Inexperienced with planner usage? Discover easy steps to kick off!
In the ever-busy world we live in, finding a way to organise our lives effectively can seem like a daunting task. For many, the world of planning can be overwhelming, with an array of choices from stickers, washi tape, pens, and covers, to name but a few. However, with some key tips in mind, you can create a planner that not only serves its purpose but also sparks joy and makes the planning process an enjoyable experience.
First and foremost, it's essential to start with a clear layout and structure. Decide whether your planner will be daily, weekly, or monthly and create the basic framework first, including dated pages and space for notes or tasks. Starting from a template can simplify this step—duplicate and customise pages as needed.
Tailor your planner to your specific needs or interests, such as budgeting pages, habit trackers, or meal planners. This makes the planner more useful and engaging for you.
Balance structure and flexibility by giving yourself enough scheduled time for tasks but avoiding overly rigid plans that can cause stress. Allow for adjustments and breaks, maintaining motivation and wellbeing.
Make your planner interactive and easy to navigate. If digital, add hyperlinks for a clickable table of contents or tabs to jump between sections effortlessly. This enhances functionality by saving time flipping through pages.
Use a mix of content types and visual elements. If your planner includes appointments or projects, break them into manageable blocks. Add colorful stickers, drawings, or motivational quotes to boost creativity and fun.
When it comes to decorating your planner, washi tape is both fun and functional. It can be used to decorate and organise a planner, adding a personal touch. A good pen is essential for an enjoyable planning experience. Recommended beginner-friendly pens include black or blue pens, color-coded pens, and brands like Staedtler fineliners, Stabilo, or Paper Mate Flair.
Building your sticker collection should be a gradual process, as you discover what you truly use. Check out Plannerface, The Coffee Monsterz Co, or Strawberry Stickers Co for high-quality sticker options. Don't be afraid to experiment and adapt ideas to suit your needs when finding your planning style.
Remember, your planner should be a reflection of you, combining functionality, creativity, and personal touch. Set a weekly planning routine, including reviewing the past week, planning for the upcoming week, and daily updates. Dedicate a specific time each week, such as 30 minutes every Sunday, for planning.
Lastly, have fun along your planning journey and make it a creative and enjoyable experience. Explore "Plan With Me" videos or Instagram for inspiration to find your unique planning style. Use different colors or patterns to block out vacations, travel, or deadlines in your planner.
By following these tips, you can create a functional and fun planner that will help you navigate the complexities of modern life with ease and style. Happy planning!
[1] https://www.huffpost.com/entry/how-to-make-a-bullet-journ_b_579a711de4b0733f5dbf61b2 [2] https://www.thesprucecrafts.com/bullet-journal-supplies-3107664 [3] https://www.thesprucecrafts.com/bullet-journal-templates-3107665 [4] https://www.thesprucecrafts.com/bullet-journal-ideas-3107666 [5] https://www.thesprucecrafts.com/bullet-journal-motivation-3107667
The brand of pen you choose can greatly impact your planning experience, with Staedtler fineliners, Stabilo, or Paper Mate Flair being recommended for beginners. To reflect your lifestyle and personal interests, tailor your planner with sections like budgeting pages, habit trackers, or meal planners. Your planner should also cater to your home-and-garden projects, education-and-self-development goals, and personal-growth objectives.
