Choosing (and Using) a Planner – TPW 273

Now's a great time to think about a new planner for the coming year. This week we look at some things to consider in choosing (and using) a planner.

A few thoughts about choosing--and using--a planner

If you are struggling to get through your to-do list, maybe you need a planner! As we wrap up this year and go into the new one, I thought it would be a great time to talk about planners - some things to consider as you're choosing one, and how to make the most of it.

What is a planner?

At its most basic, a planner is a resource/tool used to manage appointments and tasks. You can also use it to capture goals, journal memories, and plan projects. You all know I love my digital tools, but in this episode, we are talking mostly about paper planners.

What purpose does it serve? What can it do for you?

A planner is a place to capture information and ideas, to get it out of your head and onto paper.

What can’t it do?

It can’t identify what’s important to you.

It can’t take action for you.

It only reflects back to you what you put into it.

To achieve results, you have to find or create motivation to act (For previous episodes on the topic of Motivation, check out Ep.40, Ep.179, and Ep. 227)

But the planner can be a place where you create a road map and an action plan

What to consider when choosing a planner

* What do you need to manage - Tasks? Activities? Appointments? Ideas? Memories?

* Do you need portability or space for detail?

* Big-picture view (such as a month at a glance)

* Detailed planning (a week or day at a glance)

To be useful, it has to be...

* Functional (so it can do what you need it to do)

* The right amount of space

* The right layout

* Portable if needed

* Appealing (so you’ll actually use it)

* Format

* Design

In considering the options, ask yourself: do you want maximum flexibility (e.g., a blank notebook you can format and design to your own taste and purpose) or maximum guidance (dated, formatted pages and sections for specific purposes)?

Formats and types and sources

* There is a huge variety at Half Priced Books!

* Bound, 3-ring, disc-bound

* Pre-made, self-made

* Dated, undated

Tips for using it well

* Be consistent - develop the habit of writing everything in your planner

* Be persistent - choose one and stick with it for at least 6 months

* Be realistic - recognize what you can accomplish in a day/week/month and don’t try to overdo it. Don’t try to fill every minute. We all need breaks and downtime.

* When you plan, include time for things that feed and nurture you.

* Spa day

* Manicure

* Lunch with a friend

* Tea and a good book

* Nap

* Sometimes a hybrid system works best. A digital calendar can ping you in time to prepare for an event

Planner utilization ideas from the TPW Facebook community

* Consider layout, size, and portability. Think about whether you want a structured or unstructured layout. Draw out the layout you need or want.

* Put all appointments immediately into a digital calendar,