dream, and plan.
It’s your chance to:
Step back from the busyness.
Ask yourself the right questions.
Get clarity on what matters most.
Create actionable steps for the next three months.
And yes, I said a whole day. Not a half-day, not “whenever you find a free hour.” If you really want clarity and change, you need to make time for it.
Step 1: Prepare Beforehand
Before your Think Day, gather everything you’ll need:
Your calendar and schedule.
The past 3 months of income and expenses.
Any journal entries or notes that reflect where you’ve been.
This prep helps you ask better questions. Instead of just “Should I quit my job?” you’ll be able to look at the numbers and ask, “What would I actually need to earn if I made a change?”
I also suggest writing down the questions you want to reflect on—big ones like:
What kind of work do I want to be doing?
Should I start a business? A podcast? Something else?
What do I want life to look like three months from now?
Step 2: Disconnect Completely
This might feel uncomfortable, but it’s essential:
No computer.
No Google searches.
No social media.
Keep your phone only if you need alarms or to be reachable for emergencies. Otherwise, tell your friends, colleagues, or family you’re unavailable for the day.
The gift you’re giving yourself is uninterrupted time.
Step 3: Structure the Day
Here’s the flow I use, broken into chunks:
Morning: Reflection + Brainstorming
This is the hardest part, because our brains aren’t used to slowing down and sitting with big questions. Give yourself grace, and if you feel tired, take a break—go for a walk, stretch, or just sit in nature.
Midday: Prioritizing + Planning
Narrow in on 2–3 changes you want to make. This is where you’ll create action steps and evaluate resources. Remember: every “yes” to something is also a “no” to something else. Choose carefully.
Afternoon: Deep Work + Reflection
Go deeper into your top priorities. Write out steps, evaluate your direction, and really commit to a plan.
Late Afternoon: Synthesis + Conclusion
Pull everything together. Summarize your insights, decisions, and action steps. You can make a vision board if that feels inspiring—or just write clear action statements.
Evening: Wrap-Up + Next Steps
Review your notes and insights, share them with a trusted person if you want, and then—this is key—schedule your next Think Day for three months out.
My Fall Think Day Reflections
Here are a few of the questions I worked through on my latest Think Day:
How can I structure my schedule to balance clients, video creation, and family time?
Which trainings will best support my clients?
What kind of YouTube content feels most natural and fun for me to make?
Should I experiment with monetization through small courses, workshops, or affiliate programs?
Do I want to expand onto Pinterest?
Some of these decisions came quickly. Others, like my YouTube direction, took a lot more reflection.
What I Learned This Time
Here are a few key takeaways I walked away with:
Schedule: I’ll now see clients 3 days a week, leaving 2 full days for content and creative projects.
Content: I’m giving myself permission to post less often (every 2 weeks), so I can create videos that truly resonate instead of rushing to meet a schedule.
Connection: I started a weekly newsletter to share reflections, behind-the-scenes updates, and resources with you.
Authenticity: I realized I want to show more of me—not just the “professional therapist” version, but also the playful, quirky side that loves variety, Halloween, and big messy ideas.
Why This Matters
A Think Day isn’t about being “productive.” It’s about stepping back to check if your actions are aligned with your values and your future self.
When we don’t take this time, we risk drifting through life on autopilot. But with just one intentional day, you can redirect your energy, find clarity, and move forward with purpose.
Your Turn
If you’ve never had a Think Day before, I encourage you to try it.
Start by blocking off one day in your calendar this season. And when you do, I’d love to hear about it. Share your reflections in the comments, send me a message, or email me—I’d be so curious to know what came up for you.
Because slowing down to think isn’t a luxury. It’s the foundation for creating a life you don’t need to escape from.
Watch the full video version of this blog here: Plan Your Next 3 Months with a THINK DAY