My 2014 Planner Set-up

Perhaps the most popular question asked among most new (and experienced, sometimes) planners is "what are the sections in your planner?" For those who are new to my blog, my answer might surprise you. My sections are not very specific. Instead, they are general things, like Projects or Notes. This works only because of my cool indexing ABC system that you can explore in detail below. In fact, I give you a chance to explore all sections of my 2014 planner set-up in today's post.

If you are setting up your planner to mirror mine in some ways, I recommend you click the embedded links to find more details on setting up each section. Ultimately, though, remember to only use the parts that work for YOU!

These pictures capture my set-up pretty well, even if the video that I tried to record was a flop. (Know your strengths and weaknesses, right?)

For 2014, I am using a Franklin Covey Boston (compact, which means the same holes as a Filofax personal, but pages measure 1/2 inch wider) in a slate blue leather cover.

My sections:

1. Dashboard
2. Projects
3. Tasks
4. Calendar (Monthly/Weekly)
5. Future
6. Notes
7. Supplies

Dashboard

My dashboard basically consists of the front inside cover (where unprocessed papers are in the smaller pocket and processed, already written in my planner items are in the hidden, deeper pocket) and a blank sheet of paper. Today, that happens to be lined paper, but I mostly print out and cut graph paper instead.

TIP: Don't hide a paper from yourself without noting it in your planner so that you can find it. Party invitation that you need to keep for driving directions? Note by the event entry in your calendar pages that you have directions in the inside pocket.

I use my dashboard for jotting quick things, like tomorrow's grocery list, a list of ladies that I need to Facebook message right now (because I'll forget something if I don't jot down the names, but there is no reason to put the list in my planner), and a note to order my prescriptions in a minute. It's basically a written in-box and brain dump area.

TIP: Whenever possible, write information in the appropriate section of your planner. Only use your dashboard for very temporary notes, brain dumps, or when you are in a time crunch.

Projects

Unless you are brand new to my blog (in which case you should subscribe in the right gutter), you've surely learned about my index/ABC system for active projects by now. Make sure you have some way to remember to do your projects in your main pages. I go over my projects during my weekly review.

TIP: For projects with a clear end date, go ahead and jot the date next to the project's name on your index. Also, copy the date into the calendar section of your planner. (This is the only time that I recommend a double entry in your planner.)

Tasks

My task list is truly just for non-time sensitive or someday/maybe tasks. All other tasks go on my weekly pages.

TIP: Never write the same task in two places. It's on the Master List or it is scheduled elsewhere. Keeping track of what is completed can get overwhelming otherwise.

Calendar

I keep about three months of monthly calendars with weekly pages stored behind each individual month. Appointments go on monthly calendars, while due dates, must do tasks, and want to do tasks go in three separate columns on my weekly pages. Currently, I am using undated 365 pages from Franklin Covey (only available with a cheap binder).

TIP:  Use washi tape to block out days that you won't be using on your monthly calendar.

I only write each entry in one place or the other, forcing me to look in both places daily.

Future

I use a page for every three months of the next nine months, plus a "2015 and Beyond" page.

TIP: Make your future pages now. Put a box around recurring tasks and events (like birthdays) and, once you complete them this year, recopy them to next year.

Notes

My notes and files go in this section, using the same indexing system that I use for projects. The key to my files is that I only carry things that I WILL need to reference often or outside of the home. Everything else gets filed in a file cabinet in my closet.

TIP: Schedule a twice a year purge of projects and notes task right now.

Supplies

My last section is supplies. My friend Misty made this cool bookmark for me that hides my sticky notes and stamps in the plastic zipper pouch. (If you are crafty, you do not want to miss her quilting/crafting blog at Daily Design Wall. Homeschoolers can check out her amazing lessons at School in Kajamas.)

There are some large sticky notes in the very back of my planner, too.

I hope you enjoyed this tour of my 2014 planner set-up. The big changes are the layout of my binder and the use of more detailed future pages.

As always, let me know if you have any questions and feel free to share in social media or pin in Pinterest.

Etctetera.