Picking the Perfect Planner

It's that time of year, when people start to think about their New Year's resolutions. One common resolution people make is to start using a planner regularly. In recent years, online planners and calendars have become more popular. However, some people still prefer to use a paper planner. If you are setting a resolution to use a planner, how can you choose a planner that you actually use for more than a few weeks? There is not a "one-size-fits-all" solution, so you might have to go through some trial and error before finding the perfect fit for you.

Here are a few things to consider when choosing a new planner.

Flexibility: If the planner does not give you the flexibility you need, you will just use it for a few weeks and then abandon it altogether because you will feel limited or restricted. 

Layout: Are you looking to schedule daily, weekly, or monthly activities? Do you want to monitor the progress of your goals? Do you need to keep track of meetings and appointments? Would you prefer a "lay flat" style planner? Or do you like a spiral or 3-ring style better?

Size: Think about how you will use your planner and the best size to facilitate that. Do you need something small and portable to take with you anywhere? Or will you need a larger planner with plenty of room for extra notes?

Budget: How much have you budgeted for your new planner? Your personal budget will play a huge role in what you buy. But remember that quality makes a difference! Consider the paper weight, add-ons and customizations, etc.

Style: You should pick a planner that you don't just like, but love! You should look forward to using it and making it an enjoyable part of your daily routine. Make sure that the planner style appeals to you.

Online calendars are great for families with lots of different schedules. For instance, my husband and I each have a personal Google Calendar, and share that calendar with the other. We also have a calendar setting for our son - so we can each add events for him and see it all at the same time. It is also very easy and convenient to color code each person's calendar, so looking at a week is very easy to see which one of us has an appointment or event.

While the online calendar has value, I still prefer to use a paper planner. I know, I know... I'm an "old soul." But there is just something about opening a new planner in January and seeing those blank pages, full of possibilities! I love adding stickers and color coding events. I also use the daily part of my planner to keep up with my "to do" list at work. 

Katy Allen, owner of Artful Agenda, advises, "Be willing to be flexible and [take] time every so often to assess if what you're doing works for you!" It took me a few years of trying different brands to find the one that works perfectly for me. Remember that your planner is a tool to use; it will not magically solve your problems or help you get organized unless you are using it daily. In order to reap the benefits you're after, you must use the planner with deliberate and dedicated efforts.