I am going to break down different ways you can approach planning, how you can utilize different systems to organize your information, and how I can help you with each.
Do you have too much that you want to plan but don’t know how to start with just a blank piece of paper? I know from experience that utilizing different methods of organizing information can be a game-changer. Sometimes, the blank paper is more overwhelming than your growing list of plans. Sometimes you need several different layouts, guided prompts, and boxes to input your information into. This helps guide your brain through the process of organizing all the important info swirling around in there. Keep reading for remedies to this problem!
THE CALENDAR
This is the most obvious approach to planning, but also the easiest point of entry. This is your starting point. You can use a digital or physical planner with a calendar, then you fill in dates and times that you need to keep track of. This is super useful for high-level events, tasks, appointments, meetings, etc. But it’s hard to get super detailed with this approach, because limited space is usually a factor. I like to use my monthly layouts as a reference when doing my weekly planning. I also use my monthly inserts to keep track of future appointments and dates.
I offer several different layouts of printable monthly calendars in my shop, as well as a physical monthly wall calendar. Go check those out to kick-start or simplify your planning journey.
WEEKLY AND DAILY
This form of planning allows you to be much more detailed and strategic about planning each and every day. Make the most of your time with weekly and daily planning inserts. I like to use my weekly inserts to list high-level priorities that need to get done, then I list filler tasks that I would love to accomplish, but can be moved to the next day. This helps me stay on top of my tasks and complete as much as possible throughout the week. I also use a daily insert occasionally when my day is super hectic and I need to see a timed schedule.
Since I am currently building this brand outside of working full-time, being super detailed about how I spend my time is crucial. I love the vertical weekly layout from my shop. I am a list-maker, so the vertical layout works perfectly for me. I have plenty of room to write a to-do list of tasks and am also able to see my overview for the entire week.
GOAL PLANNING
This form of planning is for those of us who strive to keep bettering ourselves and build our dreams. If you don’t set goals and give yourself checkpoints to meet, you will likely not see the results you wish to see in your life. Anything worthwhile takes consistency and determination. Setting goals, creating an action plan to achieve them, and evaluating your progress is the only way you can keep improving and surpass your potential. This is what sets you apart from those around you. I am working towards goals of daily exercise, eating well, building my brand PRINTS BY KAITLYN, designing new products for my shop, all of these items are things I am actively working towards and keeping up with in my planning system.
I have created a printable guide specifically for this. It is called the Goal-Getter Guide, and is available in my shop. It will walk you through the process of setting your goals, tracking your actions, and evaluating your progress. If you want to get serious about taking action to improve your life, this guide is for you. Investing in yourself is so worth it and you will never regret the lessons you learn and the ways you will grow.
PROJECT PLANNING
We all have personal and professional projects that become more than we can keep track of on just a sticky note. A project planning insert is super helpful for tracking milestones, logging details about the project – like resources, budget, etc., and staying on track with the deadline. This form of planning will help keep you focused on the end goal of the project and will allow you to document every step in the process.
If you need a more detailed insert for a current or future project, check out the printable project planning insert in my shop.
HEALTH AND WELLNESS
If you have health and wellness goals, why not incorporate them into your daily planning system? If you want to get in shape and workout more, you will need a way to keep track of this and log your progress. Or if you want to take note of health-related symptoms, note if certain foods bother you, etc., you will want to keep a log of what you eat and how you are feeling so that you can track the cause and effect.
I have created a printable insert for journaling daily about your wellness. It includes sections for water intake, nutrition, movement, mood, gratitude, braindump, and goals! This can be used as an addition to your daily planning system, or you can use it as your daily planner altogether. It is great for helping you focus on your physical and mental well-being.
If you prefer a bound journal, I also created one for you! The inside pages are blank, so that you can utilize the inside as you see fit. The back cover houses prompts that you can use to guide your journaling session, or just use them as a starting point and make it your own!
MAKE IT PERSONAL
One thing that will help you stay consistent with planning is to make it personal. This can look like choosing the right planning methods to fit your needs. There are so many different ways you can approach planning, and everyone will likely prefer different methods, or a combination of several methods. The key to figuring out what planning approach is right for you is to determine what you want to focus on in your life. What matters to you right now? What’s important to you? Use those answers to help guide you with choosing a planning system. You can change up your planning system, add to, or simplify it at any time.
Another way to make it personal is to decorate your planner and add in your own touches! Use fun pens, highlighters, stickers, attach photos, make it your own and it will motivate you to keep opening your planner everyday.
Have fun with trying new inserts and methods. Experiment and see what works for you. Just make sure your planning system is improving your life, and not adding stress to it. Being consistent with your planning will help you improve a little each day and will have a major compounding effect on your life.
I am constantly working to improve my offerings for you in my shop. If you have ideas of planner inserts or workbooks that could help improve your life, reach out to me! I am happy to accommodate your request. Be sure to check back often for updates about my shop and follow me on instagram to stay updated about new releases.
STAY IN TOUCH!
Follow me on instagram for more planning tips and inspiration.
Don’t forget about the monthly freebies! These are sent out monthly to email subscribers, so sign up for the newsletter and don’t miss out! Subscribers also receive exclusive offers, discount codes, and more!
Leave a Reply