So, 2020 is coming to a close, hallelujah to that!! With 2021 just around the corner, now is a great time to get organised. Especially as the shops are full of calendars, planners and notebooks – they make great presents!
Did you know there are many benefits to using a planner, be it daily, weekly, monthly or yearly?
Below I’ve listed a few reasons why everyone – yes, you too – should start using a planner.
Time Management
Do you find there is never enough time to get everything done? Well, it’s quite likely that you’re not using your time efficiently. Are you always on the run, dashing from one thing to the next, without really thinking about it? By using a planner, you can make a note of all your appointments, tasks, events etc so you know what you’re doing, when and don’t run out of time. To help keep you on track, make sure you set deadlines. You’ll be surprised how much extra time you’ll have for yourself as well as your family!
Productivity
Who doesn’t like ticking things off a to-do list? Using a planner really helps you to stay on track and get stuff done! Whether that’s getting your cleaning done or finishing a project you’ve been putting off. Whatever it is, using a planner will really help you with everything you need to do and get done.
Stress Relief
Stress comes in many forms, but a common one is feelings of overwhelm. You’re likely to be stressed because of a busy schedule, too many demands (kids, partners, family, work, clients etc), or just not being able to say ‘no’ once in a while. By writing things down in a planner you’ll be able to see at a glance when/if you have time for things. You can schedule in all those appointments, family events, client deadlines as well as, and probably most importantly, self-care! Everyone needs a bit of ‘me’ time and most of us won’t get it if we don’t make time for it and schedule it in!
Health Benefits
There are so many health benefits to using a planner. From ensuring you keep those Doctor/Dentist appointments to helping you keep track of exercise and diet. Schedule those outdoor walks to ensure you get your fix of fresh air and Vitamin D! All this helps your mental well-being too as it helps reduce stress and anxiety. And if you love journaling, then have a good old brain dump, get creative and add some stickers, doodles and pictures!
Goal Setting
“Setting goals helps trigger new behaviours, helps guide your focus and helps you sustain that momentum in life. Goals also help align your focus and promote a sense of self-mastery. In the end, you can’t manage what you don’t measure and you can’t improve upon something that you don’t properly manage.” PositivePsychology.com
Do you set yourself goals? Even little goals are helpful for getting us through the day or each week.
If you do set yourself goals, however big or small they may be, do remember to make them SMART to make sure they are clear and reachable –
- SPECIFIC (simple, sensible, significant).
- MEASUREABLE (meaningful, motivating).
- ACHIEVABLE (agreed, attainable).
- RELEVANT (reasonable, realistic and resourced, results-based).
- TIME BOUND (time-based, time limited, time/cost limited, timely, time-sensitive).
To help you, you may find my Goal Setting Journal useful for writing everything down and keeping notes.
You get –
3 Month, Monthly and Weekly Goals
Reminders
To-do Lists
Important Tasks
Gratitude Notes
Important Dates
Pages for notes
7 different covers to choose from
And extra calendars at the back for the following 2 years
The best bit – it’s undated, so you can start it whenever you want
What about you? Do you use a planner? If so, what benefits are the most valuable to you?
I could not survive without my planner. I have created my own the past 2 years as I have set stuff that needs to be customised to me but it definitely runs along the same lines as yours, goal pages etc.
Having a planner is so much better for keeping organised. No more scraps of paper lying around!
I can see why having a planner would be very beneficial! You’ve got me thinking now ❤️
Having a planner really helps to keep you on track x
Excellent tips.
I am loving my Yearly Goal Planner and I’ve just set up the monthly calendar for December.
Looking forward to planning my goals and moving forward with my business.
I’m doing a little happy dance 💃! So pleased you love it and that you’re using it already. You’ll have your goals nailed in no time 👍