Keeping track with a Planner

Planning, scheduling, arranging, coordinating, and remembering… It is our life. It is in our nature. It is what we do.  One thing we all usually struggle with is… TIME MANAGEMENT. How can we fit it all in? How can we fill up our busy schedule even more?

With everything going digital, the art of keeping a written planner is becoming a lost art. But I find it still very useful. I love to write things down. I love to take notes. I love to keep track of my days. Yes ICal and Google Calendar are very helpful to keep track of big dates, trips, and events and share them with other people. But when it comes to the details, I keep a pen and notebook in hand.

Some tips for Organizing your Planner:

• APPEARANCE: Pick out a planner with a cover you like, if the cover is plain, add some pictures, stickers, or decorations
• LOCATION: Keep the planner out where you can see it each morning, where you eat breakfast or have your morning quiet time
• PREPARED: keep a pen or pencil handy
• COLOR CODED: use different colors for different categories, types of events, or different kids activities if you have multiple kids
• SPECIAL DATES: Write birthdays/anniversaries on the month section and the day section
• LEFT SIDE: Write down the schedule and times of appts on the left
• RIGHT SIDE: Write a list of to do’s on the right for your daily to do list
• DAILY TO DO LIST: If it isn’t finished on the specific day, add it to the next days to do list
• EXTRA LISTS: Put big grocery lists or party details on a separate notes page or a post it note you can stick on the page
• ADD LATER: If something wasn’t planned and comes up in the day, you can add it later
• MONTHLY TO DO LIST: Each month make a list of those BIG to do’s for the month and check them off as you go
• BUDGET: if you are keeping track of a budget, have a separate note section for money spent
• MEAL PLAN: if you are planning meals for the week keep a list where you are putting your grocery list for the week
• ADDRESS AND PHONE: usually planners have a section for this, but I would suggest you keep these in your phone, unless you want to write down a specific number you need to call, such as a restaurant, store, or a number you will not keep in your phone
• PICK ME UP: if you are having a hard day or busy week, write down motivating quotes or Bible verses to help keep you positive and focused
• KEEP AROUND: Don’t throw away your old planner right away, it may come in handy as a reference

What Kind of Planners do I recommend: I recently received a Christmas present from my awesome uncle that was a daily planner. At first I was a little hesitant to start using it.  But ever since I have started I will never go back. The ease, flexibility, personality, and creativity with this planner is one of a kind. (Best place to buy: STAPLES)

The Arc Customizable Notebook System http://www.staples.com/sbd/cre/marketing/arc/index.html

You can choose all different things! Here is how it works!

1. Choose your notebook: Leather(Solid Color) or Poly (Solid or Print)
2. Customize with refill paper (Ruled/Graph/Project/To do/Month/Day)
3. Pick accessories (Ruler/Hole Punch/ Pocket Divider/ Tabs)
4. Lift and press in (You can add and take away as many pages as you want)

What have you done to help plan your life better? Do you keep a planner? TRY IT!