Well Planned Day – Busy Gal

A common question about tools and resources is, “How am I supposed to use this section?” or “What is the intention here?” We feel like we cannot be successful unless we use it the “right” way.

Here’s the kicker: while there is a “wrong” way to use a planner (namely, not using it at all!), there isn’t really a “right” way. It’s true that an original idea or intention led to the creation of the different sections of your planner, but there is also a bit of flexibility to allow you to work according to your personality.

The better question, whether for your new planner or for any other resource, is to ask, “How can I make this fit my personality?”

That’s a harder question, to be honest, because it’s more subjective. We have to be creative and explore avenues and options for ourselves. But, that is a critical part of making organization and planning work. If it doesn’t work for us personally, it won’t work at all.

One Size?

Keep in mind that, while every page of your planner is good and useful, the “one size fits all” concept is as much of a myth in organizational tools as it is in clothes or anything else! Your best friend’s favorite part of the planner may be the project tracker, and she may even be incredibly inspired to fill out the monthly evaluation sheet in detail. You, on the other hand, may be overwhelmed by the idea of recording projects, and benchmarks and evaluations are something you’ll have to work your way into. Instead, you absolutely love the ASPIRE worksheet and could fill it out half a dozen times without a second thought!

You are not failing if you use the planner differently than someone else does. As you learn where your strengths lie and see where you need to spend extra effort, you should also grow in confidence in your own organizational inclinations.

All or Nothing

Also remember that this is not an all-or-nothing resource. You don’t have to use every feature on every page to make it worthwhile. In fact, if all you do is establish a weekly rhythm and figure out how to use the weekly pages to keep yourself on track, then you have made the planner worth having.

As time goes on, you will begin to learn how to strengthen other aspects of planning. But, the key is to make it work for you, not to feel enslaved to it because you feel like you have to use it the “right” way.

At the end of the day, always remember that planning and organization are not about keeping up with the Joneses. Instead, they are about making sure that you are living your life in a healthy, productive, and successful manner.