HOW TO USE YOUR PLANNER CONSISTENTLY

STEP 1- FIND THE RIGHT PLANNER

The first step to consistently using your planner is to choose one that works for your planning needs and lifestyle. Planners come in various layouts and options, so it’s important to know what you want.

When selecting a planner, consider whether you want to plan daily, weekly, or monthly. Most planners come with monthly calendar views, regardless of what style you choose, but some prefer only a monthly planner. Next, consider whether you prefer writing sentences or creating lists when planning. Horizontal planner layouts are great for those who want writing space, and vertical planner layouts are best for those who want to keep things short. If you like a combination, layouts such as our Notes and Days will allow you to write sentences and make lists.

If you’re unsure what type of layout will work for you, do some research and look around various planner websites to get an idea of the different styles available. There are a lot of planners, so don’t be afraid to test out different layouts until you find one you love.

STEP 2- CUSTOMIZE EFFECTIVELY

We believe having a planner tailored to your life will ensure you use it. Our fully customizable planners allow you to add your own text on the planner layouts so you can incorporate your lifestyle and needs. This type of customization can help you better organize your thoughts and plans. It’s important to choose words that will allow you to focus on the top areas of your life that need planning. Consider areas you would like to focus on like work, home life, children or family members, school, hobbies, medical needs, and routines. Some people prefer to keep their layouts blank so that sections can be used as needed to match a changing lifestyle.

STEP 3- PRIORITIZE YOUR TASKS

Each section of your planner layout should have a purpose, but that purpose can become ineffective if your planning is unintentional. Prioritizing tasks will help you determine what is most important and allow you to plan productively. To prioritize your task effectively, break up your to-do list into these four options: Do, Defer, Delegate, and Delete.

• DO: Complete the task now. Do this for tasks that are time sensitive or most important.

• DEFER: Complete it later or after your priorities are complete. Finish these nonpressing tasks when you have time.

• DELEGATE: Assign this task to someone else. Have these things completed by another family member, coworker, etc.

• DELETE: Simply remove the task from your list. Do this for tasks that are not a must.

STEP 4- CONSISTENCY IS KEY

While some people are natural planners, most of us use a planner regularly by making it a habit. Like any habit, planning requires consistency. People stop using their planners for many reasons, but the biggest is that they don’t set aside time to plan their schedule regularly.

It’s crucial to set time aside to plan. Depending on your planner type, you might want to plan daily, weekly, or bi-weekly. A popular planning schedule is to plan the upcoming week on a Sunday. Try to plan at the same time of day and limit as many distractions as possible. These extra steps will help to create a routine.

If staying consistent is too challenging, you can get an undated planner to plan your schedule only as needed.

STEP 5- KEEP IT INTERESTING

Sometimes we stop planning because it gets mundane and boring. If this seems to happen to you, spice things up! Get creative with your planning and use different colored pens, planner stickers, and washi tape. Some people even keep multiple planners and switch between them whenever they get tired of a layout.

Whatever you decide to do, remember that planning is supposed to be both enjoyable and help you stay organized.