I am a list writer. Not just for the day, but I’ll write lists of any and everything. I like to list out what I’m thankful for. I like to list out tasks I do automatically in my routines just so I have something to cross off. I like to list out ideas I have. I like to list out outfits I’m loving. I like to make packing lists. I like to list recipes or meal plans. You get the picture! While it may seem excessive, one thing about making lists is even if I don’t get to everything on the list at once, my days are more productive.
Instead of having a billion loose pieces of papers with lists on them, I have a designated planner that I write all the things down in. When researching planners, I went between an Erin Condren Life Planner and The Happy Planner, and ultimately went with The Happy Planner, mainly due to cost and customization. The Happy Planner is disc bound, meaning I can add/take out pages very quickly and easily. This was important to me so that I could insert blank pages in to fill with whatever is on my mind! I’ve gone down the rabbit hole of stickers, designing artsy page layouts, and planner accessories (trying to practice minimalism in this area!) as there are so many cute things to do with the empty calendar spreads. If I keep up the planner useage, I will probably go with an Erin Condren for next year- I just had a hard time with cost this first go around!
For me, a planner is about being goal oriented and feeling like I’ve accomplished something at the end of the day. Even if it’s just making my bed, at least it’s something! But in all seriousness, I’ve truly have become a much more productive person by using a planner. I’ve also become a less anxiety ridden one, since I feel more in control. When I jot down little notes, I don’t feel like I have to remember so much – it’s all in my “control center”!
Why using a planner is simplifying my life:
1. Helps to Clear Clutter: I have one central place for notes, plans, tasks, etc. No need to look through multiple pages, notebooks, or phone notes!
2. Manages Time: Seeing how many things there is to do throughout the day means the mindless scrolling will be on the backburner (for the majority!) It’s amazing to look back and see everything I really can accomplish when I’m focused on the task at hand and not getting side tracked.
3. Maximizes Productivity: This may be self explanatory, but it’s serious business that when a list is made, I love to be able to cross items off. Just for that fact alone, I get more done!
4. Builds a Tech-Free Zone: There’s nothing wrong with the phone calendar (I use it in conjunction with my planner) but I don’t think it should be the primary planning mode (for me!). It’s too easy to go down the rabbit hole of scrolling the second that phone screen lights up.
5. Creates Healthy Habits: Scheduling in habits I’m trying to create is a great way to help them become routine.
My planner is not just a productivity tool but also a fun way to journal the daily tasks. As we begin the second month of the new year, I’m enjoying looking back through the beginning of 2019 and seeing what my days have been filled with. It may not sound like much, but I wanted to post at least once a week to the blog (I’m realizing one quality post is better than a few mediocre posts) and guess what? I’ve been doing that this month! Woohoo! I attribute alot of that to my planner and it’s help in keeping me organized, focused, and motivated!