Help Me: Where to begin?

[heybulldog]

I hope you'll have me. I go back to work in four weeks. I want to start using a planner and getting myself organized. I have no idea where to start. Every school year I buy multiple journals. I have no system and there is no order; I just make lists and keep random notes that I rarely keep up with it. I've tried doing things on my phone but that fizzles out quickly. I prefer pen and paper.

So, help! Where should I start looking for planners? Tips for what makes a good planner? Resources and tips for a newb? TIA!

[mathrun]

Welcome!

Figure out what type of planner might work for you by perusing pictures on instagram or Pinterest. (spiral bound traditional type planner, something Filofax or happy planner that allows you to add/remove stuff, or a bullet journal/travel notebook style). Then figure out if you like daily, hourly, just monthly, or some mix of that for layouts.

Start small. Don't buy the Cadillac of whatever type you like. Instead buy a cheaper version at Target/Walmart, use printables from online blogs, or even DIY your own in a cheap notebook for a few weeks. Then if you hate it you're only out a little $. If you love it you can invest in a nicer one.

Shop Target dollar spot, dollar stores, sales, and use Michaels coupons to get decorating supplies and even good discounts on planners.

Use the past monthly threads McBenny did for links to ideas on what to include/track in your planner.

Have fun!!

[McBenny]

I ended up with a planner cause I was always a list maker and my lists would be all over the place. So I used to carry a small monthly calendar and then a personal notebook to stick my lists in. Then I came across the Happy Planner. I was able to merge those things into one thing.

I mostly keep up with bills, appointments, meal planning, kid stuff, and errands in my planner. I added note paper so I could write stuff if I need.

[heybulldog]

Thanks! I'll spend some time on Pinterest today. I'm excited.

[oliversbear]

Franklin Planner and DayTimer offer undated sample packs so you can try the system for a while before committing to a whole year planner system.  It might be worth it to check them out.

Depending on what you do, different formats may work better for you.  When I was working a 2-page-per-day format gave me enough room to keep track of my schedule, my family's schedule, and my boss's schedule.  Now that I'm no longer a secretary to 5 attorneys and I don't need that much space, I have gone to a 2-page-per-week format with an hourly schedule and a task list for each day.  I need lines to write on and I use a ring-bound binder, so the pre-printed annual refills are perfect for me.

I'm also not as concerned about decorating my planner -- it has a pretty pictures on each page and that's enough for me, but others like to decorate and embellish their planner.  I need the space for tasks/appointments and prefer a cleaner look with just lists that I can check off.

And it may be that you prefer a smaller planner that can fit in your daily bag as I do.  My mother used a full-sized 8 1/2 x 11 planner with a smaller notebook in her purse for notes when she was out and about.  I prefer to have the planner with me all the time.

I tell everyone to make whatever system they use work for them.  Don't change the way you do things to fit the system just because it's the one that popular or in style right now.  If you don't, can't, or won't use it, it doesn't matter how cute or popular it is.

[Deleted]

I agree with others to start small until you figure out what you like. I started doing bullet journaling in a moleskine about 2 years ago. Currently I use a cashier size insert for my daily/weekly stuff and I use a happy planner at work. I was using a EC bound that I got as swag for my bills.

Honestly, I'm still not at planner peace though. I think a good question for yourself is do you want it to be functional or fun? I find myself stumbling when I try to make a fancy spread. So if you want something less time consuming I'd look at something that comes with the layouts done.

[heybulldog]

Jul 24, 2017 17:48:15 GMT -6 kbw said:

I agree with others to start small until you figure out what you like. I started doing bullet journaling in a moleskine about 2 years ago. Currently I use a cashier size insert for my daily/weekly stuff and I use a happy planner at work. I was using a EC bound that I got as swag for my bills.

Honestly, I'm still not at planner peace though. I think a good question for yourself is do you want it to be functional or fun? I find myself stumbling when I try to make a fancy spread. So if you want something less time consuming I'd look at something that comes with the layouts done.

I'm definitely going for functional and less time consuming. Thanks!

[heybulldog]

You all were super helpful. I feel a lot less overwhelmed. You've all given me great starting point! Thank you!

[klw]

I love my happy planner. Room to do some decorating with plenty of space to write.