Karen Brown Tyson

Category: Planning

  • How to Find the Best Productivity Planner

    How to Find the Best Productivity Planner

    I totally believe that productivity isn’t just about staying busy all day or accomplishing endless tasks.

    Being productive is all about maximizing my time and working efficiently to reach my goals.

    So, I use a daily productivity planner to stay organized and be productive so I can accomplish my goals.

    Disclosure: This page contains affiliate links, which means I receive a small commission, at no extra cost to you, if you make a purchase using the links.

    Season by Season Daily Planner on desk

    With so many planners on the market, it can be tough to know where to start.

    That’s why I compiled this list of the best productivity planners (with a handy buyer’s guide) to help you find the right planner for you (see Erin Condren Deluxe Monthly Planner Review).

    So, whether you want support from beginning to end or to be a little more independent on your productivity journey, you’re sure to find the right planner for you.

     

    The Freedom Journal

    First on the list is the Freedom Journal.

    This 100-day goal journal is beautiful inside and out, and if its stunning cover does not immediately draw you in, its contents will.

    If you have a goal you want to achieve within the next 100 days, the Freedom Journal is an absolute must for you.

    The Freedom Journal will help you get there by guiding you to set S.M.A.R.T. goals and offering a unique system to accomplish them.

    If you’re wondering, S.M.A.R.T. stands for specific, measurable, attainable, relevant, and time-bound.

    You’ll be held accountable for the full 100 days with a set of affirmations, inspiring quotes, quarterly reviews, nightly recaps, and 10-day sprints, which allow you to set micro-goals to achieve within a 10-day frame.

    This helps you build up momentum and work towards the main goal.

    There’s nothing that hasn’t been thought of, and it’s far more effective than just scribbling your goal on a sticky note and losing it in your bedside drawer.

    It’s also an incredibly versatile tool that can be used for almost any business or personal goal.

    The Freedom Journal even comes with a mobile app that gives you another tool to help you stay on track while getting motivation from others.

    Even when you’re on the go and don’t have your journal, you can still benefit from all of its incredible features!

    Pros

    • Beautifully designed
    • It can be used for all sorts of goals, whether they’re big or small, business or personal
    • Mobile app to help you stay on track, even when you’re not near your journal
    • Multiple sources of inspiration, including reminders, quotes, affirmations, and more

    Cons

    • There are ads at the bottom of the pages, which can be distracting and feel a little clumsy.
    • Some markers are the same, just worded differently, such as “by the end of the day, I will have accomplished” and “action plan for the day.”

    Passion Planner

    Next on the list is the Passion Planner. This undated goal-setting journal is filled with motivational prompts and boasts a beautiful design to motivate you to keep coming back and staying on track.

    The Passion Planner has some truly exceptional features such as the year to view goal setter, the next year and beyond feature (remember, this planner is undated, so you can set your goals for as far out as you like), extra pages for journaling space, a goal tracker to encourage a positive mindset and six more pages of blank lined pages for your notes.

    Whether you’ve got a busy schedule or a goal you want to achieve, the Passion Planner is a great addition to your lifestyle.

    However, the Passion Planner seems a little lacking compared to the Freedom Journal.

    There are not as many resources or support to help you keep on track, so you may need an extra burst of motivation to stay on track.

    However, the extra blank pages for your journaling are a great addition that encourages more independence and freedom than other journals.

    There’s a good balance between support and independence, but we did feel that the Passion Planner could do with a few extra features, such as affirmations.

    Pros

    • Attractive design
    • A mixture of blank pages for journaling and supportive features such as the goal view setter
    • Undated planner, so you can set targets within your time frame
    • Monthly goal progress sheets are an excellent way to monitor your progress and see what needs to change

    Cons

    • This journal is very independent and lacks more sophisticated additions like affirmations and quotes that many users love.
    • The calendar section is quite small, and it’s hard to see your daily goals here.

    JSTORY Large Weekly Planner

    The JSTORY Large Weekly Planner is next on the list with its excellent reviews.

    When you first pick up this planner, you can’t help but notice the large font on the front (we get the hint, JSTORY), but at least you’ll never have to worry about not knowing what your planner is for, right?

    This planner is a little smaller (ironically) than some of the others we’ve reviewed, but it still contains 28 high-quality sheets of smooth paper that are beautifully organized and great to write in.

    You’ll also know that you’re getting a great quality item because this planner is stitch-bound and extra durable, with a matte-covered front and back.

    For each day in your JSTORY Large Weekly Planner, you’ll get a lot of space to write in. So, even on your busiest days, you’ll never run out of room to organize your life.

    However, this planner is pretty minimalistic – each page is organized with ‘M,T,W,T,F,S,S’ and a corresponding space for each day.

    This planner will do the job if you don’t mind not having all the added extras, such as affirmations and trackers!

    This planner can be used for almost anything – from writing bullet notes, a daily to-do list, organizing homework, organizing your bills, a meal planner, or even a food diary. It’s simple and versatile; sometimes, that’s all you need.

    Pros

    • Simple design
    • Stitch-bound and matte-coated for extra durability
    • A variety of colors to choose from
    • Versatile design; this planner can be used for almost anything!

    Cons

    • Lack of supportive features such as trackers
    • Not many pages – this wouldn’t be good for long-term goals or planning

    Clever Fox Planner Pro

    Next on our list is the infamous Clever Fox Planner Pro.

    The Clever Fox Planner Pro has been well received across the world, and thousands of people have jumped online to share their thoughts, so, of course, we had to try it for ourselves.

    The Clever Fox Planner Pro is a sophisticated and attractive planner that’s great for weekly and monthly organizing.

    Not only can you keep tabs on everything you need to do, but it’s also a great planner for setting long-term goals.

    This planner has a minimalistic front cover but boasts a light and spacious interior with plenty of dark headers. Unlike most dated planners, you can also start using this planner at any time of the year!

    Although this planner can be used for almost anything, we loved that it includes financial planning pages.

    This even includes a monthly budgeting section with expense tracker pages and a complementary grid for extra note-taking.

    So, if you’ve got some financial goals you want to keep on top of… this is a fantastic planner!

    Moreover, the Clever Fox Planner Pro even includes a summary of the year section, which lets you assess your financial progress throughout the year.

    It’s a fantastic feature that many Clever Fox Planner Pro users are taking advantage of, and it worked well for us, too!

    And in case you’re wondering, this planner does have a few extra features, such as ‘mindfulness’ prompts to help you move through the week, which is an excellent addition.

    Thanks, Clever Fox.

    Pros

    • Available in multiple colors, including lavender, forest green, amber yellow, and more.
    • Includes financial planning pages, mindfulness quotes, and extra grid space at the back for your note-taking.
    • Undated means you can start using this planner on any date of the year.
    • Elegant layout with plenty of dark headers.
    • Three bookmarks to navigate through the planner sections easily.

    Cons

    • Some users feel there are too many grid pages at the back of the journal, which may be better used as financial pages or affirmations.

    Self Journal By BestSelf

    Last on our list is the Self Journal by BestSelf.

    Like the cleverfox planner pro, the Self Journal has received an abundance of positive feedback from its users, and it’s arguably one of the best productivity planners on the market… or so we’ve heard.

    What better way to test the theory than to give it a go for ourselves?

    On first thoughts, the Self Journal has an incredibly simple design; however, it’s available in a range of colors, including yellow, blue, black, and orange, to suit all tastes.

    It’s sophisticated, stylish, and looks incredibly professional, making it great for business and personal use.

    When we started using the Self Journal, we were surprised by how much support is offered to its users.

    The Self Journal comes with a 13-week roadmap, a guidebook, and morning and evening gratitude pages, making it one of the more feature-packed journals on our roundup!

    The 13-week roundup features a daily progress tracker to help you monitor and achieve your goals, and with the daily gratitude acknowledgment, you can foster the positivity within that’s needed to reach your targets.

    This planner also boasts a weekly habit tracker, so if you’re trying to build new positive habits, this section can encourage you to get there!

    Like the freedom journal, you can also set S.M.A.R.T. goals and keep on track with progress milestones and accountability sections, which encourage you to hold yourself accountable for your successes and failures.

    The Self Journal was easy to use and packed with useful features.

    If you want a more supportive productivity planner, this is a great one to use! It’s also so versatile that it can be used for almost any big or small goal.

    Pros

    • Simple and elegant design that’s great for both business and personal use
    • Morning and evening gratitude sections are a charming touch
    • The planner also comes with a roadmap and guidebook to give you even more support on your productivity journey
    • The weekly habit tracker can help you build new habits, get rid of old ones, and see the benefits

    Cons

    • There’s limited space for ‘free journaling’ as most sections of this planner are rigorously structured.

    Buyers Guide

    Whether you’re a student, a worker, or a homemaker, life is busy. There’s always something that demands our attention, and using a productivity planner is a great way to keep on top of your life.

    If you want to achieve goals or targets you want to set yourself, a productivity planner is also a great way to hold yourself accountable!

    As you’ve probably noticed from our roundup, so many productivity planners are on the market.

    Some are bursting with features and resources, and others are more minimalistic with less structure.

    So, if you’re looking for a new productivity planner to organize your life, what should you be looking for?

    Take a look through the buyer’s guide below to explore the things you should be considering.

    Goal Setting Sections

    In an ideal world, your productivity planner will have a goal-setting section that can help you prioritize your tasks.

    Whatever you try to achieve, setting goals is the main way you will get there.

    An effective goal-setting section can help you prioritize the most important tasks and help you make time in the day to achieve them.

    A good goal-setting section will also help walk you through the process so you can envision your goal and help make it real. Your section should:

    • Help you understand why the goal is important
    • Establish what it will look and feel like to achieve it
    • Outline a plan of action that’s condensed into bite-sized chunks so you can make progress in a manageable way

    Time Blocking And Tracking

    Time rules almost everything and will also significantly affect your productivity.

    If you want to become more productive or achieve a goal, you’ll need to track your time so you can understand how you’re spending it and how to make changes.

    Time blocking and tracking can also give you an idea of how long it’ll take to achieve your goals.

    With time blocking, you should be planning out what goals you will achieve in a certain time frame (e.g., the day).

    For example, how long can you stay focused, and how much time should you allocate to a specific task?

    An effective time-blocking and tracking section can help you figure this out without overwhelming yourself!

    Look for a productivity planner that offers this feature. Most planners will give you a weekly layout for time blocking and tracking, but some may offer you more.

    Project Lists/ Brainstorming Space

    Any good planner will give you the space you need to organize and manage projects and brainstorm any ideas that may come to mind.

    If you’re struggling to focus, you might need a bit of extra free space to write it all out and organize it later.

    Getting all of those racing thoughts out onto paper is one of the most important things you can do on your productivity journey.

    Some planners may just have extra blank pages at the others, but others may also have project lists or task lists.

    These are usually lined and can help you organize your thoughts more coherently.

    We’d recommend looking for a lined or checklist version rather than gridded or free pages to make organizing your brain dumps a little easier.

    Frequently Asked Question

    Do Planners Increase Productivity?

    If used correctly, planners have the power to increase productivity (see also ‘How To Use Preparation To Increase Productivity In Your Creative Life‘). Planning your day and condensing your tasks into smaller loads can make achieving your goals easier, making you feel fulfilled.

    What Is A Productivity Planner?

    Productivity planners are journals that can be used to track and manage your goals and help you work to a schedule.

    Most productivity planners will include calendars, affirmations, trackers, and more to help you get there.

    What’s In A Productivity Planner?

    Productivity planners can include anything from financial planning sections to affirmations, habit trackers, calendars, and free space.

    Final Thoughts

    If you’re struggling to keep on top of your life, invest in a productivity planner! We hope you’ve found our list of the best productivity planners a source of inspiration for your next investment.

    Remember: anything is achievable when you put your mind to it!

  • The Ultimate Planner Guide for Staying Calm and Organized

    The Ultimate Planner Guide for Staying Calm and Organized

    For me, there’s nothing like a good planner.  The planners I use help me stay organized and bring calm to my life.

    When looking for a planner, it’s key to remember that the best one is not necessarily the most sophisticated. I’ve learned over the years to choose a planner that fits my lifestyle and schedule comfortably, so I’m motivated to use it regularly.

    Once I found the perfect fit, planning became an invaluable part of my life.

    Planners on a desk
    Cultivate What Matters Season by Season Planner

    But I know that finding the right planner can be overwhelming.  In this post, I have done the work for you and have compiled a list of some of the best planners.

    Disclosure: This page contains affiliate links, which means I receive a small commission, at no extra cost to you, if you make a purchase using the links.

    Hobonichi Techno Planner

    First designed in 2001, Hobonichi planners have been helping customers organize their lives for over 20 years.

    Its A6 size makes it perfectly portable to be carried in all kinds of bags, and the leather binding makes it durable to a little wear and tear (let’s be real, it’s a planner at the end of the day).

    The paper is thin and light but allows ink to glide on the paper nicely without worrying about bleeding.

    This is the perfect compact little planner if you’re looking for something you can always carry with you.

    Pros

    • Size – A6 size makes it small and compact.
    • Lays flat – The planner lays flat, making it comfortable to use.
    • Tomoe River paper – Very smooth and light paper; it works well with fountain pens.

    Cons

    • Size – A6 may be too small for some.
    • Price – The price may be slightly high, given the small size.

    JSTORY Large Weekly Planner

    If you need somewhere to scribble down your to-do list, this planner may be the one for you.

    It has a super simple layout, with just the first letter of each day printed out, with plenty of space to jot dot what needs to be done.

    It’s thin, comfortable, and perfect for those who prefer a minimalist design. It is available in three sizes: medium, large, and big.

    Pros

    • Simple layout – Enough space on the pages to write what you need.
    • Price – Affordable price.
    • Size options – Three size options are available: medium, large, and big.

    Cons

    • Layout – The layout may appear bland for those who want more space to doodle.
    • Design – The design can be basic for those who like more intricate designs.

    The Self-Care Planner

    We all need a little self-care sometimes, and this planner will help you.

    As well as organizing your daily tasks, this planner helps you track your mood, sleep, meals, water intake, and more.

    It’s been created with self-care at its forefront. Its unique approach helps you achieve more without feeling stressed or overwhelmed and encourages you to prioritize your daily happiness and well-being.

    An added bonus is its gorgeous design. It features thick, bright white paper, a fabric cover, and gold foil lettering.

    Pros

    • Not just a daily planner – This planner focuses on happiness and well-being and your daily tasks (see also ‘2023 Season by Season Daily Planner Review‘).
    • Attractive design – Its lovely design looks wonderful sat on your desk or workstation.
    • Broad choice of colors – This planner is available in 7 different colors.

    Cons

    • Size – The planner may be too big to carry around comfortably.

    Traveler’s Weekly Vertical Planner

    This planner is perfect if you’re buying it anytime throughout the year, allowing you to fill in the dates as you wish.

    In addition to this, some pages have vertical monthly calendars where you can fill in important dates such as birthdays, anniversaries, or any events that are coming up.

    The paper is high quality and bleed resistant, which works well with fountain pens.

    It has a soft cardboard cover and is very compact in size, making it an easy planner to carry around with you.

    Pros

    • No dates – You can purchase this planner whenever you want, as you can fill in the dates as you wish.
    • Price – This planner is a very affordable option.
    • Size – It measures 4.3 by 8.3 inches.

    Cons

    • Not as attractive as others on this list – The planner only comes with a cardstock cover.

    Productivity Planner

    This productivity planner by Intelligent Change encourages you to make the most out of each day by prioritizing your most important tasks and then reflecting on your results to analyze your workflow.

    You’ll also get to read an important daily quote to inspire you daily.  Plus, you’ll have space to jot down any weekly tasks, events, or commitments.

    This planner follows a structured format to help you organize your time accordingly.

    Pros

    • Structure – This planner helps you organize your tasks in order of importance.
    • Daily quote – Wake up to some lovely words of inspiration each day.
    • Recyclable material – FSC-certified paper.

    Cons

    • Price – Some may see it as a pricier option on this list.

    Self Journal By BestSelf

    If you struggle with consistency, this self-journal may be the one for you.

    This journal will help you achieve your goals using the SMART (specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, time-bound) method.

    It contains monthly views, weekly and daily planning, and undated pages for extra notes. It also has a section of bullet journal pages, where you can fill it with extra notes, ideas, scribbles, stickers, you name it!

    An added bonus is that this company donates one meal to Feeding America for every purchase.

    Pros

    • Versatility – Contains elements of self-care and daily, monthly, and weekly planning.
    • Choice of color – The product is available in 4 colors.
    • Created based on research – This planner is backed by success psychology and science.

    Cons

    • A lot of self-evaluation – This journal may be too much for those who want to plan.

    Daily Goal Setter Mal Paper

    This planner will help you achieve more throughout your days by helping you become consistent. In addition, it guides you to complete lists that will help you reach your goals.

    It also utilizes many mindfulness techniques by having you write down daily affirmations.

    There’s also no lack of variety with this product, as within its 274 pages, you’ll find sections on daily, weekly, and monthly planning, goal setting, and gratitude, as well as lined, dotted, and un-dated pages.

    This a great planner if you like to add doodles, stickers, and photos.

    Pros

    • Un-dated – You can purchase this planner at any time of the year.
    • Variety – Values self-care, goal setting, and daily and monthly planning.
    • Kind to the environment – A tree is planted with every order.

    Cons

    • Space – The weekly section does not have as much space as one may like.

    The 6-Minute Success Journal

    This journal encourages you to plan your day and prioritize your tasks by prioritizing self-care.

    It encourages you to be productive and emphasizes mindfulness and gratitude.

    You also enjoy a spirit-lifting quote on each page – the perfect way to start each day.

    There’s also a ‘Thoughts, Ideas, & Wins of the Day’ section for your end-of-the-day routine.

    This planner has been created based on scientific research and practice-based evidence.

    Pros

    • Versatile – Includes self-care elements as well as planning.
    • Scientifically proven – Utilizes the proven 6 – minute method.
    • Several colors available – You can choose five colors with this product.

    Cons

    • Not ideal for just planning – There are several self-care elements, so if you are looking for a good planner, this may not be your best option.

    Leuchtturm1917 Bullet Journal

    If you prefer an undated planner, why not try a bullet journal?

    The creator of this framework, Ryder Carroll, worked closely with the company Leuchtturm1917 to create this notebook.

    This journal contains tips on following the bullet journal method to help you stay organized.

    If you’re a creative entrepreneur who enjoys doodling, scrapbooking, and creating nice little artifacts, then this option may be the one for you.

    Pros

    • Customizable – Completely un-dated for you to customize as you wish.
    • No time restriction – No dates means you can purchase this whenever you wish.
    • Comfortable – This journal fits comfortably in all kinds of bags

    Cons

    • Bullet journal method – This planner is solely for the bullet journal method, which may seem confusing.

    Buyer’s Guide

    There are many things to consider when looking for the right planner for you, as various choices are available.

    This buyer’s guide will outline some things you need to consider before putting your money down on a planner.

    Size And Comfort

    One of the most important things you need to consider when selecting a planner is size and comfort. Would you like a tiny planner that can be whipped out of any bag in a second? Or would you prefer something bigger that you keep on your desk?

    You’ll also need to look at your binding preference. Would you like a three-ring binder that allows you to add your own pages, or would you prefer a spiral-bound binder?

    If you’re unsure, it may be worth heading to a store that sells planners to get a feel of what works best for you.

    Layouts

    Determining what layout suits you best is also very important. You’re likely to have a choice between vertical and horizontal layouts.

    Horizontal layouts allow more room for writing detailed notes, whereas horizontal layouts tend to have three sections. These are useful if you want to split your day between morning, afternoon, and evening.

    Knowing how you prefer to structure your planner is crucial regarding layouts. Would you like to see your different tasks hour by hour, or do you prefer a quick weekly or monthly view?

     

    Dated, Undated, Lined, Or Bulleted

    Some people prefer planners that include dates and months printed on each page. However, if you choose an undated planner, you can pick it up any time of the year.

    Whether you would like lined or bulleted paper is also a consideration. Lined paper is best for those who enjoy writing lists and like writing notes.

    With bullet journals, the dotted pages allow you to draw and doodle.  You may also be well-versed in the bullet journal method, a method coined by Ryder Carroll that allows you to structure your tasks as you see fit.

     

    Identify Your Needs

    Do you need a book to structure your to-do lists? Or, would you rather have a journal that allows you to reflect on your goals, guiding you on how to reach them?

    As you can tell from this post, many planners value self-care and include elements of goal-setting and affirmations.

    Several of these options also include areas to track daily habits such as water intake, exercise, mood, etc.

    Knowing what you’d like to experience from your planner will help you choose the right one.

    If you’d like guidance on consistency and tracking habits, then a planner with some self-care elements would benefit you.

    However, if you want a planner that allows you to structure your days, weeks, and months, something simpler that doesn’t contain any extra elements would suit you best.

     

    Digital vs Physical

    While some enjoy physically writing down lists and crossing them out, others prefer the digital side. There are pros and cons to both.

    Physical planners involve more money than digital ones, but some prefer writing things down as they find it soothing.

    However, digital planners are convenient and easy to access, no matter your device or location. They are also great for giving you reminders of tasks and events you would otherwise fail to remember.

    They can also be shared with others if you would like to engage in some team planning on a vacation, for example.

    Using a digital planner is also much cheaper as it mostly involves downloading an app or a PDF file.

    Whatever kind of planner is best for you is one that suits your individual needs.  I created some printable 90-day goal-setting worksheets to help you get started.

    90-Day Goal PlanningFrequently Asked Questions

    Does Everyone Need A Planner?

    Not everyone needs a planner, as some people are perfectly okay with keeping track of their tasks without having them in a physical or digital form.

    However, it is normal for important dates and tasks to slip your mind if you have a busy schedule.

    Therefore, having a planner, be it digital or physical, is a good idea as it is something you can refer to when making plans.

    They are also great for keeping track of to-do lists throughout the day. These can be used for work or personal tasks.

    Are Planners Good For Mental Health?

    Planners are very useful in helping with mental health. They allow people to plan their day.

    Physically writing also makes some people feel more engaged with what they are writing, which helps people with their mental health.

    Aside from all this, the planners that contain wellness trackers, such as exercise, mood, water intake, and food, are useful for reducing any feelings of stress and anxiety. These trackers work as a form of self-observation which reduces stress levels.

    Final Thoughts

    Setting goals is essential, whether in your personal or professional life.

    Investing in a good planner can help you organize your life in ways that may surprise you. Check out the review of the Self Planner in the video link below.

    There are planners to suit the needs of everyone, whether it’s a physical book to write down all of your to-do lists or a journal that will help you keep track of your mood, help you set goals, and guide you through self-care.

    So, pick from one of the wonderful planners on this list and get organized.

     

     

  • 8 Things You Should Do to Accomplish Your Greatest Goals in 90 Days

    8 Things You Should Do to Accomplish Your Greatest Goals in 90 Days

    How good are you at accomplishing your goals?  Is this the year you achieve your greatest goals?  The ones that could change your life?  Whether it’s the start of a new year, a new month, or a brand new day,  anytime is the perfect time to start making your dreams come true.

    For years, I had a hit-or-miss relationship with my goals.  While I accomplished most of my goals, there were times when I completely missed the mark.

    It took me a long time to figure out that it can be hard to figure out how to get from point A to point B.

    It wasn’t until I developed a 90-day goal-setting process that I finally got on the right track toward accomplishing some of my greatest goals

    Desktop with SMART GoalsI’ll be the first to admit that goal-setting is personal.  One size rarely fits all.

    So I had to design a goal-setting strategy that worked for my life.  Whether I’m identifying goals for my next book, or my business,  I use a  90-day goal-setting process to stay on track.  

    So in this post, I’m going to show you how to set 90-day goals.  You’ll also learn eight tips I’ve learned to make goal-setting much easier.

    Disclosure: This page contains affiliate links, which means I receive a small commission, at no extra cost to you, if you make a purchase using the links.

    What is a 90-day goal?

    A 90-day goal is a focused, actionable goal that you can achieve within the span of three months.

    It is different from long-term goals, which are goals that take more time to achieve. A 90-day goal allows you to focus on something specific and achievable in the near future, like learning how to cook a new recipe, running a 10K, or mastering a certain skill set.

    Setting 90-day goals also helps break down what can seem like an overwhelming journey into smaller, more manageable steps. I created some printable 90-day goal-setting worksheets to help you get started.

    Additionally, achieving short-term goals builds momentum for the bigger-picture goal. Those small wins and milestones throughout the process help keep the focus sharp and motivation high.

     

    90-Day Goal Planning

    #1.  Identify your 90-day goal

    The first step in achieving your 90-day goal is figuring out the goal.

    My goal for each quarter in 2023 is to make significant progress in writing four books. One of them will be non-fiction, and three will be fiction. I will focus on writing and editing a book per quarter.  I will make separate plans for launching each book.

    So, once you have determined your goal, it’s time to break it down into actionable steps achievable within the next three months.

     

    #2.  What practical actions will you take?

    I believe goal-setting is vital to my success, which is why I finally settled on the 90-day goal-planning process for myself. To stay on track, I set aside time for planning each week and include action steps that help me reach my goal.

    My plan covers milestones as well as small tactics required to hit the goal within the given timeframe. As life doesn’t always go as planned, I build in flexibility for days when obstacles or challenges arise.

    By taking such practical actions, I have been able to maintain focus on my goals and stay on track.

     

    #3.  Create smaller goals

    Breaking a large 90-day goal into smaller goals can help make the challenge seem much more achievable.

    Rather than becoming overwhelmed when writing a book, I prefer to create small goals across 90 days. This allows me to focus on one step at a time and gradually move closer to achieving my overall goal.

     

    How To Meet Goals Often Not Achieved

    #4.  Make a daily schedule

    Making and following a daily schedule is the key to achieving my smaller goals. Planning my day is a powerful tool that helps me get more done in less time so that I have the energy to spare for other things.

    I use the 2023 Season by Season™ Daily Planner to create my daily schedule.  But you can use a digital or printable planner to organize your daily schedule.

    And don’t forget to leave some space for relaxation. It’s important for both productivity and mental health to include leisure activities in your day too. Achieving your 90-day goal is within reach with mindful planning.

     

    #5.  Prioritize your tasks

    Once I identify the steps necessary for achieving my goal, I prioritize them based on importance and urgency.

    This helps ensure that all of the most important tasks are completed first while also ensuring that nothing falls through the cracks due to procrastination or poor time management.

    Prioritizing also helps to keep me motivated as I check off each task along the way.

     

    #6.  Batch and simplify tasks

    As much as possible, I like to batch and simplify the tasks associated with my smaller goals. Task batching is an effective strategy to group tasks according to the project so tasks of a similar nature can be completed in one go.

    This helps reduce context switching and allows more time to focus on tasks with a higher impact. S

    So, I look at my daily tasks to see what I can do to batch and simplify them.

     

    #7.  Track your progress

    Tracking your progress on your goals is vital for success.

    I have a regular schedule that I can revisit to check in with myself to get insight into how I’m doing.  If I’m behind, it’s a sign that it might be time to shift my approach or push myself more.

    As you apply this approach to your 90-day goal, treat yourself if you are ahead of the game. The occasional break gives you time to relax and celebrate the work you have accomplished so far.

     

    #8.  Give up your fear of failing

    Meeting your 90-day goal is no easy task. You may face numerous challenges that make it difficult to achieve what you set out to accomplish. This can seem discouraging; however, it is important for you to view failure as a pivotal learning experience in order to successfully complete your 90-day goal.

    With every setback you experience, take the opportunity to reflect and develop new strategies and skills that will drive you forward on your path to success.

    By understanding why the failure occurred, you can devise actions that will ensure similar obstacles are avoided in the future, ultimately leading you closer to meeting your 90-day goal.

     

    Final thoughts

    Achieving goals doesn’t have to be as difficult. By developing a 90-day goal-setting strategy, you can finally start making progress on the things that matter most to you.

    While I only list eight tips that will help you set and achieve your own 90-day goals, I realize there may be other tips I missed.  Please feel free to share.

    What’s one thing you want to achieve in the next 90 days?

    Check out this quick video guide by The Art Of Improvement, which will help you understand effective goal setting.

  • 2023 Erin Condren Deluxe Monthly Planner: A Comprehensive Review

    2023 Erin Condren Deluxe Monthly Planner: A Comprehensive Review

    As we continue our focus on planning, I thought it would be good to follow my review of the 2023 Season by Season™ Daily Planner with a review of the Deluxe Monthly Planner by Erin Condren.

    While I find daily planners to be effective in helping me organize day-to-day activities, there is value in using monthly planners too.

    Erin Condren Deluxe Monthly PlannerThe Deluxe Monthly Planner by Erin Condren is a complete planner that can be used for overall scheduling or focusing on specific tasks or projects.

    A monthly planner (see also ‘How To Organize Your Planner‘) can help to kick-start your goals, and greatly improve your organization.

    In this review, we’ll take an in-depth look at the Deluxe Monthly Planner by Erin Condren to see if it can help you get organized.

    All about the Erin Condren Deluxe Monthly Planner

    What I like most about the Deluxe Monthly Planner by Erin Condren is that it combines a calendar and a notebook.

    It’s designed to help you plan your day-to-day, schedule all your projects, and budget your monthly spending.

    For writers, the Erin Condren Monthly Planner is a space to combine creative planning with regular activities.

    The Deluxe Monthly Planner by Erin Condren is a 12-month planner featuring mini months, a monthly two-page calendar spread, monthly productivity pages, and 10 lined note pages at the end of every month.

    The calendar spread features boxes for important tasks.  Also, you can expand those tasks on the note page following.

    Each month is tabbed for easy organization. You can add additional note pages to the back of the planner. Sticker sheets are included to add sparkle and inspiration.

    What I like about the planner

    Erin Condren’s monthly planners give an excellent first impression. Each planner (see also ‘Best Self Planner‘) is sturdy with vibrant covers.

    You can also build your monthly planner with the following options.

    • 2 sizes: 7″ x 9″ or 8.5″ x 11″
    • 3 interior design options: Harmony Colorful, Harmony Neutral, or In Bloom
    • Add 40 extra lined or productivity note pages

    Intuitive layout

    The design is intuitive to use and comprehensive. The planner offers mini months, a two-page calendar spread, and a monthly productivity page (see also ‘Best Productivity Planners‘).

    This expands the planner’s use, as you can fit these sections to your needs. Add a word count goal (see also ‘How to Write More: 10 Quick Ways to Boost Your Word Count‘), planning goals, habits you want to pick up, or whatever works for you.

    Each month combines detailed planning sections with pages that take an overview of events. This makes it easier to track monthly, daily, and yearly goals.

    Dated and tabbed calendar

    The deluxe monthly planner is a large book, and finding the right section could take a lot of flicking back and forth.

    However, the dated calendar tabs make it easy to find the right page, even in a hurry.

    For yearly planning, the tabs can be used to check and set your goals quickly and add those important future dates you don’t want to forget.

    Multiple design options

    You can’t judge a book by its cover, but you can feel motivated to pick up a planner when you like the design. An attractive front cover should never be the main reason for choosing a planner, but it helps.

    Erin Condren monthly planners are available in incredible designs, so you’re almost guaranteed to find one you love.

    Not a fan of any designs? You can even upload your photo for a planner perfect for you.

    Personalizations

    It isn’t just the cover design that you can personalize with an Erin Condren monthly planner!

    Once you’ve chosen your favorite cover, you can pick your preferred coil color and personalize the design with your name or an inspirational quote.

    Inside the planner, there are even more options waiting for you. Pick between the standard 7” x 9” planner and the large 8.5” x 11.”

    Choose the interior design: whether you prefer bright colors for motivation or find neutral shades to help with clear strategizing, your planner can suit your needs.

    Depending on your purchase, you can even alter the calendar’s start date, which is excellent for academic planning.

    Finally, if you like the notebook aspect of the planner, you can add additional note pages to the back.

    Erin Condren Monthly Planner

    Lined pages

    Lined pages might not appeal to all creative planners, but we love how easy the lines make it to employ different organizational tools.

    With pre-lined pages, you can easily design your charts and graphs and prevent “wandering handwriting” problems.

    Double-sided pocket

    Always losing track of your bits and pieces? From notes written on the go, to receipts we absolutely can’t lose, one misplaced piece of paper can throw all your plans off course.

    The sturdy double-sided pocket included with the monthly planner gives you a space to keep those easily misplaced essentials.

    The pocket may seem like a small feature, but it does increase the overall usability of the planner. You simply need to slide in that piece of paper you need to keep close, and it’s safely stored for future access.

    80lb. text weight paper

    Good paper can make or break a planner.  Erin Condren has equipped every monthly planner with 80 lb text-weight paper.

    This paper resists ink bleeding, allowing you to write without worrying about ink appearing on the next page.  It feels good to write on, and your letters will stay sharp and clear.

    Price

    The Erin Condren monthly planner is hardly a budget buy, but we think it’s reasonable considering how much you get for the price.

    However, watch out for the additions and personalizations, as they can add up.

    What I don’t like about the planner

    I realize no monthly planner can do it all (unfortunately), no matter how good it is. However, I feel the Erin Condren monthly planner could be improved in a few areas, so let’s look at these in a little more detail.

    Lacks Weekly Features

    This is expected from a monthly planner, but planning your days and weeks in detail is tricky with the overall layout.

    If you wanted to use this as a weekly planner, you’d need to make the most of those note pages at the end of each month.

    For many, the lack of weekly planning won’t be an issue. If you already have a daily or weekly planner (see also ‘2023 Season by Season Daily Planner Review‘), then the monthly planner is a helpful addition that provides a scheduling overview.

    However, a more complete organizer might be preferable if you prefer to keep all your notes and planning in one place.

    Daily note-taking isn’t impossible in the Deluxe Monthly Planner by Erin Condren, but you can’t go into much detail.

    Additional note pages come at a price

    I love the Erin Condren monthly planner because it allows you to combine note-taking with calendar planning, making this an excellent planner for budding writers.

    However, it’s a shame that to make the most of this feature, you need to pay extra for the note pages.

    Works as a general planner rather than a writer-specific planner

    This isn’t necessarily a problem with the monthly planner, but it is something to consider when deciding if the Deluxe Monthly Planner by Erin Condren is right for you.

    The planner is designed to be used by anyone for any need. That could be family budgeting, writing meal plans, or organizing school activities.

    It is an all-encompassing planner and will appeal to many people.

    However, if you’re new to planning and hoping to use the monthly planner specifically for writing goals, the lack of direction might be a stumbling block.

    Of course, it could always work the other way. The versatility of the Deluxe Monthly Planner by Erin Condren might allow you to tailor your organization to your own goals.

    Verdict

    Overall, the Deluxe Monthly Planner by Erin Condren is an excellent tool for planning.

    The amount of personalization available allows you to create a planner you want to use and tailor to suit your own needs.

    On the inside, the deluxe monthly planner is laid out intuitively, with plenty of room to plan your month in detail and provide at-a-glance goal-setting and memos.

    I love the note pages between each month. The quality of the Erin Condren monthly planner is exceptional, with quality pages that don’t allow the ink to bleed.

    Additional features such as stickers and a back pocket increase usability.

    The Deluxe Monthly Planner by Erin Condren can’t guarantee all your goals are met.  But the intuitive layout and attractive designs do help!

  • 2023 Season By Season Daily Planner: A Comprehensive Review

    2023 Season By Season Daily Planner: A Comprehensive Review

    I use a variety of digital tools and apps to organize my life.  But I love a good paper planner.  So when Cultivate What Matters launched its new 2023 Season by Season™ Daily Planner, I couldn’t resist the opportunity to check it out.

     

    Female hands with pen writing in Season by Season Daily Planner

     

    I don’t know about you, but this year has been pretty busy.  More client assignments and family commitments mean I have to ensure that my days, weeks, and months are organized.

    But as life changes, what I need from my planner must change too.

    Cultivate What Matters, the company responsible for PowerSheets, now offers the Season by Season™ Daily Planner as an intuitive, flexible tool for living more intentionally. With its streamlined monthly and daily planning pages, this planner (see also ‘Best Productivity Planners‘) is designed to help us make every day count.

    But will it?  Where does the Season by Season™ Daily Planner succeed?  Can it be improved?

    In this review, I share what I learned about the 2023 Season by Season™ Daily Planner.  Keep reading if you want to know what I discovered.

    What is the Season By Season Daily Planner?

    Cultivate What Matters is a company that revolves around being intentional about setting and achieving goals.

    To help you do this, they sell a wide range of journals, planners, calendar sheets, conversation cards, and inspirational t-shirts.

    They even have a “Reading Journal,” where you list the books you’ve read and what you learned.

    The aim is to give you a structured way to plan each day and determine your goals to live a more fulfilling year.

    One of their newest ways to do this is through the “2023 Season by Season™ Daily Planner” which allows you to do a day-by-day plan for the upcoming year.

    However, this one differs because it divides the days into 90-day windows. This 90-day planner is the perfect timeframe because I like to focus on projects and goals quarterly.

     

    What’s to like about the Season By Season Daily Planner?

    The 90-day format

    I’m excited about the 90-day format. As I start mapping out my goals for the coming year, I plan to use every 90 days as a guide to complete projects.

    I know how hard it can be to start a new project. How long will the project take? How will it look at the end? Will there even be an end?  Can I finish?

    There will always be a lot of doubt when we begin a new goal, which usually stops so many people from finishing or reaching them.

    With the Season By Season Daily Planner, the goal-planning process seems less daunting.

    Seeing each project neatly divided into tight 90-day windows, with day-by-day mini-goals along the way, will give me a much better visual and work nicely with my Kanban system.

    Only time will tell if my projects feel less overwhelming and more manageable.

     

    Seasons

    In addition to working well with my visual planning system, the 90-day windows line up with the year’s four seasons. Where possible, I plan to organize my goals around these seasonal periods.

    For example, my book launches in 2023 will be spread out quarterly, allowing me to plan activities and promotions around the weather or special events.

     

    Daily planning space

    As you know, the planner lets you plan each day by itself, with space for scheduling everything out. One thing I noticed about the Season By Season Daily Planner is how the pages are laid out.

    For each Monday-Friday period, each day gets a page. On the left is a column from 5 a.m. to 10 p.m., with two lines for each.

    This way, you get to plan day by day and hour by hour. Skillfully, it omits most hours that people will be asleep so as not to waste space.


    Then, on the right of the page is a series of empty bullet points. This is where you fill out your priorities for the day, the overall goals, and things you need to do.

    After that, there are three options: “Tend to my goals,” “Express gratitude,” and “Encourage someone.”

    You can tick as many or as few as you want, but it gives you a good suggestion of how to spend your day.  Also, you get a good balance throughout the week to live a more well-rounded life.

    Finally, there is space for “Today’s Win,” where you can highlight your accomplishments for the day.

     

    Monthly overview

    Not only do you have individual days, but there are also some monthly calendar pages.

    These allow you to know what your month will be like at a glance. This can make it more manageable and less overwhelming.

     

    Rhythms

    Before each of the 90-day windows, there is a space for recording “joyful rhythms.” The idea here is to start each season by taking stock of your best routines so you can cultivate them.

    I like this section because it reminds me of the importance of habit tracking.  Routines are important for getting through our days with some semblance of order in what can otherwise seem like an unruly world. The idea here is not just about maintaining current habits but also figuring out which ones should be continued into future months so that we feel more prepared.

    What could be better about the Season By Season Daily Planner?

    Weekends are combined into a single page

    Often, our biggest plans fall on the weekends. This is certainly the case with personal and social activities. However, this planner combined Saturday and Sunday into just one page each week.

    I understand why they’ve done it – the workweek will be full.

    It’s a shame, though, because I would have liked the same amount of space for Saturday and Sunday, allowing me to do an hour-by-hour plan.

    Weekends can sometimes be busy, and it would have been a nice way to take control of them.

     

    Limited designs

    When you buy the Season By Season Daily Planner, there is only one design and color scheme.

    The design in question is a soft beige with neat gold writing, a golden coil, and corner protectors

    It’s a very smart and beautiful design, but it would be nice to have some personalization.

    Since the PowerSheets, planners come in such pretty, unique designs, it would have been nice to have the same type of selection for the 2023 Season by Season™ Daily Planner.

    Verdict

    Overall, Cultivate What Matter’s 2023 Season by Season™ Daily Planner looks like a winner.

    Although it slips on its weekend pages and lacks design choices, there is still a lot to love.

    Its 90-day seasonal windows help to organize your year by projects, while the weekday pages have space to plan.

     

  • How To Successfully Organize Your Planner and Your Creative Life

    How To Successfully Organize Your Planner and Your Creative Life

    Is it time to get your personal and creative life in order?  If the answer is yes, it may be time to use one of the simplest tools on earth: the planner.

    Planners help us stay organized, accomplish our goals, and plan for the future.

    While I am a fan of my Google calendar, Trello, and Meistertask, I still believe there is something special about writing in my planner.

    How To Organize A PlannerKeeping a planner to organize your creative life has many benefits, especially if you have a lot going on.

    I used to think I could keep everything organized in my head. But the more I had on my plate, the more I had to remember.

    Over the years, I have tried many planners — Franklin Covey Day Timer (my first!) to Erin Condren Daily Life Planner to the Cultivate What Matters PowerSheets.

    Once I learned how to make planners work for me (see also ‘How to Use a Daily Planner Effectively‘), the more I was able to accomplish, especially in my creative life.

    Planners are a great way to manage what’s going on in your life. Plus, studies show that using a pen can better process information and increase our learning ability.

    My planner helps me organize my projects, task lists, ideas, goal lists, wishlists, and anything else I need to document.

    But how do you use a planner to keep organized? In today’s post, I outline nine steps for organizing your planner to help you manage your personal and creative life.

     

    Disclosure: This page contains affiliate links, which means I receive a small commission, at no extra cost, if you purchase using the links.

     

    Step #1 — Find a planner that fits your personal and creative life

    The right planner can make all the difference in helping you stay organized. But how do you know which one is best?

    There are many planners to choose from — monthly planners, bullet journals, academic planners, daily planners, annual planners, and more (see also ‘Best Self Planner‘).

    Because I have so much on my plate as a business owner, author, editor, and coach, I use a printed planner and a Google calendar.

    Get a planner that works for your needs. With so many styles of planners on the market, it shouldn’t be hard to find one that best suits your needs.

    I believe you should use one planner for everything.  However, I know some people who like to use one planner for their business life (like for their full-time job) and another at home for their creative life.  If this is you, no shame.  Do what you need to do today to keep moving forward.  But ultimately, you may find it easier to move everything to one planner.

     

    Step #2 — Schedule deadlines, events, and appointments

    Next, write your meetings, deadlines, events, and appointments in your calendar. This way, you can track exactly when things need to be done and what days you are busy. You can reference your planner each morning and know what is expected of your day.

    I like to record this information as I plan for the entire year.  But I also add schedules, events, and appointments to my planner monthly, weekly, and daily.

     

    Step #3 — Create task lists for everything

    You should always reserve a planner section for a to-do or task list. I used to keep this information in my head, but as I got busier, I had to devise a different system.

    Whether grocery shopping, tidying the house, or making creative products, jot it down in your task list and check it off once you’re done.

    If you keep your planner with you at all times, then as soon as you have a new commitment, you can write it down to ensure that you don’t forget.

     

    Step #4 — Categorize your tasks

    I always find it best to categorize my tasks. This allows me to focus better on each task and ensure that I am making progress on all fronts. This ensures that I am taking care of all aspects of my life and not letting any one area fall by the wayside.

    The categories that I use to organize tasks are:

    • Business,
    • Faith,
    • Medical,
    • Self-care,
    • Home life,
    • Connections, and
    • Fun

    Step #5 — Prioritize the tasks within your task list

    Prioritize The Tasks Within Your Task ListCreating a task list itself will keep you organized for sure. You’ll have everything you need to do in one convenient space.

    However, if you’re anything like me, it’ll take no time for that list to become overwhelmingly long.

    How you prioritize your list can be up to you; some people work best with color-coding tasks, while others prefer using symbols or numbers.

    In his book The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People, Stephen Covey popularized a theory from President Eisenhower called “The Decision Matrix.” This matrix consists of four boxes that describe different types or levels of importance and urgency. The quadrants are:

    1. Important And Urgent
    2. Not Important But Urgent
    3. Important But Not Urgent
    4. Not Important And Not Urgent

    These labels can help solopreneurs and creative entrepreneurs identify what they should think about, not waste unnecessary thought or energy.

     

    Step #6 — Add time assignments to your tasks

    One way to stay on top of your tasks is to add time assignments. Estimate how long each task will take and assign a time slot for each one. This will help you better map your day and ensure you’re using your time effectively.

    To keep track of everything, I use color coding. For example, a yellow dot by a task may mean I have a day to complete a task, whereas a blue dot may mean I have a week.

     

    Step #7 — Start all tasks with a verb

    This may seem a little pointless initially, but I promise it helps. Reading your task and knowing immediately what it will involve pushes you to do it that little bit easier.

    So, for example, instead of writing’ rent,’ write ‘pay rent’ or instead of saying ‘social media,’ write ‘post social media graphics.’

    It’s a small thing, but it works!

     

    Step #8 — Create a top-three list for the day

    If you have a lot to do in one day and find it stressful to look at a long list of everything you need to get done, try using the top three rule.

    For each day of your planner write down the top three most important tasks/goals for your day that you need to achieve.

    Once you have done this, you can move on to the other tasks if you have time.  But you’ll know that you’ve prioritized the main objectives of the day.

     

    Step #9 — Use the two-minute rule

    One thing that has kept me organized is sticking rigidly to the two-minute rule.

    And by this, I mean if you are about to write down a task or job that takes two minutes or less to complete – do it immediately.

    Suppose it will take you as long to write it down as it is to do the job on the spot. It would help if you did it done immediately while you remember.

    Final Thoughts

    There are so many different ways to organize your planner, and it’s important that you find the one which works best for you.

    If you need more inspiration, check out Haley Cairo’s video on how she organizes her calendar and planner.

    Also, feel free to share any tips that work for you.