{"id":2044,"date":"2021-01-09T06:00:02","date_gmt":"2021-01-09T11:00:02","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/robynsfrenchnest.com\/?p=2044"},"modified":"2021-01-11T14:16:55","modified_gmt":"2021-01-11T19:16:55","slug":"tips-for-organizing-your-planner-and-daily-tasks","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/robynsfrenchnest.com\/home\/tips-for-organizing-your-planner-and-daily-tasks\/","title":{"rendered":"Tips for Organizing Your Planner and Daily Tasks"},"content":{"rendered":"

[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.6.5″ _module_preset=”default”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.6.5″ _module_preset=”default”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.6.5″ _module_preset=”default”][et_pb_post_title comments=”off” featured_image=”off” _builder_version=”4.6.6″ _module_preset=”default” title_font_size=”52px” meta_font_size=”22px”][\/et_pb_post_title][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.6.5″ _module_preset=”default”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.6.5″ _module_preset=”default”][et_pb_text admin_label=”Intro” _builder_version=”4.7.7″ _module_preset=”default” text_font_size=”16px”]<\/p>\n

A fresh new year, a fresh page in the book, and a fresh planner!\u00a0 It makes me unreasonably happy to open up my planner each year.\u00a0 It all goes back to my sophomore year of high school, 1997, to be exact (you do the math!) when our school district implemented a new educational initiative.\u00a0 That red and gold planner with our school Grizzly Mascot on the cover ended up being one of the most important skills I learned.\u00a0 I probably took it more seriously than I needed to, but I\u2019m also pretty sure it made my Debate and Forensics coach smile with glee.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Over the years since, I\u2019ve always had a paper and pencil planner that I use religiously.\u00a0 And while my love of a good planner is borderline obsessive, it truly is an extension of my brain and allows me to juggle the hats of wife, mom, teacher, voice and piano instructor, drama director, decorator, influencer, and now blogger.\u00a0 I don\u2019t juggle them perfectly\u2026things fall through the cracks\u2026but I don\u2019t want to think about what chaos would ensue if I didn\u2019t set aside intentional time to keep us organized!<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

While the tips I have for you today are simply what I\u2019ve found to work best for me, I hope they maybe spark a new idea or even inspiration for you!\u00a0 Let\u2019s get started!<\/p>\n

[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/robynsfrenchnest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/Tips-for-organizing-your-planner-20210109-4-scaled.jpg” title_text=”Tips for organizing your planner 20210109 (4)” admin_label=”Table Image” _builder_version=”4.7.7″ _module_preset=”default”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_divider _builder_version=”4.7.1″ _module_preset=”default”][\/et_pb_divider][et_pb_text admin_label=”Step 1″ _builder_version=”4.7.7″ _module_preset=”default” text_font_size=”16px”]<\/p>\n

How to choose the best planner<\/u><\/strong><\/h4>\n

Do you want your planner to be large or one that fits in your purse?\u00a0 Do you need it for work purposes or just your daily to-do lists?\u00a0 Does it need to house information for multiple areas of your life?\u00a0 Do you like a vertical or horizontal layout?\u00a0 Do you need it broken into daily time slots or do you work better with room to right a list?\u00a0 Perhaps a monthly calendar meets your needs?<\/p>\n

These are all questions to consider and are all individual preferences.\u00a0 Since I use my planner to delineate three specific areas: home\/family, IG content, and school, I like to use a planner that devotes either an entire page to a day or has a vertical layout.<\/p>\n

[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text admin_label=”Heart of the Farm” _builder_version=”4.7.7″ _module_preset=”default” text_font_size=”16px”]<\/p>\n

For 2020, I enjoyed using the Heart of the Farm Planner<\/a>.<\/strong><\/span>\u00a0\u00a0 Cory has created a beautiful planner that has lots of room to write, lovely photography, and even specialized pages to record things like prayer, praise, and gratefulness.\u00a0 Cory has a Daily or Weekly option.\u00a0 I found the Daily planner to allow me an entire page dedicated to each day and that was incredibly helpful!\u00a0 You can check out this favorite planner here<\/strong><\/span><\/a>.<\/p>\n

[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/robynsfrenchnest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/Tips-for-organizing-your-planner-20210109-2-scaled.jpg” title_text=”Tips for organizing your planner 20210109 (2)” url=”http:\/\/www.heartofthefarmplanner.com#ref=70″ url_new_window=”on” admin_label=”Open Planner Image” _builder_version=”4.7.7″ _module_preset=”default”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_divider _builder_version=”4.7.1″ _module_preset=”default”][\/et_pb_divider][et_pb_text admin_label=”Condren” _builder_version=”4.7.7″ _module_preset=”default” text_font_size=”16px”]<\/p>\n

I have also used the Erin Condren Life Planner<\/a><\/strong><\/span> \u2122.\u00a0 The vertical layout of this planner creates clear outlines for each area that I focus on in my planner.\u00a0 I also love the additional space for notes at the bottom and on the side.<\/p>\n

You\u2019ll want to answer these questions before spending time searching for the right planner:<\/p>\n

    \n
  1. What is the purpose of my planner?<\/li>\n
  2. What are my daily goals for how I use my planner?<\/li>\n
  3. Where will I be using my planner? (may help you decide the size you decide to purchase)<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

    I have used a variety of different planners over the years and have finally settled on the ones that work best for me in this season of life.\u00a0 Don\u2019t be afraid to invest in a quality planner that will serve you well for the entire year!\u00a0 But it is also okay to say, \u201cThis planner isn\u2019t meeting my needs,\u201d and try something new!<\/p>\n

    [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_divider admin_label=”Divider” _builder_version=”4.7.1″ _module_preset=”default”][\/et_pb_divider][et_pb_text admin_label=”Setting Up your Planner” _builder_version=”4.7.7″ _module_preset=”default” text_font_size=”16px”]<\/p>\n

    Setting Up Your Planner<\/u><\/strong><\/h4>\n

    I spend an hour or so at the beginning of the year marking my monthly pages with school events, birthdays, trips, etc.\u00a0 No stress here, just penciling in what you can.\u00a0 And I ALWAYS USE PENCIL!\u00a0 You can find my favorite pencil here<\/a><\/strong><\/span>.<\/p>\n

    At the end of each month, I set aside a little time to fill out the following month in more detail.\u00a0 As I become aware of appointments, events, or additional information, I try to get it into my planner ASAP!\u00a0 I also use this time to organize my social media and blog content.\u00a0 You\u2019ll find me asking my followers what they are interested in for the following month.\u00a0 My favorite and most fun ideas always come from YOU!\u00a0 I pencil those in on my monthly page and it\u2019s always fun to see the month start to come together.\u00a0 I get excited to start preparing my content and I\u2019m able to plan ahead for times when I\u2019ll be out of town or busy with my family (always comes first!)<\/p>\n

    Each week, usually mid-week, I have a short planning date with my calendar for the following week.\u00a0 I write any appointments, special tasks, events for the kids, their test and special assignments into the daily portions of my planner for the next week.\u00a0 I also make detailed lists of what content I plan to share, to-do lists to prep for that content, communication and collaborations that I am responsible for\u2026and so on and so forth!<\/p>\n

    You can see the intentionality woven through how I set up my planner!\u00a0 It may sound a bit obsessive, but I find that taking this intentional time actually creates more \u201cwhite space\u201d in our lives because I\u2019m not scrambling around trying to figure out what\u2019s next.\u00a0 We typically don\u2019t miss events or deadlines and that alleviates a lot of stress for both me and my family!<\/p>\n

    [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_divider _builder_version=”4.7.1″ _module_preset=”default”][\/et_pb_divider][et_pb_text admin_label=”Daily Use” _builder_version=”4.7.7″ _module_preset=”default” text_font_size=”16px”]<\/p>\n

    How to Use Your Planner on a Daily Basis<\/u><\/strong><\/h4>\n

    Each day, I glance over my planner in the morning and again in the evening.\u00a0 I try to focus specifically on that day and not allow myself to always be feeling overwhelmed by what\u2019s on the next day\u2019s list!\u00a0 As I go through my day, I use a pencil and check off tasks as they are completed.\u00a0 It is very refreshing.\u00a0 And yes\u2026I\u2019ve been known to write down a task after it\u2019s completed, just so I can check it off.\u00a0 I can\u2019t deny it!\u00a0 But it does help to end the day with a feeling of accomplishment and satisfaction to see areas where I made progress!<\/p>\n

    Any tasks that aren\u2019t completed are circled so I can reschedule that task to another day.\u00a0 Let me stop and remind both you and I that it is OKAY IF YOU DON\u2019T GET SOMETHING DONE!\u00a0 If it is a top priority item, I put a little star by it and make sure that gets done first.\u00a0 Otherwise, all you can do is your best.\u00a0 But if you plan for it, there is definitely a higher likelihood that you will complete your tasks and feel good about your work!<\/p>\n

    I also make sure to schedule in play!\u00a0 If we are going thrifting or to a party or just out as a family, I often write that in my calendar too.\u00a0 It is a great feeling to look ahead and see what you\u2019re really working for.\u00a0 It is kind of like a constant reminder of your \u201cwhy\u201d!<\/p>\n

    [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/robynsfrenchnest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/Tips-for-organizing-your-planner-20210109-5-scaled.jpg” title_text=”Tips for organizing your planner 20210109 (5)” admin_label=”Desk Image” _builder_version=”4.7.7″ _module_preset=”default”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_divider _builder_version=”4.7.1″ _module_preset=”default”][\/et_pb_divider][et_pb_text admin_label=”Other Thoughts” _builder_version=”4.7.7″ _module_preset=”default” text_font_size=”16px”]<\/p>\n

    \u200bOther Notes of Importance<\/u><\/strong><\/h4>\n

    There are many planners out there with color coding systems, etc.\u00a0 I\u2019m sure they are wonderful and I know people that use them.\u00a0 I have found that keeping my system really simple takes some of the extra work and stress out of the equation, and that\u2019s what its purpose really is for me anyway!\u00a0 Again, I encourage you to spend time thinking through how you want your planner to serve you and then search accordingly!<\/p>\n

    It is a great idea to start your kids on learning to use a planner.\u00a0 Even if it\u2019s messy and imperfect, they will only learn by doing.\u00a0 A simple, Dollar Tree calendar is a great way to get them started!<\/p>\n

    [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_divider _builder_version=”4.7.1″ _module_preset=”default”][\/et_pb_divider][et_pb_text admin_label=”Closing” _builder_version=”4.7.7″ _module_preset=”default” text_font_size=”16px”]<\/p>\n

    Your planner is what you do, not who you are.\u00a0 I\u2019ll say that again.<\/u><\/strong><\/h4>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Your planner is what you do, not who you are.<\/p>\n

    I\u2019ve gotten that mixed up before and suffered the consequences.\u00a0 Now, my planner exists to help me be more efficient so that I have time and white space to be with my family, to do fun things, and to just rest.\u00a0 Busy-ness is not something to be proud of and our society tends to mix that up.\u00a0 So here is a reminder to both of us to make your planner work for you, not against you.<\/p>\n

    \u201cWhatever your hand finds to do, do it with your might.\u201d\u00a0 Ecclesiastes 9:10<\/em><\/p>\n

    \u00a0<\/em>\u201cBut as for you, be strong and do not give up, for your work will be rewarded.\u201d\u00a0 <\/em>2 Chronicles 15:7<\/em><\/p>\n

    \u00a0<\/em>\u201cWhatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men.\u201d Colossians 3:23<\/em><\/p>\n

    \u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n

    Blessings,<\/p>\n

    Robyn<\/p>\n

    \u200b<\/h4>\n

    [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/robynsfrenchnest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/Tips-for-organizing-your-planner-20210109-1-scaled.jpg” title_text=”Tips for organizing your planner 20210109 (1)” url=”http:\/\/www.heartofthefarmplanner.com#ref=70″ url_new_window=”on” admin_label=”Final Image” _builder_version=”4.7.7″ _module_preset=”default”][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row use_custom_gutter=”on” gutter_width=”2″ make_equal=”on” _builder_version=”4.6.5″ _module_preset=”default” width=”100%” max_width=”1920px” module_alignment=”center”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.6.5″ _module_preset=”default”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.6.6″ _module_preset=”default”]<\/p>\n

    Gallery<\/h2>\n

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    Get Organized for the New Year<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":2054,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_et_pb_use_builder":"on","_et_pb_old_content":"","_et_gb_content_width":"","ub_ctt_via":"","wprm-recipe-roundup-name":"","wprm-recipe-roundup-description":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[8,42],"tags":[],"featured_image_src":"https:\/\/robynsfrenchnest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/Tips-for-organizing-your-planner-20210109-3-scaled.jpg","author_info":{"display_name":"Robyn","author_link":""},"mv":{"thumbnail_id":2054,"thumbnail_uri":"https:\/\/robynsfrenchnest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/Tips-for-organizing-your-planner-20210109-3-225x300.jpg"},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/robynsfrenchnest.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2044"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/robynsfrenchnest.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/robynsfrenchnest.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/robynsfrenchnest.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/robynsfrenchnest.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=2044"}],"version-history":[{"count":11,"href":"https:\/\/robynsfrenchnest.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2044\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":2069,"href":"https:\/\/robynsfrenchnest.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2044\/revisions\/2069"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/robynsfrenchnest.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/2054"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/robynsfrenchnest.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=2044"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/robynsfrenchnest.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=2044"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/robynsfrenchnest.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=2044"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}