Karen Brown Tyson

Tag: #planner

  • 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.

     

     

  • 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.

  • How To Use A Daily Planner Effectively + Free Printable Template

    How To Use A Daily Planner Effectively + Free Printable Template

    Do you wish you could get more done during the week? Do you have great ideas that never seem to come to life? If you answered yes, it might be time to add a daily planner to your life.

    Whether you use a paper or digital planner, writing your goals, ideas, and plans is a great way to organize your week and get more done.

     

    How To Use A Daily Planner Effectively + Free Printable TemplateIf you need help starting or keeping a planner, fear not, because here is a list of tips you can use.

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

    Practice consistency

    Keeping a daily planner can be exciting and fulfilling.  You faithfully log important dates, events, and goals in the early days.  Then life happens.  Before you know it, your planner is in the corner collecting dust.

    Lack of consistency is one of the reasons people lose interest in keeping a daily planner.  But consistency is the key.

    Studies show that to develop a new habit, you need to do it consistently for it to take effect.

    If you fail to use your planner daily, it’s easy to fall out of habit and stop using it altogether.

    One of the ways I stay consistent in writing in my planner is by keeping it with me. I also keep it in places where I see it every day. This reminds me to keep writing in it and helps me make it a part of my daily routine.

    Record as much as you can

    People tend to think they can remember a whole host of minor details and facts in the confines of their heads. I used to be one of those people.

    But the experience taught me that it could be hard to keep track when I have multiple tasks ahead of me, such as appointments, holidays, meetings, and even grocery shopping.

    Research shows that we remember things better when we write things down.  I learned to take the time to write down all of the events I have going on.  As a result, I can free up my mind to think about more important things. Ultimately, I felt l less overwhelmed and more at ease.

    Keeping a planner not only helps you to stay organized but can give you a clearer head too.

    Use a smaller-sized planner

    If you’re worried about carrying a large planner, consider keeping a smaller-sized planner. A smaller planner can fit more easily in your backpack or a handbag.

    Large, bulky desk planners can be aesthetically pleasing, but they’re just not as practical.

    By choosing a planner that is more compact, you can take notes on the go.

    As new tasks or activities come up throughout the day,  you can whip out your smaller-sized planner on the spot.

    Don’t stress about filling it in

    How To Use A Planner 2Many people think that it’s pointless having a planner if they don’t fill in every available space, but this isn’t the case.

    Your planner should be a direct reflection of your life. Some weeks might be empty, but others might be packed with tasks, events, or reminders. Enjoy the weeks when you don’t have as much to do.

    If you enjoy writing things down but don’t necessarily have much to fill in your planner, you should consider keeping a diary too.

    This will help you jot down any thoughts and ideas floating around your head and will also help to satisfy your craving to write things down.

    Personalize your daily planner

    The prospect of making it look aesthetically pleasing can give you an incentive to start keeping a planner.

    There are so many ways that you can spruce up a boring old planner by filling it with drawings, quotes, and stickers.

    You can style it according to your unique style and taste because, after all, a planner should be a reflection of you and your daily life.

    Pinterest has many ideas on how to accessorize your planner, so why not look to find some inspiration?

    Use action words with each task

    If you want to complete a task, use action words. This will help you get it done. Action words can include things like “create,” “organize,” and “research.” Using action words will make you more likely to complete the task.

    Add a goal-tracking section

    If you want to stay on top of your habits, add a goal-tracking section.

    Having a goal-tracking section in your planner is an excellent way to keep track of things like how much water you drink each day or your workout schedule.

    This could help provide structure to your day.  The goal-tracking section helps you keep track of your plans and reminds you why they are important. You’ll be more likely to achieve these goals if they’re written and visible.

    Final thoughts

    Keeping a daily planner is a fantastic way to track all your tasks and activities.  Over the years, I have come to love a variety of planners and notebooks.  One of them is the Erin Condren LifePlanner.  You can find out more by watching the video below.

    Remember to have fun, no matter what type of planner you choose.

     

  • What Is A Junk Journal?

    What Is A Junk Journal?

    Do you have a junk drawer full of memories from past trips or adventures?  If so, it might be time to create a junk journal.

    The other day, I found a box filled with all kinds of stuff.  A ticket stub from a museum, trip photos, and some postcards from Paris.  So many cool memories. I can’t imagine getting rid of any of these items.  And thankfully, I don’t have to throw anything away.

    If you are a regular to my blog, you know I am a huge fan of journaling.

     

    How to Build a Powerful Journal Writing Habit

    What Are the Best Pens for Journaling? 5 Top Choices

    How to Conquer Journal Writing in 5 Easy Steps

     

    Recently, I came across a type of journaling I never considered.  After seeing a video on this super informative YouTube channel called SeaLemon, I discovered junk journaling.  After watching the channel’s host, Jennifer, I learned so much. (I will include a link to the video below)

    Read on for more.

     

    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.

    Blank journal on table with ruler What Is A Junk Journal

    A junk journal is a beautiful book that stores fun or treasured memories from special events, trips, and family gatherings.  Along with the mementos, you can record your thoughts.

    Common among creatives and those interested in preserving memories, junk journaling has become incredibly popular in recent years. Fueled by the rise of movements like cottagecore and platforms like Pinterest, junk journaling has a dedicated following.

    Are you a junk journaler?  Please share any tips you have in the comments.

    Junk journaling: The facts

    With traditional journaling,  I usually write about my thoughts concerning my day. Junk journals are much less formal and are more open to artistic expression.  I can combine pictures, stickers, and words with a junk journal.  I can write a few paragraphs or only one sentence.

    Examples

    Typically, the one thing that all junk journals have in common is that they represent the beautiful ‘junk’ of daily life. In the same way a diary might give a breakdown of the day’s events, a junk journal has annotated drawings, photographs, clippings of newspaper stories, or even pressed flowers or leaves.  Here are a few examples.

    Justine Jenkins on House of Mahalo

    MegJournals

    The Joy of Junk Journals

    A postcard page from Helen Colebrook at Journal With Purpose.
    A postcard page from Helen Colebrook at Journal With Purpose.

    How To Use A Junk Journal

    When it comes to junk journaling, there are no rules or criteria you must follow.   After all, this is your creative outlet. However, for those new to the craft or struggling with ideas, there are certain ways to use a junk journal.

    An everyday journal

    What Is A Junk Journal 2Just like a diary, you can use a junk journal as an outlet to write about your feelings, experiences, or memories.

    You can use any format you want, with decorations, drawings, photographs, relevant newspaper clippings, or a specific design style that appeals to you.

    This could be a leaf from a nice walk in the woods or a business card from a delicious new restaurant you visited.

    There are no limits to this; the process is simply to preserve and celebrate happy memories in your life.

    A planner

    Junk journals can also be a creative, quirky planner for your daily schedule.

    This can make the whole process of the daily grind much more fun and add a little excitement to even the most mundane appointments, events, and tasks.

    Perfect for people who like a to-do list or who need help creating a daily schedule, a junk planner (see also our guide to organizing a planner) is an interesting and creative way to organize your life in an enjoyable and stimulating way.

    A memory book

    Desktop with journal, pens, cards and bookmark

    A common use of a junk journal is as a memory book.

     

    This could include photographs of friends and family, ticket stubs from business trips and vacations, menus, or photos from your favorite eateries.

    Similarly, many people include ticket stubs from shows and events, birthday cards from loved ones they don’t see too often, and anything else that can fit in a book and hold emotional significance to the individual.

    There aren’t any wrong answers, and your imagination is the only limitation.

    A personalized gift

    Of course, the junk journal might not be about you at all.

    Why not create a junk journal to commemorate the memories you share with friends or family members?

    This can be a great gift for a family member you don’t see very often, such as grandparents across the country or a friend who lives abroad.

    You could decorate it with photographs from past occasions and events or line it with little mementos from nights out, trips you took, or key memories from your shared past together.

    For parents and family members who live far away, this could also be a nice idea for a photo album – showing them your newly born children or your most recent family activities and memories.

    This can be a great way of making people feel included, loved, and appreciated, and is perfect for establishing and maintaining relationships with family and friends across long distances.

    A themed book

    Finally, you could also dedicate it to a specific theme that means a lot to you.

    This could be your favorite sports team, a band or singer you like, or even keeping track of the development of your children.

    This can be a fun way to appreciate your interests and is a good creative outlet that correlates with something you are passionate about.

    Junk journaling and the Internet

    Of course, the advent of the Internet and the rise in popularity of websites like Pinterest have encouraged this practice.

    Pinterest

    What is it about Pinterest that people love?  For me, it’s the sharing of creative techniques and inspiring ideas.  Also, Pinterest highlights new ways to express creativity.

    For some, Pinterest is like a digital junk journal.  The platform allows users to map out their interests, curate displays surrounding a specific topic or theme, and share their ideas with others in creative ways.

    Embracing the ‘wholesome’

    Contemporary online phenomena have also gone a long way to further junk journaling.

    One example is ‘cottagecore’ – a lifestyle trend that celebrates all things wholesome, simple and natural.

    Popularized by teenagers and young people, cottagecore celebrates an idealized version of rural cottage life, designed as an aspirational form of nostalgia and considered by many to respond to hectic modern lifestyles.

    A list of supplies

    Final thoughts

    And there, we have everything you need to know about junk journaling and the many ways it can be used in your life.

    But no matter how you decide to use yours, a junk journal can be a great way to celebrate interests, remember fond times, and express your brand of creativity.

    Here’s the video I promised.

    I’m off to give junk journaling a try.