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.
I tend to use a paper planner and write my to do list on there! But my brother uses a digital planner, so I am aware that different things work differently for different people
Yeah definitely, it isn’t a one works for all mentality with planning.
Great post!! Thank you for sharing. I like yourself love stationary I never need an excuse to buy new stationary, my rule is, if it’s cute and I like it I should buy it 😂
I too also use a paper planner and to do list, I love physically writing things down and then ticking them off, it’s very satisfying and makes me feel like I have achieved something with my day 😊
Such great ideas!! I really need to work on my planner technique and stick to one 🙂
I use a combination of paper and digital. For work, I write my to dos for the week on a white board. But, longer term stuff is digital. The best solution is the one that works for you!
That’s great you have found what works best for you. It is not a one size fits all mentality, you have to find what works for you. Thank you for reading and commenting.
I prefer paper.
Love this! For my blog, I make an online planner, but in daily life I prefer my paper planner above all! Not solely because I love stationary, but I can’t say it’s not part of the reason haha!
That’s great you have found what works best for you. Thank you for reading and commenting.
I have used a daytimer planning system for years in other businesses. When I started my new venture as an author, blogger, YouTuber, and Podcast Host with the safety net of a pension, the first thing I bought myself was a new Daytimer. It keeps me focused and gives me the ability to track all these projects.
I use an old fashioned paper planner but I went digital for list-keeping. Mainly, I use the notepad on my phone as well as Google Keep. For lists I need to remember for school, I write them down on sticky notes and tape the sticky notes to my wall. It’s so satisfying removing the sticky notes when I’m finished.
I love my pens and can never have enough. I recently got a real quill with nibs and a stand and love it for writing down careful thoughts rather then just scribbling. I always have a to-do list going and it feels good to cross things off. 🙂
Oh wow! That sounds awesome! Yes I love being able to check something off my to-do list.
I’m a paper planner all the way but I do use my iPhone calendar for doctor appointment, etc. just for the little reminder chime as an additional feature.
Yes although I have a paper planner, I also put my work shifts and other appointments in my iPhone calendar with an alert sometimes two ha ha! Just in case. Thank you for reading and commenting.
Great!
Thank you!
Having a planner has helped me a lot. I have taken to using google calendar because I can color code and change info if I need to on the fly, plus get alerts. Having a full-time job and trying to run a blog has me in a spin. Thanks for the advice.
That’s great you have found what works best for you. Thank you for reading and commenting.
I prefer writing my to do list on paper and going back to it. Nice post.
Thank you for reading.
I’m with you on the paper. I do like to jot down my to dos and reminders. As you say, you need to “remember the reminder”. Great advice!
Thank you for reading and commenting Mark!
I tried going for a while thinking I could remember everything but a notepad or planner have really helped keep me organized
Thank you for reading and commenting. Can you link your blog?
I’ve been really good at organising my time lately & it really helps!
Love, Amie ❤
The Curvaceous Vegan
Thank you for reading and commenting.
To-do lists are the ultimate organisation tool! It’s so satisfying ticking off each task as well 🙂
https://www.femaleoriginal.com
It really is! Thank you for reading and commenting.
Thanks for sharing 🙂 I should really use more planning techniques, I just seem to go with the flow as other things seem to get in the way, a to do list might help 🙂
Nic | Nic’s Adventures & Bakes
You have to find what works best for you. Thank you for reading and commenting.
I find it kinda hard to plan in advance as I can just about manage 2 posts in advance but I’m gonna need to get better when I’m studying :/ Notebooks & planners are a definite essential!
Definitely planners and notebooks are helpful. Thank you for reading and commenting.
I’m old-school, I use a paper planner and I would be lost without it. Thanks for all the tips!
All the best, Michelle (michellesclutterbox.com)
Thank you for reading and commenting.
I’ve tried using digital planners and notes but they don’t really work for me! I have to have it written down in my face, otherwise, I get behind. haha
tonyalee @ https://www.vivaciousbibliophile.com
Yes I like it when I have everything written down.
I’m definitely a digital planner sorta gal! I don’t know what I’d do without my planner xxx
I love a physical planner, any excuse to buy stationery xx
Got to love a to-do list. It just gets everything out of your head and makes tasks seem that much easier to achieve. I think anyway! I much prefer paper planners than digital. There is something about writing it out by hand that I prefer.
Some great tips in this list!
Thanks for sharing.
Aimsy xoxo
Aimsy’s Antics
I always use a paper planner. I just cant get on board with electronic calendars or making lists on my phone. I think I’ll always write things down to stay organized.
I love writing down things and using planners!
Thank you for reading and commenting.
I love being organised. Somehow it makes me feel like things are more in control! I have an ongoing to do list as it’s so satisfying to be able to see things being ticked off! Instead of an online planner I use a spreadsheet for organising my blog which helps get all thoughts and plans out of my head so I don’t forget anything! Also a massive fan of diaries/calendars especially big A3 ones which I can stick on my wall. Really helps to see everything laid out clearly in front of you, stops you forgetting any events/deadlines and also stops me from taking on too much in a week!
I haven’t used an A3 but when I get an office I would love to have one of those! Thank you for reading and commenting.
Is it weird that I use a few of these systems? I have a to-do list on my computer, a paper planner and I like to use the calendar on my phone for important dates/meetings. I think I need to streamline my systems a little better. And I do love a good pen! It’s my favourite stationary item!
Yeah I use multiple systems, to-do lists planners and notebooks. Can you link your blog so I can read?
I love my planner and I also have a to-do list. I could not live without either of them. They really help me to stay organized.
That’s great. Thank you for reading and commenting.
I love to use my bullet journal for my to-do lists (I also like making a list so I can tick things off!) I’ve got a favourite pen right now not for list making but making notes for studying, it’s a Zebra gel style pen and is my absolute go-to right now. x
https://blog.victoriaaustin.co.uk
That’s great you have a system that works for you. Thank you for reading and commenting.
Loved the post, the main ways I plan is by using hourly planning and my bullet journal! 🥰
I definitely prefer paper. I have a different one for home and the office and one for my purse.
I’m definitely a combination planner – the bulk of my to-do and calendar is on Trello, but I still take notes and fill out my content calendar by hand! I love the flexibility of the computer program, but I still like to see things on paper too!
Thank you for reading and commenting. Can you link your blog?
Sure can – my blog is https://circlesquareoval.com/
I am an absolute sucker for planning and organisation. I am always writing to do lists for my 9-5 job and my blog, it really helps me keep focus and prioritise. One thing I have never actually considered before is planner. I will definitely be looking into one of these now, thanks for the heads up!
Feeling organised is definitely a good feeling. Planner is awesome!
Some fab tips here! I can never go wrong with a good to do list!
I use both. I love using a physical planner, but if I am not home or I don’t have my planner on hand I just make notes, reminders, and calendar events on my phone to remind me. I am so bad at remembering if I don’t have it written somewhere.
Grislean | gemlesschosen.com
I love physical planners. Yes making notes are so important. Thank you for reading and commenting.
I’ve just recently discovered GoodNotes, so I am figuring out how to use a digital planner using that. Otherwise, it’s almost all been pen & paper for me. To-do lists, plans etc. Except for blog related stuff. That’s all in one Google Sheet.
I love paper, but since my phone is always with me, my go to planner is a Trello app on my phone. I am big on to do lists, too. You can never be too organized and the items you name are really essential for anyone who wants to be productive. (although I secretly admire people who seem to not need anything and still get it all done)
Definitely easy things to have to stay productive. Thank you for reading and commenting.
Being organized is more difficult than it really should be. Your tips will definitely help me organize my day. I think that time management is one of the most important skills to master. Thank you for your tips. Take care and stay safe.
I’ve just purchased a great planner from journal called the ‘law of attraction’ planner. It’s great for organisation, you can set monthly goals and targets for yourself. I recommend if you haven’t already seen it!
I will have to have a look at that one. Thank you for reading and commenting.
That’s great you have something that works for you.
I prefer to plan using paper. These are great tips!
Me too!
I will not be original … I write down too, I have a planner notebook!
Time management is something that I need to get better with I’m honest! I have more time now then I once did and I find myself actually doing less than before. I also keep to a to-do list where possible so I actually know what I’m doing! X
To-do lists are great! Thank you lovely x