I was about ten years old when DayTimers first became hugely popular. They were revolutionary to business people, these small binders filled with agendas, folders, forms, and doodads. I wanted one so much that my mom bought me one — despite the fact that I had no money and no place to be.
One’s love affair with office supplies runs deep, my friends.
Fast forward 30 years, and I still love my planner. It looks a little different these days, though.
I prefer the feel of a spiral notebook over a binder. I have simpler and fewer planning pages than I once did. I “sync” my paper calendar to Google’s every so often and keep my shopping list on my phone instead of in my planner.
Time management methods have evolved over the last three decades, but one thing remains the same: being organized can help you save money, time, and frustration.While there are plenty of time management apps out there, I am still a little old school and like to do my planning on paper. I seem to remember things better if I’ve gone through the tactile act of writing them down
In my planner, I keep track of my goals for the year, my projects for the month, my appointments for the week, my weekly meal plan, and my daily to-do list. By tracking my responsibilities all in one place, I am better able to pay the bill, make the appointment, or get dinner made well before 8pm. Since I keep it with me and consult it each morning, my goals are ever before me, nudging me in the right direction.
I know from 43 years of experience that a notebook helps me get things done. It is my brain on paper.
What’s in my notebook:
- An overall vision of what I want my life to be like
- A list of yearly goals
- A post-it note to-do list
- A time budget
- A month-at-a-glance project planner
- A monthly calendar
- Weekly meal plans
- Weekly schedule forms
All of these are compiled in the planner I just created for myself (and for you, too). It’s an easy Print & Go Planner designed to make our lives easier, our days organized, and our meals delicious and on time.
I’ve found that these are the things that really work for me. Because I think best on paper, this is a tool that helps me get things done. I’ve tried to live without it, and I just don’t function as well. The Print & Go Planner has been a great resource to get my life orderly and my mind a little more peaceful.
Do you do your planning on paper or digitally? What have you found works best for you?
Jessica Fisher loves hot coffee, colored markers, and Post-it notes. She’s a writer, a wife, and a mom of many crazy, beautiful kids. Check out more stuff from Jessica here.
