10 Simple Tips That Made Using My Planner Easier

[@woodgroove9054]

A messy planner is the evidence of a well used and well loved planner.

[@christalcreatesaplan]

I definitely relate to those who show their mistake and mess up. Planning with Bumble showed a page she spilled wine on and still used. Very relatable.

[@TheOrganizedMoney]

Yes! Once I let go of making mistakes it really helped.

[@iiluuvmyali]

@@TheOrganizedMoneyoo😅o😅😅o

[@LadybeetleMaddox]

I received my TOU mail today. My 12 year old was super psyched out that "Miss Alaina sent you mail 😮". When I was surprised who you were, she said "The Christian Planner lady! You listen to her almost everyday!" I want you to know you are not only known for your work but also who you are first and foremost a follower of Christ. ❤

[@TheOrganizedMoney]

Awwww!!! This just made me smile so much! It's my ultimate goal to be seen as a follower of Christ first. Thank you for sharing this with me. ☺

[@mrandisg]

Lately, I have gone completely messy! I am using an old A5 dot-grid spiral notebook I had bought from Walmart back when the bullet journaling craze was picking up. Originally, it had 3 sections in it, but I fell into the perfectionism trap and "messed up" somewhere, so I took the section dividers out, ripped out the used pages, and have been using it off and on ever since for jotting down to-do lists and notes. I also tried it as a work planner at one point, but I realized I needed something bigger for that, so it's just been a notebook ever since. Around the beginning of July, I noticed that using a pre-printed planner was just not working for me, and I missed the freedom of bullet journaling. So, I dug the notebook back out, this time intentionally embracing the messiness factor. I decorated the entire front cover with stickers, which made me happy. I stuck a couple of thin notebooks in the front and back pockets. One is a "planner companion," which is an idea I got from @desleyjane plans, in which I journal or make notes about my planner system--what's currently working, what's not, what I need in terms of planning, etc. The other is a writing journal, where I journal about my writing projects and writing in general. In the main notebook, I've been experimenting with different layouts and using up some of my stickers, both decorative and functional. I love the flexibility this has brought me. If I don't like a page, I can simply rip it out and start over. If I forget a few days (or weeks), no worries, since I haven't wasted any paper. I only fill it in as I go. I do have a separate monthly planner for future planning and goal setting, but other than that, it's a simple notebook and pen for me! And when I finally use it up, I have tons of other notebooks and journals ready and waiting to pick up wherever I leave off! I've really had to train myself to let go of the idea of a "perfect planner." For me, it needs to be at least a little messy in order for it to work with my ADHD brain. That goes for ANY planner I use. Thank you for these tips, Alaina! Hope you're having a great day! 💖

[@erinf4712]

I keep a few blank post-its in multiple sizes on the inside front cover of my planner and my notebook- that way whenever an idea strikes me, I don't have to go looking for a post-it.

[@sarilcmejiac]

You just gave me a big idea! I always had problems with planners because they were not practical for my brain and my day to day. I always wanted to be able to plan months, weeks and sometimes even days, have my budget, and notes all in one place. I have already a planer that comes with decorations and templates but I’m definitely adding my on sheets and moving things around thanks to your suggestions. I hated the idea of not looking clean but like you said I have to be honest with myself and understand that sometimes it’s going look crazy but gets the job done

[@user-zn6nt3mi5h]

You are correct life gets crazy

[@ptt218]

I hate a messy planner too! So now I only use mechanical pencils and a GOOD eraser (hate smears too!)

[@janettegaudiesus7533]

I do the same thing…pencil and eraser!

[@shawnda336]

This so much! I have tons of pens but only use pencils so that I can erase. I get discouraged by smears. I'm trying to get over it but its not easy!

[@wendyhoward2699]

Your planners look beautiful, no matter whether they are decorated or not. Many blessings.

[@TheOrganizedMoney]

Thank you so much!

[@colleenfavor1303]

Needed to hear this. Lol I had stopped planning and flying by the seat of my pants because my planner wasn’t pretty. Gotta learn to just go ahead and write. Thanks.

[@ctornabe5925]

I too had this whole idea that my planner had to be pretty. It has taken years for me to finally realize my planner needed to be functional and the pretty isn't so important. I have the TUL notebook size planner and I love it for all the same reasons. It's so easy to add printouts, school related papers etc.

[@leslieb4553]

I like how you only use red and black gel. Also, my planner is a hot mess express- sometimes stuff written everywhere but like you said “ Life is messy!”

[@la-quandanorwood5158]

Great video.

[@loriallred4727]

I use erasable pen - frixion pens are the best!

[@patriciachavez-reyes618]

Love your system! I plan to contact you on Etsy for a customized 2024 planner. Warm regards!

[@godsprecious6884]

Great tips 😊

[@walkingexercise5375]

Thanks for the advice!

[@1908Cassandra]

This was a planner pep talk and I needed it! 🫶🏾

[@MimaHope]

Thank you for the tutorial.

[@TheOrganizedMoney]

Glad it was helpful!

[@KarenHRiceScott]

I definitely relate to giving myself grace to not feel my planner needed to be "perfect." As a single Mom I used color coding for each of my daughters so at a glance I know which child had activities for that week.

[@TheOrganizedMoney]

Love that!

[@spillthetea4885]

Where can i find that pen case?

[@lorrem2539]

I wish my planner was a neat as your "messy" planner, LOL!!

[@TheOrganizedMoney]

lol....😂

[@priscila238]

Where did you buy your gold discs? What size are they?

[@TheOrganizedMoney]

Hey! I have them in my shop. They are 1 inch. Here is the link: www.etsy.com/TheOrganizedMoney/listing/1454516209/metallic-gold-1-inch-discs?Copy&ListingManager&Share&.lmsm&share_time=1690318684529

[@ladonnacoleman4475]

I enjoyed your video. I am jew to planning , I am still looking around to see which layout and planning system that I want to use. How can I test the different planning systems and layouts without spending spending alot of money???

[@TheOrganizedMoney]

I would google the different layouts you are interested in. You can print and practice on them until you find one that you like. :)

[@CashBearMama]

❤❤❤

[@anagsimons]

Hi Alaina 👋🏼 Do you have the pens on your favorites in Amazon by any chance? Also, which hole punch do you use? 🤔 Thank you!

[@TheOrganizedMoney]

Yes I do! www.amazon.com/dp/B076LVRFX2?linkCode=ssc&tag=onamzalainfin-20&creativeASIN=B076LVRFX2&asc_item-id=amzn1.ideas.1EPYYU7LUG1K5&ref_=aip_sf_list_spv_ons_d_asin

[@TheOrganizedMoney]

My hole puncher is also listed under my Amazon Favorites: www.amazon.com/shop/theorganizedmoney/list/1EPYYU7LUG1K5?ref_=aip_sf_list_spv_ofs_mixed_d

[@briteddy9759]

While I enjoy KZbin videos on heavily decorated planners, they do not provide much tips or help with my planning. It does get messy and that is fine with me.

[@TheOrganizedMoney]

Yes. it's my goal to help you actually use your planner to organize your life.