Let’s talk about my crazy passion for planners.
Ever since I can remember, I’ve been a list maker. Sometimes I think it stems from books I read and Seventeen magazine’s timeline for prom in 197-something. Let’s not go there.
I distinctly remember having a five-hour prep list to get ready for prom. It included basic hygiene, nail care, hair care, makeup, hair styling—which involved extremely HOT rollers—and finally stepping into the perfect dress.
All of that preparation just to have a camera-shy boyfriend who only showed up in pictures from the back while getting into the back seat of his best friend’s car.
Well, I digress.
Back to my love of planners and planning.
I’ve kept some kind of planner or calendar for more than 50 years. For me, planning isn’t just about keeping appointments. It’s about getting all those things swirling around in my head down on paper where I can actually see them—and hopefully remember them!
Over the years I’ve learned that there really isn’t one “perfect planner.” The perfect planner is the one that works for your life right now.
One of the planning systems I’ve enjoyed using is Tula XII (Now Tula XII Paper Co). Their customizable system lets you combine different inserts and accessories to create something that works for the things you actually want to plan, track or remember.
And yes, I may take this enthusiasm a little farther than the average person. I currently have eighteen planner covers and dozens of inserts.
“Stepford planner,” anyone?
So how do you find a planner that works for you?
Start by asking yourself what you actually need your planner to do. Do you simply need to keep track of appointments and your calendar? Or do you also want space for meal planning, finances, goals, projects, lists, journaling or other parts of your life?
Then think about where and how you’ll use it. A beautiful planner that’s too large to carry with you—or too small to hold everything you need—is probably not going to bring you much planner peace.
And finally, make it yours.
Use stickers. Add color. Keep it simple. Decorate every inch. Write in pencil and erase things a hundred times. There are no planner police.
Your planner should work for you, not the other way around.
I’m affiliated with Tula XII Paper Co., which means I may earn income or other benefits from purchases made through my Tula XII links. It’s also a planning system I personally use and enjoy. If you’d like help figuring out what might work for you, I’m always happy to help you sort through the options.
Because in the end, the goal isn’t to have the prettiest or most perfectly organized planner.
It’s to find a little planner peace—a way to keep track of the life you’re living while still having some fun along the way.
Sparkling blessings,
Margi
