6 Ways to Stay Consistent with Your Planner in 2021 | Jennifer L. Scott

Why do we need to stay consistent with using our planners? Because I believe that proper planning is one of the key tools to living an organized life. If you've never used a planner, this might be the year to try one! 

Here is a list of really unique planner companies that have both day and weekly planners. In a few cases, I have been able to procure a discount code for you. 

⚜️Suggested Planners

The Day Designer TDC10 for 10% off (valid until 1-31-21)

Ivory Paper Co. 

Simplified Planner

Planned and Proper  code GRATITUDE for 10% off 

The Secret OWL Society digital planners (currently 50% off)

Earrings by SKYE Jennifer20 for 20% off

Blouse by LilysilkDaily12 for 12% off

Candle by Alora Ambiance

⚜️ Choose the right planner for you. Think about your life and how you like to plan. What will you be using your planner for? Work? Homeschool? Homemaking? All of the above? How do you like to plan? Do you require a detailed day schedule? Or do you prefer to look at the week as a whole? I personally like weekly planners, but I know those are less popular. It seems that most people prefer day planners. Figure out what you like and choose the best planner for you. Of the many planner companies I have listed here, there are both options. 

⚜️ Keep your planner in the same place. Whether it's on your desk or your bedside table, try to keep your planner in the same place so you don't need to waste time looking for it. If an appointment comes up and you look for your planner but can't find it, you might make a mental note to jot that appointment down later, but forget to do so. It's fine to bring your planner with you throughout the day (in your purse, for example), but try to select a resting spot for it when you are at home so you can easily access it. 

⚜️Store ample writing supplies near your planner. I understand if you have small children, this might be tricky. Trust me, I totally understand. If I have a nice pen or marker, it will be found by one of my children and disappear forever. But try to keep a nice pen or pencil either in your planner or somewhere nearby so you don't have to take a frustrating jaunt around the house looking for something to write with. 

⚜️ Use both paper and digital if it suits you better. I like to use both paper and digital planners. I utilize the calendar feature digitally and also appreciate the handwritten notes I am able to make in my paper planner. Don't feel as though you have to use one over the other. Find the best balance for using both. 

⚜️If you feel overwhelmed by the sticker and decorating options... don't use them. If you check out some of the planning videos on YouTube, you will be amazed to see how some women like to decorate their planners. I appreciate their art. It's kind of like scrapbooking. It can be a therapeutic way to be creative and will make you want to open your planner on a daily basis. But if you are not artistically inclined, or feel too old to use stickers (that's me, ha!), you don't need to use them. Having said that, if you enjoy that type of artistry and get therapeutic benefits from it, go for it! 

⚜️ Don't just plan your day, consider using your planner in other ways that suit your goals. You don't need to use your planner only for scheduling appointments and keeping on top of cleaning routines or work deadlines. You can also use your planner to track goals. If you're trying to drink more water or exercise more, you can remind yourself in your planner. You can use your planner for grocery and meal planning. You can use your planner to write inspirational quotes that will help you get through the week. You can write notes to your future self in the planner that you will get to as the days go on. Customize your planner to make it exciting to use everyday.