When life is filled with appointments, assignments, meetings, and social events, it can be hard to keep track of everything and stay ahead of deadlines. Some may argue that a physical/paper planner is no longer relevant in the age of smartphones, however, those that use them swear by them.
Beyond day-to-day organization, using a planner can help you focus on different areas of your life such as goal setting, mindfulness, and accountability. Essentially, a planner is a to-list on steroids.
Ready to make the switch to using a physical planner?
Here are a few tips and tricks to take your planning to the next level.
Color code
Color-code your to-dos, deadlines, and events. Whether you use different colored pens, washi tape or even stickers, color-coding your planner will make it even easier to see what your most important upcoming events are at a glance.
Plan your days by the hour
Planning your day in hour, or even half hour increments, increases and encourages productivity. Planning actually saves time in your day. A few minutes of planning before you begin can save you hours of wasted time throughout your day.
Check or cross off completed tasks
You increase your odds of taking action on a task dramatically when you write down what you intend to do. According to Allyson Lewis of The 7 Minute Life Daily Planner, “The simple power of the checkmark is in itself a mysterious motivating power. In a sense, these lists (unfinished task lists in a planner) create a written contract you make with yourself. By creating these lists, you are making an emotional commitment to complete these daily activities. As straightforward as it may seem, there is an incredible power of emotional accomplishment each time a task is finished completely and marked off of your list.”
You don’t have to buy a fancy planner – you could use a journal, notebook, or create your own.
But for those of you seeking a little extra motivation and organization here are a few planners we love:
Best for content planning:
The Content Planner
The Content Planner helps #BossBabes around the world plan their blog and social media content. Whether you’re a business owner, social media manager, blogger, influencer, the list goes on – get organized and crush your goals in 2019 by having a solid content plan. (Plus, it’s made by former Pangea Dreams host Kat Gaskin – support a fellow female entrepreneur!)
Best for daily gratitude:
The Five Minute Journal
Coined the simplest, most effective thing you can do every day to be happier. The Five Minute Journal is your secret weapon to focus on the good in your life.
Best for goal setting:
Self Journal
The Self Journal is a powerful yet simple daily planner to help you optimize your day, tackle your goals, and be happier. It offers a 13-week roadmap for mapping out your goals by month, week, and day. This is best if you have a specific goal in mind you’re ready to take down in 3 months!
ANY TIPS OR TRICKS WE MISSED? SHARE YOUR’S BELOW!
WRITTEN BY
Mollie Brown | IG: @hellomolliebrown | Twitter: @molliebrown
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