5 PLANNING MISTAKES KILLING YOUR PRODUCTIVITY

Are you making any of these common planning mistakes that may be killing your productivity?
✔️Get My Planner: bit.ly/2j9lwSR
✔️ Sign Up for my FREE Planning ecourse: eepurl.com/cUIhSj
Thanks for watching! Here are some FAQs and important links below!
Interested in a printable you saw in my planner? goo.gl/8ffhdd
Like my glasses? Get yourself a pair, here: bit.ly/ZTw7pb
Make sure to visit my blog @ www.strangecharmed.com
Follow me on Instagram @ / misstrenchcoat
Follow me on Twitter @ / misstrenchcoat
Follow me on Facebook @ / strangeandcharmedblog
Follow me on Pinterest @ / misstrenchcoat
Disclaimer: I often use affiliate links in my description box to help my viewers find products. If you discovered an item through my videos that you would like to purchase, please support me and my efforts to bring you quality content by using these links. They do not cost you anything additional and they help support me!

[@tominkagrant]

Finding the right planner and using it correctly to stop my procrastination and get task done, along with remembering what I need to do.

[@mrandisg]

All of the above!!!!! I have ADHD, so planning, time management, and executive functioning are gigantic struggles for me. I love using planners and I do my best to write everything down, but then I forget to go back and look at what I've written. Distraction is a huge factor in this. I also don't have a consistent planning routine. I'm trying to build one, but it's been hard because consistency is another thing I constantly struggle with. I also tend to overwhelm myself with long lists. I sometimes get hyperfocused on planning and spend too much time on it, so I end up mentally exhausting myself before I can actually get anything done. All of this leads to me not learning from my mistakes. I have been doing a little better lately, but most of the time it feels like I get stuck on a hamster wheel, running like crazy but getting absolutely nowhere. I'll make a plan and resolve to stick to it, but then something inevitably derails that plan, usually whatever's going on right in front of me at that moment. Lack of white space is also a problem because my brain tends to want to fill in all those spaces with something. I can't stand to see white space because it makes me feel like my planner is being wasted. I try to combat this by using stickers and washi tape to decorate those blank spaces, or if a whole page is empty, I'll try to repurpose it so at least it gets used. One tool that has helped me tremendously is the traveler's notebook system. I love how versatile it is. As my needs change, my system evolves to meet those needs. I'm also a fan of bullet journaling. I don't adhere to a strict set of symbols, but I do sometimes color-code certain things. I tend to combine bullet journaling with full-on journaling as well. It gets messy, but at least it works with my brain, not against it, and that's my main goal. Sorry for the novel-length comment. I'm also a writer. lol Do you have any other tips for people with ADHD? I'd love to see a video on that! And thanks for this one. It was very informative, as are all of your videos. Thanks for doing what you do and being so helpful!

[@kitdubhran2968]

Mary Wimbley Mary Wimbley I have ADHD too! For hyper focus on planning, try a timer. If you get distracted by your phone notifications right away use a kitchen timer. Or try the Unfuck Your Habitat app (UFYH). It has a 20 minute timer and then gives you ten minutes to rest, screw around or whatever. Then it sets off the second timer to get you to go back to work. Great for hyper focus or large projects, and for ADHD in general. Set your planning space up in an area with as few distractions as possible. Try not to force yourself to do marathon planning sessions because your brain will get sooooo booooored! Even if YOU think it's fun. Check out HowtoADHD here on KZbin if you haven't already found her, Jessica has great tips, and a few awesome recent videos on forming routines one step at a time. Could keep going. But leaving for work and I'm late. 😂

[@mrandisg]

The UFYH app sounds great! I will try that. I also have a kitchen timer that I use quite a bit. And yes, I love HowtoADHD! I actually posted links to those same videos on my blog recently. They are really helpful. As for my planning space, it just so happens that I rearranged my desk area yesterday to facilitate that. Now I just need to remember to set my timer when I plan! lol TFS!

[@shellyd.wilson732]

I like using stickers on a dashboard as reminders of “wants” and “needs” and only write items I have done unless it is an appointment. Then I can see what I have actually done versus stressing over what I thought I could do. This includes meals, snacks, water etc. No white space AND a habit tracker. I color it when I need a break and I’m still being productive. I also like using a Kanban Board. TO DO, IN PROGRESS, WAITING, COMPLETE. You can see all your completed tasks and it feels great. Lastly, I write a lot of lists. I toss them after I make a sticker for it or complete the task. Then it’s out of sight, out of mind. Just find what makes you happy and make it a hobby and it turns into a habit!

[@RunikusArts]

Thank you for sharing, Mary! I struggle with staying on task and also use a bullet journal in which I customize my needs based on what I'm facing for the week/day! I'm so glad to see someone else who enjoys that level of customization. For us folks who tend to think A LOT, journaling in the notebook we plan in seems to be a great way to process. I often will set aside time in the late afternoon (just what works for my schedule) and fill in those blank spaces with drawings or journaling about my day. That way, those blank spaces have meaning, and often, memories. :D Happy planning, Mary!

[@wvcatlady]

Hi, Mary! I have ADHD too! I watch Jessica over at HowtoADHD for all things ADHD. I struggle with using my planner: remembering to use it, and not writing down EVERYTHING, and using both my paper planner and Google calendar. 😀

[@livingwellanyway3279]

My biggest struggle was procrastination..."I do that in five minutes." Except five minutes turned into half an hour then an hour until I'd reach then end of the day and it wasn't done. I discovered the five second rule and it's changed so much for me. Along with the brain dumps that our Miss Trenchcoat recommends and a consistent planner check-in my days are filled but not over-full.

[@patrickfamilylife9027]

My biggest issue is not knowing when I’m going to be able to get things done. I have an 8 month old that is very clingy and needs fed frequently along with having a 3 and 5 year old. I end up spending all my time on the kids and have no time left for my tasks. Need help with this! Great video!

[@sunshine1231235]

I love how flexible and universal these tips are. Great video!

[@beachlover4413]

All of them! But especially not writing things down and then not looking at my planner during the day to see what I did write. Love your channel!!

[@swthaverinlass]

My 2 biggest issues are not knowing how to prioritize or manage my time (properly)!! I'm easily distracted which is something I have to work on- forcing myself to focus on the need to's not the want to's. But figuring out those need to's and how to manage the time to get them accomplished will help!! Thank you for all the great videos and advice you provide!😘

[@RunikusArts]

I adopted the "3 Things List" a long time ago and I find that it works very well for me. I know life can be overwhelming and some tasks are set for a specific time of the day, but choosing 3 things on my long list that I MUST do has helped me to prioritize and put my long list into perspective. www.becomingminimalist.com/to-do/

[@brittav4023]

I work for myself with very little routine unfortunately. I’m a total night owl but always try to get up early for a fresh start to be productive-which is probably a major downfall right now!

[@babybobbiejeansmom]

You hit the nail on the head. Wanting & trying to use a planner to become more productive has resulted in feeling that planning was just an additional thing that needed to get done after several failed attempts. That is until I found your videos, my fairy Godmother of productivity/planning. I am excited to tackle the task of using my planner for function and with a complete system! Thank You, Thank You, Thank You!!

[@shondrapruitt2708]

Me? #1-5!!! I’m guilty of all these, but I couldn’t put my shortcomings into words! Thank you! You’ve given me lots of things to put into use!

[@patsherard7645]

Alexis, The 5 Planning Mistakes Killing Your Productivity in this video are spot on! Excellent job! I had to watch the video twice and take notes. My problems are: 1) Having too many tasks; 2) No white space in my schedule; and 3) Not learning from past mistakes.

[@wvcatlady]

I have several problems: I have ADHD, and task initiation is a major effort for me. I don't write everything down, I use both google calendar and planner, sometimes I don't do what's actually on my calendar, but write down what I get done. This video was very helpful, I just need to decide PAPER or electronic...lol.

[@karenrich9092]

I just realized I am doing ALL 5 of these mistakes(and more)!! I think I'll just start with #1 and move down the list.

[@PersonalizeMyPlanner]

You look gorgeous, Alexis! I struggle most with having too many tasks. I'd love to hear your tips on how to better delegate, delete, and prioritize tasks!

[@quitelight9693]

My 2 biggest pitfalls are overbooking and forgetting to look at my planner. Which is tragic, since I do write everything down, and I'm getting better at planning ahead. I only remember about 80% of what's there, which is enough for me to think I remember it all, & forget to check.

[@barbararoby9633]

I have a problem with not planning enough time for tasks, dealing with things that come up unexpectedly and prioritizing.

[@RunikusArts]

Give yourself extra time at the end or tasks or the beginning (if I'm doing Yoga, I used to forget to give myself time to set up and give myself a moment at the end to ease back in to my schedule afterwards). Here's another example: if you have a meeting or event, you may need time to process, take notes, contemplate further actions after that meeting. Don't forget to schedule a bit of extra time to process the events during your day!

[@jassandhoney]

Too many task and not a consistent routine are my downfalls. I would love to improve and will be working towards improving my productivity. Thank you for sharing some tips.

[@carmendlugo1585]

I love these short vlogs. You are able to give the info and nail every time! Great job!

[@gracefulpages7713]

I need review my tasks daily. Sometimes I get so tired and forget little things at the end of the day, which end up getting rolled over to the next day. This video was very helpful to know what I'm doing well and what I can improve on. Thanks!

[@RegainingRaven]

Great video and I’m going to use these. This works with who I am for sure.

[@RunikusArts]

Thank you! The discussion of "learning from your mistakes" is VERY important! I noticed that I had been overwhelmed by making calls throughout my day so I set more time for this and made my calls as soon as possible during my day so I started with a "win."

[@soulsisterssurvivorssister8463]

I'm great at writing "To Do" lists. I simply have no motivation to actually do anything!

[@susanfranklin8550]

Thanks. These really hit home...all,of them.

[@jamnettypineda5084]

You look great! And this video was so nicely put together! Thank you so much for all this info. 🖤

[@ninahansen6995]

I would say my main issue is not having a planning routine or being consistent with my layout. It's a bit all over the place with little random 'to do' lists everywhere. Thank you for sharing, your video has made me think closer about my planning. 🌸

[@ZiZol305]

Love your tips and help!!!

[@nancynurse4552]

No white space in schedule. I think this is partly due to underestimation of Time needed to complete a task.

[@wabbimail]

This was a great video! I struggle with No.4 - feeling overwhelmed because I wasn't able to accomplish all of my tasks for the day. I will try what you said and see how it goes.

[@SimplyNieccee]

Awesome advice! My biggest productivity killer is following through! I first place it in my phone calendar with reminders and then on my planner day, I add to the planner. Executing when its time is my pitfall!

[@leannm1696]

I love your videos, I think you are brilliant! My problem is that I might write everything down and then don't open my planner and check things. Or miss a day and feel like the whole system is ruined.

[@theClassySassyLife]

I have done that in the past, but now I make sure that I have my mini in my purse or bag and always have my others open and visible where I can check things off or add things.

[@LadyLeonardoR]

Ok, honestly here, as Public Relations for and art guild, i am feeling like i have to have two different planners, one for personal life, and one for the art guild! The problem with that is double booking my time, so that did not work. So I am thinking I need a larger size planner with project pages that are large enough to list the flow each project with to do pages.I feel guilty because I just set up a 5 by 8 planner with all the sections including a planning pages section I inserted at the beginning of the year. I write bigger so i should have bought a larger one to begin with.I also add tasks during the day that are not written down thinking i can add them with no problem...like say laundry, when actually, no, that is not productive and contributing to being overwhelmed. Those are my habits and i am working daily to streamline easy solutions to them. Any thoughts would be appreciated!

[@sarapurdy8712]

I'm not good at sticking to my daily to do lists. So I have found that making a master list that's placed at the end of my week helps me be able to get those things done. So whenever I have time through the week I check off those things which has helped me distress and actually get those things done. I totally agree about the blank space! I like my planner looking neat and tidy and I've found that for sure leaving blank space is so helpful! I can't even count how many times I had to write on edges because I didn't leave extra room

[@jazzynovakovic]

I get stuck making my planner artistic and pretty. But, I find it useful unwinding time so I don't mind much 😁

[@deidraalmeida3714]

Sara, good Idea, I'm going through planner melt down, I don't like a messy planner either, my husband needed to find an appt date in my planner and said "hey can you come here how can you find anything in here" I laughed but I thought this just isn't working, but I definitely need a planner, I've just got to make it work for me, and so the pursuit begins....

[@sarapurdy8712]

Deidra Almeida it takes time to figure out your style and what works for you. I found reviews on different planners and styles helpful. :)

[@deidraalmeida3714]

which one do you use? currently I am using the Happy Planner and using multiple add ins, but I don't know just not feelin it. Therein lies the problem. I am thinking maybe a bullet journal but then I don't have that kind of time right now. I just have to get it together and find the right one. Its not easy :( I have to plan to find a planner ughhhh....lol

[@deidraalmeida3714]

Dragana, I like functional but decorative....but I"m finding its to much I need to simplify! I think I need to do memory planning if I want decorative I"m combining to much. :)

[@c67997]

Love love love your major transformation!!!

[@TheFoxyMisfitPlans]

Mine is definitely “not writing everything down.” I typically just write down my top 3 or 4 tasks for the day as I’m always bombarded with interruptions during the work day. It happens even when I close my office door. So what ends up happening is that I get wrapped up in other things or become less productive. So I never truly get ahead of planning activities and events. Which is hilarious because my job is to plan, coordinate, and evaluate student activities.

[@kimberlyhoward7896]

I struggle with just about everything and want to try new art stuff too. I’m not completing my tasks in the day because of distractions and I never get back to the plans I made in the first place. Thank you for sharing and I look forward to more tips 🤗💗!

[@allaboutyoupodcast2505]

A great videos my problems is I put too many items on the to list then feel overwhelmed as I don't know where to start then just become paralysed and don't do anything constructive,please do a video on this, sorting out how to prioritize your list.

[@RunikusArts]

This used to happen to me every day. Overwhelm causes paralysis and, for me, guilt that I'm behind on my tasks. What has worked for me, to combat overwhelm, has been to choose ONE task at a time by asking myself "Can I do this in 5 minutes or less?" and then tackle that task, not concentrating on any other task until that one is done. One box at a time is what I like to call this system. One task only. Then, once accomplished, it's done and you can feel accomplished. Don't forget to reward yourself! Tackling tasks in this busy world is a great accomplishment. :D

[@theClassySassyLife]

Make a long to do list and pick your TOP 3 things to accomplish that week and work on that. Prioritize that as well and really focus on #1 and you will begin to feel accomplished.

[@kristajameson811]

Toooooooo many tasks and “I’m the only person who can get it done right” syndrome. Let’s talk about delegating. : )

[@theClassySassyLife]

I'm like that all the time.

[@adeifaemmanuel7736]

Same here

[@zeldaunger8731]

Great Video! Not writing things down is my issue.

[@xSweetiieex]

Im just starting to plan ! It's OVERWHELMING ! Thanks for the helpfull video 😃

[@JaneNorthrop]

All of them :) I am consistent with a weekly plan but not with daily. I have a hard time with time management and determining my priorities.

[@thekingofclorox2227]

This helps me a lot! Thank you!!! :)

[@chinadoll7]

I don’t learn from past mistakes! I also don’t allow for down time.

[@RunikusArts]

I've been scheduling "down town" or "whatever" time right in my calendar. That tends to make me more productive and feel less overwhelmed.

[@rockyencalada4633]

Exhaustion....after a trying day at work, and possibly the gym, I'm exhausted when I get home, so I don't get to the items I had listed for the end of the day. I end up tacking them onto the next and then the next, and before you know it, I'm swamped on the weekend with playing catch-up AND all the things I already had planned for that day. Plus like Krista Jameson - too many tasks that "only I can do." I need to be better at throwing some of those things to my husband.

[@maritamgt]

Ugh! Not writing everything down! I've decided to keep a mini notebook by my nightstand for when I have those "genius" ideas..lol Thank you for sharing your tips ❤

[@happycamper4045]

Hi! This video was so helpful to me!! Thank you for sharing! Also, your make up looks great. That lipstick is perfect on you!

[@lulusplannerlifegmz1202]

Sometimes I get so busy to plan or write it down. But I have TRELLO & my Google Calendar as well thank god for quick jot downs. Becuz Girl! we are 2018 and my planner as you so much agree; does not ALERT! ALARM! or nada. LOL!! So then later in the evening I map out my week and write it down and delegate to my main planner. At times I do get overwhelmed dont want to miss an important TASK or APPT. Thanks so much for sharing ALEXA... keep up the good work doll!

[@workingonmetime6801]

You look so good! I don't know if it's your hair or the sweater but I love your look!

[@saraloucy-swartz9864]

Great tips!!!!!! 😃🙌🏼

[@confidentlydeena2397]

Nice tips! My biggest would be not learning from past mistakes and not having white space. The white space one is a challenge with a super busy job but it’s good to be aware that it’s something I should strive for.

[@vandenberg87]

Awesome video! For me, it's No white space in my calendar because my colleagues book it all up!

[@lubaleong9619]

My main issue is not planning consistently. Second to that is not writing everything down. Thanks for this video :)

[@KylieWoolen]

I think my biggest issue is too many things and not writing it all down. I start to get overwhelmed and then it goes downhill from there.

[@MindyGail]

Totally off topic, but your hair is gorgeous 😊

[@caitlin_menosky]

My biggest struggle is not prioritizing tasks. As a student, assignments tend to all feel pressing, but I know that selecting the most important to do first will set me up for a better follow through.

[@ODiaz115]

I think for me it would be not identifying current pitfalls and not set planning routine daily/weekly.

[@donniscarr7270]

Mistake #5 is the one I struggle with the most. Also I need to track and learn from my past mistakes.

[@jenniferpowers5339]

The last tip was good for me. I don't have a set time to sit down on a "date" with my planner weekly or daily. definitely adding that in to my schedule. Then that habit will play into the tip you mentioned for writing everything down. Thanks Alexis! And I would love to know why you are known as Ms. Trenchcoat! So many thoughts about that - i need to know! haha! Love your work online. Good Job!

[@LadybeetleMaddox]

Not writing things down BECAUSE I don't have a routine any more. I'd love a video on developing planner routines

[@karenbailey6141]

Great advice x I have fibromyalgia, never knowing how my day is going to be is difficult but I write down my tasks the night before & then don’t seem to be able to accomplish them the next day! Also I want my planner to be perfect & pretty, if I have a bad day I don’t fill it in or I spend more time tearing up/re-writing everything so it is neat, than completing the tasks.........help!!!!!!!!

[@CoutureByKrystal]

Best video everrrrrrr

[@mrschristydavis]

Thank you for this video. It made me think about what I am doing and what I can do better. What are your suggestions for those of us who work outside of the home?

[@amyt7556]

Yes please; I cannot delete tasks I am given.

[@MissTrenchcoat]

Christy Davis suggestions for...? These apply no matter where you work but let me know what you’re struggling with specifically!

[@LilDivette]

The way I understood Christy's question--and Amy sounds like she struggles with the same thing--is how to deal with tasks assigned to you by your boss so you don't have the liberty or authority to delegate and pass it on to someone else (common office dilemma). What I do is approach my boss with my workload and ask HIM to prioritize what's important so I know where to focus my energy. There are only so many hours in a day and everyone has a productivity limit so just stressing that 'everything is due yesterday' doesn't make it magically feasible. I've even gone as far as to say, "Do you you want it done fast or done right? You can't have both." If 10 things are due by Friday, having your boss define the priority order puts the responsibility back on THEM because they now understand what will have the highest probability of getting done as well as what is at risk of not getting done so knowing this in advance, they will have to accept it. HTH!

[@mrschristydavis]

Tasks -- personal or work related, when is too much or not enough to be added to my planner? I start writing out my to-do list and then that leads to "task overload".

[@bellydancefabulosity]

I'm just trying to figure out what planning method works for me; block scheduling, hourly, to-do/checklist, etc. My husband and I work at the same startup on separate swing schedules so it can be a nightmare planning my days. Any advice would be great!

[@evinavand7654]

I definitely have problem with mistake 5 !

[@PamelaDFrank]

Hello there - love the tips, I'm not a natural planner but I recognize the need for planning in my life because as you mentioned I find myself forgetting things. I've been trying to get into the planning habit and what I've realized is that even when I do use my planner to write down my intentions, I tend to go back to autopilot and not read/do what I wrote! That's probably the goodies thing in the world, but that's where I'm at. Any advice outside of the obvious- I mean, how can I remind myself to actually use the planner?

[@KristenRivera]

I’m the exact same way! I try to keep my planner open on my desk no matter what. I’ll move it if I need the space to work on something, but as soon as that’s done I tidy up and my planner goes back on my desk open to my weekly layout with my to do lists!

[@allysonkosko2329]

White space! I have difficulty in general scheduling time in my schedule for tasks as my day is full of interruptions and changes so how do I deal with that and factor in white space. Thanks, great video! 😊

[@cherylb1653]

I’m not writing everything down and using too many planners. I have narrowed it down to 2 but I may change I to 1.

[@fleurmp3820]

I definitely struggle with too much on my to do list.

[@quirkysheesh]

Like you Aesthetic and how you handle productivity

[@ChristyAymami]

I don't have enough white space! What a great video :)

[@wakeupstylellc]

Just basically planning is my struggle, I’m lazy and I like watching KZbin 😭

[@violetrose25]

Mine is not planning consistently. I find myself writing things down throughout the day rather than sitting down specifically for that.

[@morecoremanagement6665]

ALL OF THEM 🙈

[@joannequickenden2789]

I have a problem with #1 & 5

[@sunshine1231235]

You look beautiful 💜

[@colleen5236]

AHHHH! I have no planning routine! 😥😥

[@PartlySunnyToday]

Too many tasks. Straight up.

[@ronettewinston1706]

Hi. I visited your website to order inserts. But I can't really see what I'm ordering. Theres not alot of photos there. Just the one image, with 4 views. I would love to see a full sheet. And do you sell mthlys?

[@MissTrenchcoat]

Feel free to shoot me an email!

[@krisronchetti9528]

Number 5,,,

[@TariHuffaker]

I just want to say that I love your trim, slim look. I think I have missed something. You sure are lovely.

[@33agray]

Being too busy to plan is my issue.

[@erikaramirez6558]

My #1 is no white space followed by too many tasks.

[@lindseybailes2706]

Erika Ramirez what do you mean, no white space? Like really decorated?

[@lisakarafa7671]

Too many tasks for me. I get delegated so many things from so many people that it is hard to keep up.

[@KaralynP]

All of them hahaha, and also the shiny new syndrome! 😳

[@mrsjcorley]

Mine is having too many tasks to do in a day

[@JuneFaramore]

I struggle with too many tasks on the day.

[@victoriath]

All 5 planning mistankes

[@Middleageplanner]

My biggest issue is to write everything down.

[@lisavarekamp8009]

I think the main issue I have is not setting aside time for reviewing my plan

[@LadyDewinter]

I run a youtube gaming channel, so writing things down are one of my biggest problem.

[@subscribeforthebear958]

Too many tasks

[@EdieBrown]

Mine is not learning from my mistakes. My blog is always late. Structure!

[@deidraalmeida3714]

I am so busy I plan plan plan and as you said, NO white space, resulting in Chaos usually a total planner nightmare!!! Then what do I do......I don't want to say :P I definitely will implement the white space principle, maybe I won't sabotage myself. Thanks for the video :)