Balancing work, life, and everything in between is a challenge many of us face. It leaves you overwhelmed, unable to concentrate, and constantly chasing deadlines.
But what if there was a simple, effective tool to supercharge your productivity?
That’s what planners were made for! But people tend to struggle using it and facing that blank space when it’s time to sit down and plan.
Learning how to use a planner effectively is an important skill, Mama, and I’m here to help get you organized.
In this blog post, I’ll show you how I use my planner to skyrocket my productivity, even as a busy mama, and make every day count!
And yes, I’ve got some free printables to make it all come together without spending a dime.
Key Takeaways
Looking to turn your planner into a productivity powerhouse? Here’s what I’ll cover in this post:
- A planner is a versatile tool for managing tasks, goals, and appointments. Choose the perfect planner or create a personalized version that fits you.
- Keep track of everything in one place, prioritize by importance, and check off as completed. Stay organized and never miss important tasks!
- Master the art of planning by using yours to set goals and adopt techniques like time-blocking and task prioritization.
- Make planning a part of your routine. Schedule time for planning, establish helpful routines and take advantage of free printable templates.
- Check out some of the best planners for moms here!
What Is A Planner?
A planner is a great tool that helps you manage chaos in your life by keeping track of your tasks, goals, and appointments.
Whether it’s jotting down to-do lists, scheduling appointments, or keeping track of important due dates, a planner does it all.
It’s the perfect blend of a calendar and a notebook, helping you organize your thoughts, ideas, and to-dos daily, weekly, or even yearly.
So, a planner can be a lifesaver if you need to remember things or be able to keep track of your schedule.
But the main problem people have is filling in their planner and sticking with it- so let’s talk about how to use a planner and set it up for success!
How To Use A Planner
Now that we have a good grasp of a planner let’s dive into how to use it effectively. Don’t worry; it isn’t rocket science!
I’ve got some simple tips and instructions for how to use a planner to save time and accomplish more as a super busy mama.
And I’m happy to share them so we can all reach our goals this year:
Decide What Goals You Have
Goals are the guiding force behind your planner setup. Goals can give you a clear sense of direction and purpose, making your planning sessions more effective and giving you motivation.
Writing down your goals will increase how likely you are to achieve them. So, ready your colored pens and let the journey of writing things begin!
Whether it’s daily tasks, weekly objectives, or long-term goals for personal growth, jotting them down in your planner is the first step towards achieving them.
Plus, you need to know your goals before picking out the perfect planner or your DIY printables.
Buy A Planner That Fits Your Needs
With so many options, finding a planner that suits your lifestyle, preferences, and goals can seem daunting.
There are so many planners for many different things!
- Academic Planner: Best for students managing homework assignments and due dates.
- Daily Planner: Ideal for stay-at-home moms balancing personal tasks and family events.
- Weekly Planner: Perfect for planning your week at a glance.
- Monthly Planner: Great for seeing the big picture and planning ahead.
- Bullet Journal: Offers a creative and customizable approach to planning.
- Digital planner: Paperless options available with various apps.
Find what works best for you, with plenty of room to write and write all the info in ink.
I recommend checking out planner sizes, too- this changed my world knowing I had more than just Post-it or big notebook sizes.
Or Make One With Printables
Can’t find the right planner or want something with a bit more structure and directions?
Printable templates are a fantastic alternative to store-bought planners. I make my own planners and printables to use over and over!
You can print them and laminate them to use again and again, saving you time and money at every corner.
So, check out the Savvy shop and my free printables down below to get some helpful sheets to organize your life.
Fill In With Important Dates & Tasks
Once you have your planner, start filling it in with anything you need to get organized: schedule appointments, deadlines, and important dates like birthdays and anniversaries.
Consistently update and check it daily to stay on top of your schedule.
Keeping it up to date is like having a reliable friend supporting you every step of the way.
Setting Up Your Planner
You’ve got your planner and filled it with your important dates and appointments. Now what?
Well, it’s time to set it up! Setting up your planner is tons of fun – and it’s all about making it work for you.
Schedule Planning Time
Remember the old saying, “What gets scheduled gets done?” It applies to planning as well.
You need to schedule regular planning sessions to make the most of your planner and time to get those tasks done.
Depending on your needs, you can do this daily, weekly, or monthly. The key is to make these sessions a non-negotiable part of your routine.
I suggest a weekly schedule, like sitting down on Sundays to plan the week, and the next Sunday is always a refresher day.
Decide What To Do
Now, let’s decide what to do. This is where you plan your days and weeks based on your goals and priorities.
Remember, it’s not about cramming all the things and as many tasks as possible into your day. It’s about choosing what makes sense with your time and plans.
So, scrutinize your to-do list and determine what warrants your time and focus.
Prioritize Your Tasks
Remember, not all tasks are created equal. Some things are more important than others and deserve your immediate attention. That’s where prioritization comes in.
Prioritizing your to-do list helps you focus on the most important things and make the most impact.
So, look at your to-do list and ask yourself, “What tasks will help me meet my goals the fastest?” Those are your priorities!
Block Out Your Time
Once you’ve decided what to do, it’s time to block out your time. Time blocking is an awesome technique for allocating specific time slots for different tasks.
This helps you create a clear structure for your day and ensures you have dedicated time for all your important tasks, ultimately improving your time management skills.
So, whether it’s a work assignment or grocery shopping, block out dedicated space in your new planner accordingly.
Use Color Coding & Symbols To Organize Tasks
Last but not least, let’s add some color to your planner! Color coding and symbols can organize tasks and make them more organized.
You can use different colors for different tasks or symbols to denote task status. This can make your planner easier to read and more enjoyable.
My Free Printables
To help you start your planning journey, I’ve created some free printable templates you can use!
SAHM Mom Schedule
Being a stay-at-home mom is a full-time job. There are meals to cook, chores to do, and kids to take care of.
To help you manage it all, I have created a FREE Stay-At-Home Mom Schedule.
Morning Routine Checklist
Mornings can be hectic. Balancing work and getting the kids ready for school can feel overwhelming.
But with a little planning, you can start your day right! Use my FREE Morning Routine Checklist to boost your productivity and set your day up for success.
Say goodbye to chaos and hello to a calm and productive start!
Budget Template
Managing finances can be daunting, but it can be a breeze with the right tools! My Budget Template helps you:
- Track your monthly income
- Monitor monthly expenses
- Manage savings
- Handle debts
This template helps you to save money, manage your finances better, and achieve financial freedom!
Kids Chore Chart
Teaching kids responsibility can be challenging, but it can be fun and rewarding with the right tools.
My Kids Chore Chart helps you teach responsibility in a fun way. Assign chores, track progress, and reward hard work with this interactive tool.
FAQs
Can I organize my life with a planner?
Absolutely! A planner is a powerful tool for organizing your life. It helps manage tasks, events, and goals, reduces stress, and boosts productivity.
You can find one that suits your needs with various formats and styles available, or create your own planners using printables and binders.
Is pen and paper better than a digital planner?
Both paper planners and digital planners have their advantages.
A pen and paper planner can help you remember things better and can be more tangible and personal. I feel more in tune with myself, writing down all my tasks for the week.
On the other hand, a digital planner offers flexibility, customization, and convenience. You can use your phone and check your list and plans wherever you are.
Should I use a weekly planner to get organized?
A weekly planner is perfect for detailed planning and task management to keep up each day of the week.
It allows you to visualize your week at a glance, making it easier to balance your time and commitments.
With a weekly planner, you can allocate specific days for certain tasks, making it easier to manage your time effectively.
It also provides a broader perspective on your schedule, helping you to avoid overbooking and ensuring you have enough time for rest and relaxation.
How do beginners use a planner?
Using a planner may seem intimidating initially, but with a few tips, you can become a pro in no time. Here’s how:
- Set your goals and choose the right planner for your needs.
- Fill it with important dates and tasks.
- Block out time to get things accomplished.
- Consistently update and review your planner.
Remember, to use a planner effectively, consistency is key!
How do I get into the habit of using a planner every day?
Start by keeping it visible so you’re reminded to use it. I have it on the kitchen counter to check out each morning over my coffee.
You can also set reminders on your phone to update and check your planner.
Most importantly, incorporate it into your daily routine. Like brushing your teeth or savoring your morning coffee, using your planner should become an indispensable part of your day.
My Thoughts
Planning and organization are the keys to a more productive and balanced life.
With the right tools and strategies, such as my free printables, you can stay on top of your to-do lists, manage your time effectively, and achieve your goals!
While it might be overwhelming at first, with consistency and practice, using a planner can become integral to your daily routine.
So, get a planner and some printables, and get organized today. Happy planning!
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