Best Planner EVER!
I have ever had in my life!
So what makes this baby so special? Mostly it’s the ability to zero in on your exact goals, but also stay balanced with space to jot down more than just the five things on the top of your to-do list.
For me personally, this planner is helping me accomplish my most important goals and not get bogged down with distractions and conflicting priorities. The first chapter of this book is all about goal setting and getting in touch with what is important.
What is really important? For me, it’s not writing another book, pattern, or DVD, but having time to hang out with Josh and James and finding time to pursue a creative idea. I hardly ever feel like there’s enough time in the day for everything and it’s frustrating to feel pulled in so many directions at once.
Fortunately this planner is helping me get back on track and find balance between business, family, and creativity. Each page is broken up like this:
Obviously you fill in the left column with the time breakdown of your day. Space is left below that column for what is on your mind. What are the negative and positive thoughts running through your head today? I find this space extremely helpful because acknowledging the negativity is the first step to doing something about it. If I’m pissed off, I really need to check in with WHY I’m pissed off today!
The next column starts with the day’s intention and prioritized list of goals. I love that there’s only space for 2 high and 2 medium priority goals. I’ve had the horrible habit of making a super long list of everything I need to do and then feel totally overwhelmed and unhappy when I can’t accomplish it all in one day.
Below that list is a little picture of a circle with a triangle for you to check off all the areas of your life: learning, family & friends, work, health, fun!, goals, nature, and reflection.
Not surprisingly I always manage to check off “work” but rarely check off “Fun!” That is something I definitely need to work on.
On the next page you have space to write down what you are grateful for and any reminders from weekly goals you’ve set. Cultivating gratitude is such an important daily exercise. I find if I have just 5 minutes in the morning to sit and consider what I’m thankful for, my whole day goes better.
At the end of the day you have space to check in and answer the questions “Did you accomplish all your goals today? If not, what got in the way?” In the opposite column you have space to answer the question “What will you do differently tomorrow?”
This is just amazing. Rather than feel bad and disappointed with myself that I’ve screwed up some goals or failed to finish a task, this section is helping me come to terms with the fact that I’m not Superwoman! I can’t get everything done every day. Stuff comes up!
Finishing up the section page is a section for a self assessment, a little quote for staying on track, and a spot to list your unfinished items that need to be carried over to the next day.
On top of the daily planner, this guide also helps you set weekly and monthly goals. Each week there’s an extra page to check in on the past week and reassess. I love these sections because I have a tendency to be pulled in whatever direction the wind is blowing. Long term goals require long term focus and checking in weekly and monthly is definitely going to make a difference.
Wow! Is it scary or cool that I can write this much about my day planner? I have just found it so helpful and love that a friend passed it my way. Now I’m doing the same for you!
Click here to check out the Life Coach in a Book Planner at Amazon.
Let’s go quilt,
Leah
I love posts that show how other people keep themselves organized. I use an Erin Condren planner and love it. But I'm with you on the need to find a way to check off that "fun" box each day instead of just work and tasks.
Thank you very much for sharing this post. I could never be organized. I make endless lists and obviously the achievements are minimal. That doesn't help my mood. I should change. I learned something new today thanks to you and thank you for it!