STYLE Savvy: The Proper Planner

Lisa Hess shares six things to consider when you're purchasing a planner.

In 2021, I found the perfect planner (for me). It was a splurge, but it has definitely earned its keep. In fact, I ended 2023 in the middle of Volume 5 of that same planner.  

Yes, you read that right. I’ve purchased (or been gifted) the same (undated) planner five times (okay, seven times). It’s become so integral to my time management that I can’t imagine using anything else. Just thinking of the day when I might have to switch sends me scrambling to Amazon to make sure I can purchase another one if I need to.  

Dramatic? A bit. But this is what can happen when we find the “just right” organization tool.  

Or planner.  

We’re a month into 2024, so chances are good that you’ve already purchased your planner. But, if you haven’t, you might still be able to find your perfect match, and it might even be on sale.   

For some of us, all planners are created equal. We simply need a place to keep track of the date and our commitments. If you’re tech-savvy (and not possessed of an I need to see it personal style), you may use your phone for this. But for others of us, the layout of a planner can make all the difference.  

If you could design your perfect planner, what would it look like? Here are a few things to consider.  

Do you like to keep your to-do lists in your planner?

My planner has room for a list and for three top-priority items each day. This was a game-changer for me—no more scattered notes! I’ll never go back to a planner without space for lists.  

Do you need space for notes?

I definitely like a planner with space for jotting reminders, and I especially like one that includes blank pages, preferably at the back where they’re all together. Those extra pages come in handy for keeping track of all sorts of things, from random ideas to prayer requests to notes from meetings.  

Do you want space to plan a long-term project?

Some planners have big blocks for sketching out plans and keeping track of the overall process (and progress). A friend of mine gave me a beautiful customizable planner that has pages like this, and I find them to be perfect for planning classroom lessons. Before I started using Dabble, I used those pages for characters and book planning, too.   

Do you want to keep track of your progress?

I use my FitBit to track my daily steps and a book journal to keep tabs on the books I’ve read, but I’ve seen lots of planners that designate space for things like the number of steps taken, water intake and daily expenditures. 

A single planner or more is better?

In addition to my “perfect planner,” which I update weekly, I also use a notebook-sized paperback planner for appointments and long-term planning (like scheduling that six-month follow-up appointment at the dentist). Once a week (usually on Sunday nights), I transfer everything from the long-term planner to the weekly planner. It’s an extra step, but it serves to remind me of what the coming week holds, reducing the likelihood that I’ll miss an appointment. 

Which planner is the best fit for your styles?

Because my primary personal style is I need to see it, I love having my to-do lists, priority items, and appointments all on one page. If you, like me, have a touch of an I love stuff style when it comes to stationery, going for the pretty planner might mean you’ll use it more often. Cram and jammers might want to invest in a planner with big blocks (more space for fitting everything in), while those with an I love to be busy personal style might opt for smaller blocks if it means they can easily bring the planner along wherever they go. Those with an I know I put it somewhere organizational style might opt to use their phones, especially if they’re tech-savvy, but, if they prefer a paper planner, they, like those with a drop and run organizational style will want to give it a dedicated home so they can find it when they need it. 

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If you could design your perfect planner, what would it look like? Here are 6 things to consider. #CatholicMom

The array of planner options can be overwhelming but, if you keep your styles and priorities in mind, it’s easy to narrow the choices and end up with a tool that works for you. 

Well, easier, anyway. 

Copyright 2024 Lisa Hess
Images: Canva