Living in today’s fast-paced world can sometimes feel like too much. You might forget things, feel like you never have enough time, or lose track of the habits and goals that matter most to you.
It’s totally normal to feel overwhelmed. Imagine this: It’s your best friend’s birthday, but your mind is so full you forget to even send a “Happy Birthday” message. You didn’t mean to – it just slipped through the cracks.
Good news: There’s a simple way to fix this – planning.
Anyone can start planning and get more organized – with enough space for work, personal goals, and time with loved ones. All you need is the right planner and a few smart strategies.
Let’s walk through how to start planning, what you should think about first, and how to choose the perfect planner for your life.
Before You Start: Think About Your Goals
Before you rush out to buy a planner, stop and ask yourself:
“What do I want to organize or improve?”
This will help you choose the right type of planner that actually supports your needs instead of just looking pretty on your desk.
Why Planning Matters: Key Benefits You’ll Notice
Before diving into the types of planners, let’s talk about why planning is so powerful. Having a clear plan can make a big difference in your daily life. Here’s how it can help you:
- Reduces stress: Knowing what’s ahead can make your days feel calmer and more manageable.
- Boosts productivity: Having a plan helps you focus on what’s important instead of scrambling at the last minute.
- Strengthens memory: Writing things down makes it easier to remember important events, deadlines, and ideas.
- Balances personal and work life: Planning gives you space to fit in work tasks, family time, hobbies, and self-care.
- Builds better habits: Small daily plans help you build routines that support your bigger goals over time.
By understanding these benefits, you’ll feel even more motivated to find a planning system that works for you!
Paper vs. Digital Planners: Which One Should You Pick?
Choosing between a paper and a digital planner can be tricky. Here’s a quick guide to help you decide:
Paper Planners
Why you might love them:
- You get that satisfying feeling of writing by hand.
- No notifications or low-battery warnings to distract you.
- Easier to focus and stay mindful while planning.
Things to keep in mind:
- Mistakes can get messy unless you use a pencil or erasable pen.
- Paper planners can be bulky to carry around.
- Limited space (unless you print extra pages from templates!).
Tip: You can buy printable templates at our shop and print as many pages as you need!
Digital Planners
Why they’re awesome:
- Easy to fix mistakes – just undo and rewrite!
- Add links, images, and quick-jump hyperlinks.
- Access your planner from your phone, tablet, or computer.
A few downsides:
- You’ll need to keep your device charged.
- Notifications might pop up and steal your focus.
- Writing on a screen doesn’t always feel as satisfying.
Popular Tools: iPad + Apple Pencil + apps like GoodNotes or Notability.
| Feature | Paper Planner | Digital Planner |
|---|---|---|
| Writing Experience | Handwritten, tactile feel | Stylus or typing, digital feel |
| Flexibility | Limited space | Unlimited pages, easy editing |
| Portability | Can be bulky | Portable on phone, tablet, laptop |
| Distractions | None | Possible notifications |
| Customization | High (stickers, colors) | Very high (links, multimedia, templates) |
| Battery Dependency | No | Yes |
| Cost over time | Rebuy yearly | One-time template purchase |
Best of Both Worlds: Hybrid Planning
Many people find success using both! For example:
- Digital planner for work schedules and meetings.
- Paper planner for personal goals, daily journaling, or creative ideas.
There’s no one-size-fits-all solution. Stay flexible and find what works best for you!
How to Choose the Right Planner Layout
Think about your needs:
- Super busy every day? Go for a daily planner.
- Want a clear weekly overview? Pick a weekly planner.
- Focusing on major goals and deadlines? A monthly planner is your best friend.
Some planners even combine all three layouts! That way, you’re always covered.
| Layout | Best For | Time Focus | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Daily | Busy, detailed schedules | Hour-by-hour | Detailed planning, strong habit tracking | Time-consuming to fill daily |
| Weekly | Balanced schedules | Week overview | Easy to plan ahead | Less detailed |
| Monthly | Long-term goals | Month view | Big-picture planning | Less room for daily tasks |
| Undated | Flexible users | Customizable | No pressure to stick to dates | Requires manual date filling |
Popular Planning Systems
Choosing a planner is just the first step. How you organize your plans inside it is just as important! Different people use different planning systems based on their needs, habits, and goals.
Here are a few popular ones you might want to try:
1. Time Blocking
- What it is: Dividing your day into blocks of time, with each block dedicated to one type of task.
- Best for: People who want clear structure and better focus.
- Example: You set 9-11 AM for creative work, 11-12 for meetings, and 1-3 PM for emails.
2. The Eisenhower Matrix
- What it is: A method of sorting tasks by urgency and importance. Tasks fall into four categories:
- Urgent and Important
- Important but Not Urgent
- Urgent but Not Important
- Neither Urgent nor Important
- Best for: Deciding what tasks to do first and what to delegate or delete.
3. Bullet Journaling (BuJo)
- What it is: A customizable system where you use symbols (like bullets, crosses, and circles) to organize tasks, notes, and events.
- Best for: People who like creativity and flexibility in their planning.
4. Getting Things Done (GTD)
- What it is: A productivity method focused on capturing everything in an organized system and breaking projects into actionable steps.
- Best for: Managing complex tasks and reducing stress.
5. The Ivy Lee Method
- What it is: At the end of each day, you write down the six most important tasks for tomorrow – ranked in order of importance.
- Best for: Keeping priorities simple and crystal clear.
| System | Description | Best For | Tools You Might Need |
|---|---|---|---|
| Time Blocking | Divide your day into blocks dedicated to specific tasks | People with packed schedules, deep work sessions | Digital calendars, daily planners |
| Bullet Journaling | Rapid logging of tasks, events, and notes in a customizable format | Creative thinkers, minimalists | Notebook, pens, markers |
| GTD (Getting Things Done) | Capture, clarify, organize, reflect, and engage | Professionals managing multiple projects | Apps like Todoist, Notion |
| Eisenhower Matrix | Prioritize tasks based on urgency and importance | Anyone struggling with task prioritization | Paper templates, digital planners |
| 12-Week Year | Focus on achieving goals in 12-week “years” instead of 12 months | Goal-driven individuals | Goal planners, spreadsheets |
| Ivy Lee Method | Each day, list the 6 most important tasks to accomplish | People who want simple productivity | Simple notebook or to-do list app |
No matter which system you choose, remember: the best planning method is the one that fits your unique lifestyle and helps you take action consistently.
Common Planning Mistakes to Avoid
When you’re just starting out with planning, it’s easy to make a few common mistakes. Here’s what to watch out for:
- Trying to plan every single minute: Leave some free time for unexpected tasks or breaks.
- Being too rigid: Life is unpredictable! Stay flexible and adjust your plans when needed.
- Overloading your planner: Don’t try to do too much at once. Focus on a few important tasks each day.
- Forgetting to review your plans: A plan only helps if you actually check it! Make it a habit to glance at your planner throughout the day.
| Mistake | Why It’s a Problem | Quick Fix |
|---|---|---|
| Overloading your schedule | Leads to burnout | Prioritize and limit daily tasks |
| Being too rigid | Life is unpredictable | Leave buffer time |
| Forgetting to check planner | Plans go unused | Set a reminder or put it somewhere visible |
| Perfectionism | Delays action | Focus on progress, not perfection |
By avoiding these small mistakes, you’ll make planning feel easier and more enjoyable.
How to Start Planning Tips:
1. Find Your Perfect Planner
Make a list of what you want:
- Do you need space for notes, to-do lists, water intake, mood tracking, or meal plans?
- Choose a planner that matches your daily life.
2. Grab the Right Tools
Depending on your choice:
- Paper Planner: Pens, erasers, highlighters, page flags, washi tape.
- Digital Planner: Tablet + stylus + planning app (like GoodNotes, Notability).
| Planning Style | Essential Tools |
|---|---|
| Paper Planning | Planner, pens, highlighters, sticky notes |
| Digital Planning | Tablet, stylus (e.g., Apple Pencil), planning app (e.g., GoodNotes) |
| Hybrid Planning | Combination of paper and digital tools |
3. Let Go of Perfection
Your first pages might look messy. That’s totally fine! Planning is about getting better, not being perfect.
Progress > Perfection.
4. Stay Consistent
The more you plan, the easier it gets.
- Don’t worry if you miss a day. Life happens!
- Just get back to it when you can.
5. Start Small and Prioritize
- Break big tasks into smaller, easier steps.
- Tackle important, quick tasks first to free up mental space.
6. Set Time Aside for Planning
Make planning a habit:
- Spend 10-15 minutes each night planning the next day.
- Spend 20 minutes weekly to plan out your week.
7. Enjoy the Process
Planning isn’t just about being productive – it’s about creating a life you love.
- Celebrate small wins.
- Take a moment to enjoy seeing your progress.
8. Check Your Planner Often
- Keep your planner where you’ll see it every day.
- Checking it regularly keeps your plans fresh in your mind.
9. Track Your Progress
Tracking helps you stay motivated and celebrate how far you’ve come!
- Set clear goals.
- Pick how you’ll measure progress.
- Review regularly.
- Celebrate milestones – no win is too small!
Your 7-Day Planning Challenge:
For the next week, try planning one day ahead. Each evening, take 5 minutes to write down what you need to do tomorrow. Track how it affects your productivity and mental clarity.
Final Thoughts: You’ve Got This!
Starting a planning habit can feel a little overwhelming at first – but it’s one of the best things you can do for yourself.
Take your time, stay flexible, and find a system that makes you excited to plan your life.
Ready to create your perfect planning routine? Head to our shop and explore our printable planners collection.
Start small, stay consistent, and watch your life get more organized and joyful! 🌟
Planner Resources:
- Apps:
- Books:
- “Atomic Habits“ by James Clear – Learn how to build tiny habits for big changes.
- “The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People“ by Stephen Covey – A guide for personal and professional growth.
