When it comes to creating a planner system, we all get carried away with what others have on their Instagram feed. We try these new inserts or buy all the latest releases because of FOMO, yet we still find ourselves with a planner system that does not work. So how do you create a planner system that works for you? How do you know what inserts to purchase? What size works best for your lifestyle? The truth is most of us will go through the process of trying so many different types of planners & planning systems or inserts just to find what system works best for us. Your planning system should not be completely about aesthetics but what serves you, your purpose & your lifestyle.
The truth is most of us will go through the process of trying so many different planners & planning systems or inserts just to find what systems work best for us.
– The Minimal Sophisticate
My Personal Journey
I wanted to share my personal journey in the process of finding a planning system for myself. I first started with an A5 & personal KiKiK planner because everyone I saw on Instagram or YouTube was using an A5 or personal planner. Then I purchased all these Cloth & Paper inserts, dashboards, accessories, notepads & pens. Finally, I became hyper focused on having a pretty planner rather than a functional one.
I also subscribed to the Cloth & Paper Subscription box & was using what ever insert they shared in the box but those inserts were not all functional for my specific planner purpose. Then I determined that A5 & personal did not work for me. I liked smaller planners that I can use as an EDC or everyday carry. Then started following accounts that were pocket planner accounts & once again saw how they were sharing their planners on Instagram. I purchased all the inserts, dashboards & planning accessories I could have for my planning system. Then I noticed something.
What did I notice?
I noticed a difference in the consistent use of my pocket planner because it was just so cute & I was inspired to plan again. However, I like many, would purchase inserts yet not be consistent with them. I did not give my inserts an opportunity to assess if they worked for me or didn’t. I didn’t give myself an opportunity to really think about what I use my planner for. Although I was planning consistently in my pocket planner for personal use & my A6 for work, it was not as functional as I wanted it to be. Recently, my life has began a new chapter of being a full time caregiver to my parents & now more than ever I need to be more organized. Do I believe I have the perfect planning system? Not completely but it’s pretty close to my ideal planning system.
So here are some tips in creating a planner system that works for you that also worked for me.
Tips for Creating your Planner System
- Choose the planner size that would work best for your lifestyle.
- What is your planner going to be used for? Work, personal, finance, health, catch all planner, which is a little bit of everything, faith or business.
- Where is your planner going to live or be? In your home office, at work or in your bag?
- What are going to be the main areas of focus or sections in your planner depending on planner function. For example, for a personal planner you may want to have a Monthly for appointments, Weeklies for tasks, appointment reminders & events coming up & dailies to plan out your day.
- Decide what inserts you are going to use: Monthly, Weekly, Daily, Schedule for Time Blocking, Inbox, Outbox, Lists i.e., To do list, Task Management, Bills, Trackers, etc.
- Decide if you want them printed & shipped to you or printable versions you can cut & punch yourself?
- Narrow down the shops, insert types & inserts you will need in your planner. Sometimes less is more.
- Finally, will your planner be minimal or decorative? Do you want to use planner dashboards, stickers, washi tape, markers or just pen to paper?
Sharing these tips can be super helpful when creating a planner system that works for you. I hope this helps you in your journey of planner peace.
