My Life Before Planning: Chaos Reigns
As you may have figured out from all the many hats I wear, I love planning. But this wasn’t always the case. For years, I relied on sticky notes scattered across every surface and sporadic reminders on my phone. Spoiler alert: this was not a sufficient plan. I was constantly forgetting things, juggling reminders, and battling a gnawing sense of anxiety. What was a girl to do? I needed a better system—and fast.
Discovering the Power of Planners: My Turning Point
My first foray into planning came in the form of a basic work planner. It was simple, with space for daily meetings and a list of to-dos. But that small step made a huge impact. Suddenly, my tasks felt manageable, and I could see my day clearly. I’ve never looked back.
Since then, I’ve gone through countless planners, and I’ve found ones that fit perfectly into different areas of my life. Let me introduce you to my favorites:
The Dailee Planner
This is my go-to for work. Its monthly calendar, budget tracker, goals, and reflections keep me on track. My favorite part? The daily pages that break down my day from 5:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., plus a checklist for my tasks (I love a checklist). While I don’t use the budget section, it’s a fantastic feature for those who might. You can find this planner at www.thedailee.com.
The Passionate Penny Pincher Home Planner
For home life, this planner is a lifesaver. It covers everything—doctor’s appointments, kids’ activities, household checklists, and even special planning for travel and Christmas. Bonus: it includes a daily Bible reading as part of the checklist, which I’ve finally committed to this year. The sense of organization and joy this planner brings is unmatched. You can find this planner at www.shop.passionatepennypincher.com.
The Papers Planner
udgeting has always been a challenge for me, but this planner is helping me figure it out. It breaks down monthly and paycheck budgets, goals, and expenses. While I still use an old-school check register (yes, really), this planner has made budgeting less daunting. You can find that planner at www.papersplanners.com.
Setting Up My Planner System: Tips and Tricks
Work Planner
I start by filling out the monthly calendar with social media plans for my real estate business. Then, I add meetings, kids’ activities, and personal appointments to the daily pages. I include recurring tasks for work and do a weekly check-in every Sunday to ensure everything is up to date.
Home Planner
When I get my planner in September, I spend time setting goals for the upcoming year and jotting down important dates like birthdays. Each month, I break down my yearly goals into smaller, actionable steps in categories like health, finances, and fun activities.
Budget Planner
For budgeting, I focus on monthly and paycheck-based goals. I track income and allocate bills accordingly. Any extra money from side work goes straight into savings for taxes or future needs.
Transformative Benefits: How Planning Changed My Life
Using planners has completely transformed my life. They help me stay organized, focused, and accountable. While no single planner is all-encompassing for me, the combination of tools keeps my life running smoothly. Planning has empowered me to reach my goals and take control of my time.
Maintenance and Flexibility: Making Planning a Lasting Habit
One thing that keeps me engaged is decorating my planners with stickers and colorful pens. It’s a small touch that makes planning fun and personal. I even keep old planners as a record of the year—filled with memories, accomplishments, and lessons learned.
These planners are more than just tools; they’re companions on my journey from chaos to calm. Whether you’re a seasoned planner or just getting started, I encourage you to find one that fits your personality and needs. You won’t regret it.