What I Wish I Knew About Using a Planner.

It’s the beginning of a new year and with all of the changes that are happening, you might need a way to keep everything straight. From a new health routine to resuming activities, a planner could possibly be the answer you need as life continues to move forward. The beginning of a new year is normally the time when people acquire new planners. In fact you can usually find sales on Planners this month! If you’re contemplating buying your own planner but aren’t sure where to start, hopefully I can help. I’ve used my own planner for a few years now and I’m glad to share a few things I’ve discovered.

1. Get an Undated Planner
   There are days I don’t use a planner page and there’s a good chance you’ll have days like that too. Getting an undated planner means you’re not wasting a page or money.

2. Daily Inserts are Useful
Just like there are days when I don’t use my planner, there are days that just contain more. On those days I definitely need the extra space–and categories–that can come on daily inserts. Having daily inserts gives you the space to efficiently manage it all.

3. It’s Okay to get the Daily and Weekly Inserts
I love being able to see individual weeks at a glance. It helps narrow down my focus to what’s happening this week instead of seeing it squished in with the rest of the month. However, like I said, some days just contain more and there’s not always enough space to put everything I need to in the allotted space of a weekly insert. Having both is a great solution.

4. It Might Take a Few Tries to Find What You Want
You may instantly fall in love with the planner or layout you choose. Or you might find as you go along that you want something different. Both are okay. I’ve learned that planning is a journey all on its own.

5. You Don’t Have to Decorate It
I know a lot of “planners” are all about decorating theirs, and yes it’s cute and when I see a well done one it makes me want to decorate mine, too. However, in all reality that’s not the kind of person I am. Color coding my categories is about as decorative as I get and that is okay. You don’t need stamps and tape or fancy borders. You need what works for you. If that’s plain and minimalist then that’s great. If it’s all the colors and trimmings and trappings, then that’s great, too. Basically, you do you.

6. A lot of Planner Companies Have Inserts for Purchase
A friend of mine has the Smart Planner and I really like it. However I also love the planner that I already have. Luckily, the Smart Planner offers separate inserts to purchase. If you find you like another planner besides the one you purchased, instead of waiting a year, see if they come as separate inserts and add them to your current planner. Companies will often have collections packaged together, too, so if you like their Meal Planning or Budgeting inserts but nothing else, there’s a good chance you can purchase just those inserts to use.

7. Get a Planner You Can Add To
I have a binder planner and it’s so easy to add, take away, and rearrange. I’m able to buy the inserts I want to fill it, as opposed to a whole other planner which can get stupid expensive. In my opinion, having a planner you can easily add or remove from is the way to go. Not only does it save you money, it cuts back on waste. With a planner you can easily manipulate, you won’t have to buy a brand new planner every single time you need more space or for a new category. If I needed a single planner for every aspect, I’d have between to 3 and 5, at least. As it is, I can simply use dividing tabs to separate each category.

8. There are Multiple Sizes and Styles
I stated in a previous post about planning that I prefer a physical planner, writing things down helps me remember. However not everyone is like me. Depending on your preferences, you may either want to go digital or stick with a physical planner. Even then it can get kind of confusing. Admittedly, I know more about physical planners than I do digital so all I’ll say about them is to take your time exploring. If you’re going with the digital option, be as thorough as you can to make sure they meet your needs and wants.
When it comes to physical planners, know that there are multiple sizes. The two most common are probably either a Pocket size or the A5. If you are downloading a planner insert for a physical planner, make sure the measurements are compatible. If you prefer more of a DIY, Bullet Journals may be where you want to start. Like I said, planning is a journey.

9. There are Inserts for Just About Everything
From physical health to mental health; monthly budgeting to vacation planning, you can find an insert for almost anything. What you can’t find, you can either make on your own or find someone who is willing to make one for you. A planner is meant to help you keep track of and organize your life, all of your life, and no piece is too unimportant. This is why planners can be a great help when trying to reach a goal or when you’re trying to keep track of your mental wellbeing. Seriously, take a look. You might be surprised at what you find, maybe even find something you didn’t know you needed before.

10. It Can be Addicting
Even last year, I was still using my planner in small ways. It helped me keep track of my thoughts, blog posts, even what I was going to make for dinner or what lesson plan we were going over in school that day. Maybe it’s just my personality but I find planning to be addicting. You might, too.

I hope my post was informative and helped. If you have questions, leave them for me in the comments. Happy Tuesday!

Do you already have a planner? What do you love most about it? Are you debating getting a planner? What kind are you thinking of purchasing?