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Here’s the deal, I initially loved using my physical daily planner about two years ago. I don’t want to mention which company’s planner I used, but let’s just say they are pretty well known online. And then, I just stopped.
At first, I rationalized that I didn’t need it. But in recent times, I began to miss the concept of a planner., as well as the creative outlet it provided me I mean notepad and the calendar on my iPhone, as well as Alexa reminders have helped. But still, I missed something about physically planning for the week ahead.
I follow a few YouTube channels that shared their own planners online. But I knew I didn’t want to go back to the planner I used in the past. So, I started to do some research about planners and see who others liked and used.
[Tweet “Learn how to use and keep using a planner with these 8 easy steps. #plannertips”]
I kept coming back to one brand in particular. Some of the local craft stores actually carry this line. I got to see the planners before purchasing. I am a big believer in physically seeing a product before purchasing if possible.
So, not even a month ago, I finally took the plunge and bought a new planner. We were already a few weeks into 2020. But that didn’t bother me. Plus, having missed the New Year and planning, apparently planning supplies go on sale once the New Year is in full swing.
Who knew? Well, definitely not this girl. Therefore, I got my new planner for 70% off, as well as some of the starter items to compliment it, as well. I have only been back at it planning-wise for about three weeks now. But want to share some planner advice that has helped me so far.
So, if you are thinking of using a planner for the first time or returning to planning, then, scroll on for how to actually start using one and actually use it.
8 Tips to Finally Start Using a Planner (And Actually Use It)

1. Choose one that works for your needs.
There are different types of planners. For starters, some are classic layout. Some are laid out vertically, while others are horizontal in layout format. Plus, some planners are for overall personal/daily planning, while others are for health/fitness, goal setting, or even financial planning. It really depends on what you are looking to plan ahead for when choosing a planner.
2. Fill in the important annual/monthly events.
No matter what type of planner you choose, there should be a yearly calendar with the 12 months and dates on one or two pages, as well. Here you can place all the upcoming year at a glance with all the important dates that don’t change. There is also a monthly one-page calendar layout before each month’s larger day-by-day section. In that monthly layout, you can add in the upcoming important dates for the month ahead.
3. Schedule planning time daily/weekly.
Planning works best if you treat it as a time to sit to reflect as to what is to come for the upcoming week. But it also helps to have a day or time weekly where you can sit to do your planning. That said, in order to make in not feel so much like a chore, having time set aside really does make a difference overall.
4. Splurge on the fun extras.
I never realized how many fun extras were made for planners in the past. But lo and behold, there really are so many fun extras you can purchase to make your planner more personalized. These extras include fun washi tapes, stickers, note pages, bookmarks and more. Etsy carries quite a few, as well as Amazon and even your local craft stores, such as Hobby Lobby, Michael’s or JOANN Fabric & Crafts.
5. Using Sticky Notes or Note Cards.
Once again, you can get all sorts of fun note cards or sticky notes. But using them is key. Because sometimes you write down an upcoming event. But the smaller/finer details are easier to write out on a notecard or sticky note. So, either of these helps to not forget certain things you may need to remember or recall for that upcoming event.
6. Check it off when it is done.
In your planner, chances are you have written down things that you need to do. But a key part of keeping your planner current is to check off what you have accomplished or completed. It helps not unlike a checklist to keep current and holds you accountable to indeed get things done.
7. Get inspired socially.
Pinterest or YouTube. Starting a planner that is tailored to your own needs might be overwhelming at first. But you would be surprised how many awesome YouTube channels are out there with planner help or inspiration, as well as Pinterest or Instagrammers who share their planner creations.
8. Have fun and be creative.
This tip is pretty straight-forward. But honestly, so crucial. While you are using a planner to help set and achieve certain goals. Try not to make it another chore or task. Have fun making your planner your own and being as creative as you can in your planner.
ShootingStarsMag says
I LOVE my physical planner, and I assume you’re talking about the Happy Planner – which I also get. I think it works really well for my needs and there are so many fun things to use to decorate and plan. I actually host a monthly link up on the third Thursday of each month called Keep It Together – all about planning, scrapbooks, memory keeping, if you want to link this post up in March. We’d love to have you!! #happynow
-Lauren
Janine says
Yes, I use Happy Planner now and am loving all the features and extras, too. And your linkup sounds like so much fun and will definitely try to check it out this month. So, thanks so much for the invite, Lauren!! π
Dara says
I’m definitely a planner person! I was looking ahead and mine ends in the summer so I need to already think of what kind I want next!
Janine says
Dara, Happy Planner just released its latest collection today. So, check them out if you can now π
William D Holland says
Bev needs this. I’ll pass it on to her. Thank you for the great tips. Hopefully she will follow them.
Happy Rainy Tuesday my friend!
Janine says
Aw, thanks for passing onto Bev and hope the tips help her as it has so far helped me to plan better this past year. Happy Tuesday right back at you now π
Seana Turner says
I love my planner and use it every day. I sort of consider it to be my “backup brain,” where I keep track of things I don’t want to hold in my mind. Physical works for me because I am often in places where there isn’t good wifi. For example, spent a couple of hours on a plane yesterday, and I got a lot done because I had my paper planner with me. Plus, it has pockets for small things I need to hold onto. I love the beauty and color of yours – so fun!
Janine says
Aw, thanks so much, Seana and I couldn’t agree more as the paper planner just helps me to get things done. It also forces me to get off of the devices for a bit and actually relaxes me, as well. So, definitely recommend for multiple reasons to all π
Tamara says
I’ve never been a planner person but then I read that book “Love Lettering” for work and she designed pretty planners in the book. And now I want one! So these tips help me start.
Janine says
Aw, yay and so glad this post is going to help you start as the physical planner is something that not only is practical, but fun, too π
Pam says
I am tempted by those Happy Planners every time I go to the craft store nearby! It’s so cute! I have so many journals and notebooks, but I have yet to really keep a planner well. So, I may just have to give it a try.
Janine says
Pam, now is the perfect time as The Happy Planners seem to be on sale as the newer versions will be out shortly in the craft stores. So, if you were thinking of giving it a try, I would say right now is indeed the perfect time π
Gloria Spagnoli says
I’d be lost without my planner! Especially when events will be coming up in the future. Otherwise I’d be double booking constantly!
Janine says
Aw, me too, Aunt Gloria!! π
Jen says
I use to be awesome with a planner, pre-kids, but now….. I feel disorganized though with my wall calendar and phone calendar. These are really good tips to get started. Thanks for sharing!
Janine says
Happy to share, Jen and hope it helps you possibly start to use a physical planner again π
Meredith Spidel says
These are fantastic tips! I have used a planner my entire adult life, and am always looking to up my game! Thanks for sharing, Janine π
Janine says
So happy to share with you, too, Meredith and hope it does help you with you physical planner, as well now π