Planners for success: Make planning fun, but prioritize

I recently discussed the failure of the daily planner with one of my best friends. I have tried numerous times to stick to one planner and get my life in order. However, it always flops within a week. This year, we are both trying hard to stick to the one planner that will rule our life.

Will it last? Let us hope so. I have come up with some good tips on how to stick to keeping a planner. I am going to keep my planner and be the best person I can be.

First of all, find a planner that is not distracting. Having the prettiest or trendiest planner is not the goal. Find something that will fix your focus on sticking to a daily routine. If you prefer that paisley planner over a boring black one, then go for it. However, do not let that distract you.

Secondly, do find some element of fun. It is common knowledge. If something is fun, then you will likely repeat that activity. For example, my friend is using stickers to categorize the days she has coffee dates, club events and school work. It is something we both enjoy above all else.

Color categorizing is also very helpful. The fun we added to our planners has helped us stick to them, quite literally.

Thirdly, we all have clutter in our lives. Find the clutter and throw it out. Prioritize what is important and what is not. For example, doing group work in a class is much more important than a nap. However, do not be a shut in. Prioritizing also involves finding the fun.

Fourthly, if you think the planner is going to flop, then  see if it is really helping you. Maybe there is a planner that works better for you, versus how a planner would work for someone else.  Research better ideas. Pinterest is very good at inspiration, and others may have sage advice for you.

Finally, you have to believe you can do it. I have found that if I tell myself that it is going to flop, it will. Give yourself those positive vibes. Like the sticker idea, getting excited to do something forces me to look at what I need to do that week.  Believe you can do it, and your planner will not flop.