Planning and organising are some of my favourite tasks to do. I have always been a lover of planning days or events and being organised since I was young, which has worked so well as I have got older in balancing all aspects of my life.
I have so many people comment “you are so organised, I could never be that organised” But it is something everyone can be, it is just finding what works for you. I have found an planning system that works well for me, but it has involved me trailing different planners and different platforms to see what I work best with. I definitely recommend everyone to trial different systems so you can find the best one that suits you.
Here are 5 planning essentials to make and keep you seriously organised in your life:
1. A planner system
Finding a planner system that works for you is the most important thing. Not everyone loves a paper planner, but now there are so many digital options too. If you are trying to use a particular form of planner and you find yourself not using it and you feel it isn’t working for you, it is time to try a new system! Having a planner system you can record all your appointments, dates and tasks for you to remember and this will be the key to your organisation success! You want to find a system that you refer to everyday to keep you focused, or what is the point? Make sure you do not fall into the procrastinating task of filling in that planner rather than leaving enough time for you to work through your plans.
I like to use a physical planner, writing down my appointments and plans for the week which I refer to each day. With a lot of blogging being technology based I love the art of putting pen to paper and buying cute stationery! I have tried several planners, I have shared my thoughts on the Happy Planner but I love my BusyB brand of planners and my bullet journal.
2. A to-do list pad or notebook
Using a to-do list is a great way to motivate you with being organised. The feeling of accomplishment when you are able to check off a task, it then motivates you to finish more tasks. Writing down all your tasks for the day or the week allows you to plan your day or week out ensuring you have enough time to complete each task and you will not become overwhelmed with your work load.
I love using to-do lists, especially when I have such a busy week. I use these lists to plan my week in my paper planner.
Photo by Debby Hudson on Unsplash
3. Prioritise your tasks
When you are planning out your day or your week it is important to start with the tasks that have the shortest deadlines completed first, this means you will not miss a deadline, become overwhelmed and have enough time to complete the tasks successfully. Setting yourself deadlines for tasks can help manage your time and always have your tasks completed each week.
4. Time management
Managing your time is also key to being super organised in all aspects of your life. Allocating time for tasks you need completed helps you to ensure you can actually complete the tasks that day or week. There is no point having a long list of tasks to do that day when really it is not realistic to complete them all, this will only leave you feeling unproductive and disheartened. When you are aware you have enough time to complete a task it will help you stay focused and motivated rather than stressing about other tasks also.
Photo by Kelly Sikkema on Unsplash
5. A decent pen
This seems like an odd one, but it is definitely essential. Whether you have a paper planner and to-do list or you are using a digital planner, having a decent pen to reach more to jot down notes quickly or writing down reminders is a must. It is also known that if you physically write down on paper, you are more likely to remember that reminder. If you have been a reader for a while you will know that I am a sucker for stationery, so it is always good excuse to go shopping for supplies too!
There are so many different planners out there whether that is a paper planner or a digital planner. I love a paper planner and writing down my plans for the week. If you want to see my planner spreads you can see them on my Instagram.
Some fab tips here. Organization is probably my best skill, I’ve had a fair few compliments on it too and it’s quite nice to receive because I do pride myself on my organization! To-do lists are my absolute GO TO. Alllll the lists. Plus a calendar and a digital planner x
To do lists are the best!! I love making lists as well 🤣😍. Thank you for reading and commenting. X
I use a paper planner. I use a daily planener for myself, a weekly for business, monthly with apps for myself, husband and our dog( she has groomer apps and vet visits. A good pen is a must! I will start time blocking in 2022.
Brilliant tips here! I’m a bit of an organised nerd and love writing lists and staying on top of everything xx
http://www.dellalovesnutella.co.uk/
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Thanks for sharing this. I am the world’s worst so need any help I can get.
I use both paper and digital for my planning system and use them together to get jobs and tasks done and it really works! Great strategies x
Lucy | http://www.lucymary.co.uk
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I love a to do list! It really keeps me focussed and driven. Almost like a competitive list, see how quickly I can get things done x
Great post! I think we both love organization! I’ve tried various different digital planners but I’ve never found one that is as useful or easy to use as I do a paper one. Having said that, I do use digital tools for tasks.
I haven’t trialed digital planners. I love using a paper based one, as I like to use washi and stickers. Thank you for reading and commenting. Can you link your blog so I can have a read?
Great tips! 🙂 Keeping a planner and staying on top of things is the first step towards success
Thank you for reading and commenting.
That’s great. I hope these have helped. Thank you for reading and commenting.
To do lists really keep me going right now as it gives me direction! Thanks for sharing gal x
I love planning so much…that I’ll get lost in the planner and never do the stuff. It’s part of having OCPD.
So, I keep it simple and just write through my day on the Notes app on my phone. I have a daily amd weekly routine, but also just jot down “what needs to be completed today?” I’ll also use the Calendar and reminders, because it’s easy to turn an email/text into an event or reminder.
That’s great you have found a system and tools that work for you! Thank you for reading and commenting!
Great post! I agree with you, when I write things down with pen and paper, they just seem more concrete. Maybe I’m just old fashioned, but I like the feel of pen and paper and I love my planner! Thanks for sharing your strategies!
Totally agree about a decent pen, it actually makes all the difference for me! Once you have a good pen you feel unstoppable, haha. Lovely post 🙂
Anika | chaptersofmay.com
Can you link your blog?
I use color notes on my android: cell phone is with me EVERYWHERE. I have a weekly “to do list”; errands I need to run; monthly (Jan, Feb etc) for items to do diring it’s “season” such as order furnace cleaning in the fall. I can do a checklist, crissitems off, resort them, REUSE them! No need to rewrite lists.
That’s great it works well. Thank you for reading and commenting. Can you link your blog?
Hi, I’m trying to get more organised this year. I think I might go back to paper & pen. I do love stationery.
BTW in your opening paragraph I think you meant to say that you’re a lover of planning rather than loser of planning. 😘 Predicted text strikes again!
Thank you I have made that change. I hope this post helps you!
Yes, it has helped, Lauren, thanks. I bought a paper desk diary/planner and have gone back to writing a “To-do” list. 💙
Can you link your blog if you have one?
Yes, my I’ve got an editing blog.
Lol! I’m not very good at html codes.