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In my attempts to be an Organized Person, I find putting pen to paper suits me best. There are some apps I use and appreciate, but the consistency, ordinariness and even texture of paper both opens a world of possibilities for me and kindly latches the door to my mental chaos, giving my brain a break.
My brain needs lots of breaks.
Paper reminds me of books, reading, adventure. Letters to friends, grandparents, missionaries on the other side of the world. There is discovery on paper. I don’t feel the same way about entering notes on my phone as I do jotting down reminders in my planner or memories in my journal. I prefer the tangible, instinctive connection with paper.
In recent years I have indulged in some lovely paper planners that make even writing down “scrub the toilet” sorts of lists more satisfying. Nowadays, what I look for in a planner is more than just list-keeping ability; it’s space to record life events, goals, inspiration, and a big-picture of the months behind and before me. I’m a visual person, so having all of this contained in book form is a delight and help to me on many levels.
My preference is a 12 months/52 weeks calendar planner starting in January. None of this 17 month nonsense beginning in August or whenever the school year starts. That’s too many months in one book for me, and I like the tidiness of a beginning and end every January and December.
You don’t have to be a prolific writer to benefit from the science-y connection of brain to pen. If you’ve not written much more than a grocery list on paper, begin there and add to it! At the end of the day, do a brain dump and write down a few things that are tugging at the corners of your mind. Your brain will thank you, and you might end up charmed by the whole process. Writing in moleskin notebooks isn’t just for hipsters, you know! Use whatever you like, experiment to find your own style.
You can spend under $2 for a plain notebook (which is what I did for years when I had a planner budget of $0), print free online planner pages for the cost of printer paper and ink (Pinterest is your friend for finding those as well as free Day Designer printables), or spend $50 or more on an assistant that will obligingly lay out nearly everything for you except your morning beverage.
Every year I get very excitable when it comes time to pick out my new paper companion. I usually overthink it. (And then text a sister HELP I’M HAVING A PLANNER CRISIS.) Sometimes I go another round with my current favorite. I’m not certain I’ve found The One, so I’m always curious about the next planner around the corner and ready to try something new. I’ll share what I’ve used, what is on my list to try, and my pick for 2017:
NOTEBOOKS & PLANNERS I’VE USED
Good ol’ Mead notebooks from Walmart
Plain lined journal from Barnes & Noble
Little pocket planners like this one
Faith-focused, these GraceWorks planner and journal pages were all the rage in my ’90’s circle of homeschool friends!
Emily Ley’s Simplified Planner-beautiful and minimalist, definitely a favorite. I spent many hours with it at my patio table.
Whitney English’s Day Designer was gifted to me at an event and I fell in love! In addition to monthly spreads, it provides generous space for each day that includes list-making, creating a timed schedule, even spots for dinner planning and gratitude notes.
ON MY LIST TO TRY
I’ve had my eye on Ruth Soukup’s Living Well planner-it’s so bright and colorful and makes me want to do stuff!
I admire the project-planning features and extra lined pages in the Brilliant Life planner by Beth Anne
This Passion Planner has a lot of heart behind it and a clever, compact layout
Then, of course, there is everything Rifle Paper Co. because it’s just all. so. pretty.
MY PLANNER CHOICE FOR 2017
I heard about the Nomatic notebook and planner from a beloved podcast, and after carrying around large spiral-bound planners in recent years, decided to try something more travel-friendly. (You can also find the Nomatic planner on Amazon.)
There is no secret planner society that mandates you have to begin in January. Begin whenever you like! Before I became a consistent planner user, I started and stopped randomly. Now is as good a day to start as any other. Start somewhere, with something, and tweak it to be a helpful guide, not a burden, in your life. Happy planning!
Did you notice that many of the planners I listed are designed by women? I love supporting female entrepreneurs! Buying a planner from them is a great way to support a small business.
Do you use a paper planner? Which organization tools, if any, do you prefer? I’d love to know!
