A new planner comes with infinite possibilities, but it also comes with infinite questions and decisions to make.
Do I write in script or print?
What style and color of ink pen do I use?
Do I get a page marker or bookmark for my planner?
What gets written down? What doesn't?
Do I hole-punch the bound planner to make it ring bound?
Am I going to use any codes or abbreviations?
The questions could paralyze the strongest individuals. Don't let that happen to you!
*Dedicate a Page to Planner Rules
Create a page in your planner to write down the rules that you want to follow for your planner.
If timed event always go in the left column, under the date, and untimed tasks go in the right column, write down that rule.
If you color-code, write down the codes.
If you abbreviate (like using a code for each child or an E for Errands and a B for Blogging), note that on the "Planner Rules" page.
You can always change some decisions later, based on what works and what doesn't, but at least you can glance at this page as a resource to keep things consistent.
*Write Down Appointments and Tasks
If you don't do anything else, make sure you start writing down all appointments and future tasks/due dates IMMEDIATELY.
Don't wait. Don't worry about perfection.
Appointments and tasks are the reason that you have a planner. If you don't start a habit of writing down everything AS YOU THINK OF IT, you will experience planner fail.
Trust me. I've been there. I've been a failure at planning!
*Do NOT Panic
As long as you are using your planner, there is no right way or wrong way.
Do what works for you, and if it ever stops working, change it.
*Read Giftie Etcetera
I have oodles of tips for using a planner, so go to my sidebar and explore some old posts! Use what appeals to you and ignore the rest. You'll notice some contradictions because even I use various systems and methods over time, depending on what works in my planner and my life at that very moment.
Please consider sharing this post with a planner newbie. They will thank you later!
Etcetera.
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15 comments:
I like the page of rules. I'm going to have to remember that. I have a note in EverNote with my rules for there, but since I go through a physical notebook annually (I'm moving to a quarterly system) it would be good to remind myself.
Yes - we need rules! Sometimes I can't figure out my own abbreviations - lol! I learned the hard way that a ringed planner is not carte blanche to hole-punch every piece of reference material so I can carry it with me.
I love the title of this post! Because you know there are so many of us that felt like that.
I'm a planner addict! My husband laughs at my obsession with them. He doesn't understand why I don't just use an online calendar. I have to use a pen and paper type planner. I love the idea of a rules page! I'm definitely going to make one of those. Thanks for the tip!
Even though I'm really happy with my planner, I've been tempted to buy a new one several times recently. There's just so many pretty ones available. My rules are generally just color coding, and the rest are habits by now. I've been planning for quite a few years! The color coding is just in the last couple years, and I've changed it once to work better. I agree that the most important things is making sure your planner works well for you.
I like the idea of pausing and coming up with rules first. The point of the planner is to be organized, so it's nice to think through things like color coding etc before you get started. Thanks for sharing at #SmallVictoriesSundayLinkup!
Cute. Do you have a recommendation for a blogger planner?
Definitely like the list of rules. I LOVE planners, but then I get paralyzed with indecision and don't use them properly.
I like the idea of a planner rules page. Going to have to look into making one
Page rules is a new one for me. I look at all kinds of planners and then second guess myself when I want to purchase one. My biggest fear is loving one then the company stops producing the inserts and I would have to start all over. Any advice ?
There are so many planners and inserts on the market. Don't let change stress you out. Just get something and use it!
Fantastic post! I love the rules page as well. I was just flipping through my planner today and realized that we're only months away from the end of the year...almost time to buy a new one! Maybe this time around I'll utilize it more productively!
Thank you for sharing with us at #MommyMeetupMondays
Planner rules. Why didn't I think of that? I have way more planners than I care to admit I have. And they don't get used because I'm not sure where to begin. But now, planner rules. Thanks for sharing at #mommymeetupmondays.
LOL. "Do not panic" needs to be an instruction on all organizing projects!
I love your idea of having a page of rules that also shows the color coding. I've always just tried to keep it all in my head, which is not the greatest plan.
I bought a planner because I thought I would a certain job. Now I am putting in it where I put post on linky parties.
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