Mode Map Legend
● Deep — deep work
→ Execute — errands, meetings, tasks
◐ Hybrid — mix of deep work and execution
✓ Admin — organising, paperwork, accounts, admin
∞ Think — reflection, planning
How You Can Adapt This Framework
Some people plan the full week.
Some only plan the next 2–3 days.
Some fill every section.
Others use only energy, buckets and day flow.
The framework is meant to support your capacity, not control your schedule.
Use what helps. Ignore what doesn’t.
Using the Mastering To-Dos Framework
This framework works best when adapted to your life, your tools and your schedule.
Below are examples of how different people use the same structure.
The framework stays the same:
Energy → Mode → Buckets → State → Day Flow → Review
| Profession | Energy Pattern | Mode Map | Buckets | Day Flow Example | Review |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Corporate Professional | Perform week (major presentation) | Mon ● Deep Tue → Execute Wed → Execute Thu ◐ Hybrid Fri ✓ Admin | Work – presentation prep Home – groceries Health – gym Life admin – bills | Morning – presentation work Afternoon – meetings Evening – gym + family time | Protected morning focus helped progress. |
| Entrepreneur / Founder | Activate week (planning and setup) | Mon ● Deep Tue ◐ Hybrid Wed ∞ Think Thu → Execute Fri ✓ Admin | Work – marketing plan Home – laundry Health – yoga Life admin – taxes | Morning – deep work Afternoon – calls and planning Evening – walk and reflection | Clear modes reduced task switching. |
| Homemaker / Caregiver | Recharge week (slower pace) | Mon → Execute Tue ◐ Hybrid Wed ∞ Think Thu → Execute Fri ✓ Admin | Home tasks – cooking Family – school prep Health – walking Life admin – budgeting | Morning – school routine Afternoon – errands Evening – family time | Short task lists kept the day manageable. |
| Student | Perform week (exam preparation) | Mon ● Deep Tue ● Deep Wed ◐ Hybrid Thu ● Deep Fri ✓ Admin | Study – chemistry revision Health – sleep Home – organise desk Life admin – assignments | Morning – study block Afternoon – class Evening – revision | Studying in morning blocks improved focus. |
| Doctor / Healthcare Worker | Mixed weekPerform (Mon–Tue)Activate (Wed–Thu)Recharge (Fri) | Mon → Execute Tue → Execute Wed ◐ Hybrid Thu ∞ Think Fri ✓ Admin | Work – patient care Health – restHome – groceries Life admin – insurance | Morning – hospital rounds Afternoon – consultations / documentation Evening – rest | Recovery time after shifts improved energy. |
Using the Framework Across Different Formats
You do not need a specific planner to use this system.
You can adapt it to any format.
Notebook
- Left page: weekly energy, mode map, buckets
- Right page: daily capacity, day flow, review
Planner
- Weekly page: energy + buckets
- Daily page: capacity, focus, day flow
Wall Calendar
- Mark modes for each day using symbols.
- Write buckets on the side.
Digital Notes
Create sections for:
- Energy
- Mode
- Buckets
- Day flow
- Review
Task Apps
Use lists for buckets and schedule tasks according to your mode for the day.
This system works best when it follows your capacity and nervous system, not just your tasks.
Some days you will do more.
Some days you will do less.
Both are part of the rhythm.