How To Make Planning Your Week Way More Fun!

[@hugocast]

Invaluable advice! I am loving these videos as you go through your "pen and paper" era 😄 Thank you Carl!

[@Carl_Pullein]

Thank you, Hugo. Glad you like it.

[@billdunham1913]

Thank you. This is absolutely right on so many levels. I am 80 now and still do weekly planning on paper and with the days choice from my fountain pen collection. Planning can be a joy if you do it this way.

[@Carl_Pullein]

Ooh, love that 🙂

[@joshuadavis1603]

The first minute and 30 seconds, couldn’t be more true… thank you, Carl.

[@Carl_Pullein]

Thank you, Joshua.

[@StartUpThree]

I like the whole idea of “radar.” I often have things that I need to be aware or but they don’t have an action item tied to them. I’m going to try incorporating this concept into my planning. Thanks!

[@Carl_Pullein]

It's saved me so many times. 🙂

[@HistoryEmpire]

I have been moving from Todoist to paper recently as well. It is going well. Please keep these videos coming! Good stuff.

[@Carl_Pullein]

Ooh, there's a lot more to come, don't worry 🙂

[@enoughandmore]

Love it! I treat my weekly review as a form of self-care. Doing it on paper makes it fun and I feel more connected to myself.

[@Carl_Pullein]

Definitely does make you feel more connected.

[@abbaschild2499]

So loving these paper planning/fountain pen videos. When it stops being fun, I'll stop planning. TFS!

[@Carl_Pullein]

Glad you like them 🙂

[@PlannerUK]

I agree 100% paper planning all the way for me! Using fountain pens and highlighters too! 😊

[@MirjamAdolphi]

Thank you for inspiration. Our team from Ukraine is right now in Warszawa for training and recreation. The war in Ukraine is taking. lots of energy. they are brave people. I'm going. through your systems. of. planning. based. on PARA and paper. Paper. and pen is the best. solution for our team. They don't always. have electricity, but life goes on!

[@janet6962]

Thanks! I love your passion for pens and notebooks, and I love the planning matrix! I'm going to check that one out now.

[@Carl_Pullein]

Thank you, Janet. Glad you like these videos and pens!

[@meeluanistyn1644]

I have my paper and fountain pen (an old Parker 61 Dad bought me one Christmas long ago) in front of me now. You’re so right, the fun has returned. Great tips and wisdom as always 👍

[@Carl_Pullein]

Have fun. Don't forget the highlighters too 🙂

[@ailv369]

Thank you for your videos. Especially thank you for latest about paper planning 😊 I bought a paper A4 notebook and do my planning with more pleasure than before.

[@Carl_Pullein]

You're very welcome. 🙂

[@TheINKspiredLife]

Slowing down and focus planning time are key for me to get stuff done.

[@Carl_Pullein]

You're right. I suspect that was the missing piece for me.

[@opus101]

And a big thanks for adding back “wishing us a very productive week”! I’ve missed the tag line.

[@Carl_Pullein]

Hahaha, you're welcome.

[@rolandstravels]

I love this, Carl. I too have been using paper more in recent times, and using digital for my calendar and reminders where an electronic warning is useful. This is a very helpful video. Keep up the good work.

[@Carl_Pullein]

Thank you. And you're right. Digital has its place. So does paper.

[@PaperJoyPH]

So fun to see how others plan their week. Lots of good ideas here :)

[@Carl_Pullein]

Glad to have helped.

[@gilianjournals]

I have never thought of SATURDAY as planning day. I might do that starting this week. :)

[@CVCC]

Good advise. Great pen collection, I can relate.

[@Carl_Pullein]

Hahaha thank you 🙂

[@elianaaber]

Thanks for another great video, Carl. The rabbit hole you were talking about, and having to spend four hours doing the weekly planning story of my life. I am definitely going to try your weekly planning metrics tomorrow for my weekly planning and I’m sure it will work brilliant just like all your other methods. Watching your video was very informative, but it also made me smile, each time you talk about stationary you have that spark in you

[@Carl_Pullein]

Hahaha, you noticed. I have a passion for stationary LOL

[@ManlioLoGiudice]

For me it's not a matter of distraction, just an "empowerment" feeling on paper. Often, after I write down everything, it seems it's embedded into my brain already. Plus I do use color coding etc.

[@Carl_Pullein]

That's true. I find the same thing too.

[@timothygutierrez]

Never noticed you were a lefty until now. That you for the valuable insights. Maybe freeform paper is the way to go.

[@Carl_Pullein]

Yes. It's given me a killer backhand in tennis and squash. LOL

[@ericmanten7239]

Another great tutorial! I also love using my fountain pens and I agree: planning on paper increases focus 👏🏻👏🏻

[@Carl_Pullein]

Thank you, Eric.

[@Sourpusscandy]

The downside of digital is it disappears. I think the brain and the hands work better together with pen/pencil/highlighter and paper/postits.

[@Carl_Pullein]

I think you're right there. Although, because I don't switch my apps, I have digital notes going back thirteen years now, and that too can be nostalgic to look back on.

[@piotrpazik1155]

Hi Carl. I like the matrix you show us in this video. It's very helpful. Please explain what is the difference (in your opinion) between Core Work and Project/Issues. I'm asking because most of my Core Work is connected with my Projects. That's why I need help understanding the differences between these two areas of your weekly planning. Can you explain it to me? Thanks!

[@Carl_Pullein]

Your core work is the work you must do each week. That could be writing proposals for potential clients, contacting ten prospects per day or restocking the stationary cupboard. They are tasks you are employed to do. A project is something entirely different. A project is unique (if it wasn't, it would be a process) and once completed, it's done. While you may have tasks related to projects (review projects). that may form part of your core work, even if you were a project manager, a project itself would not be core work. Only the tasks you are responsible for doing each day/month or week would be your core work.

[@piotrpazik1155]

,@@Carl_Pullein thank you for such a quick response. If I understood correctly, my core work is the same as recurring tasks? So if I need to contact with my 10 customers, because It's my way of getting in touch with them every week, it's my core work. The project will be if this task "contact with 10 customers"would be a task just to do from the project to-do list in this particular week. Am I right?

[@Carl_Pullein]

@@piotrpazik1155 If it's something you must do as part of your job, then yes, it's a core work task. And yes, core work tasks do repeat.

[@markgreen4763]

Index cards! I have a divider for each month, Reference, Calendar, Projects, To do. Very easy to manage. Also, I thought I saw a Namiki on your desk?

[@Carl_Pullein]

No, sadly not. That's a Grail pen, though.

[@maxgreenwood2609]

I am new to Todoist and also plan on paper. I’m at a loss how to integrate them both together because I feel that it is just duplicating between the 2 methods otherwise

[@Carl_Pullein]

Beginning on paper lets you clear your mind before you get pulled into everything else. Once you've "emptied your head," open Todoist and look at what you have for next week. Compare that to the initial paper notes and add anything you may have missed. (To give you a benchmark, I added 4 things this week. 🙂)

[@stacychampion6739]

I love this idea! Thank you for this video!

[@Carl_Pullein]

You're very welcome.

[@macpretorians]

Thanks for the hint with the matrix👍

[@Carl_Pullein]

You're very welcome.

[@katerinasveroni2342]

Thank you for this useful video. I work on Saturdays too, so you would suggest to plan the next week on Saturday evening or on Sunday morning?

[@Carl_Pullein]

Hi Katerina, it's really about finding a time when you are relaxed, awake and when you can be consistent.

[@TerMoe]

Hey Carl, I noticed you're wearing an analog watch instead of the Apple watch. Another switch from digital to analog? Thanks for the inspiring video! I've also switched to a combination of paper and digital and it's not only more fun but also more productive.

[@Carl_Pullein]

Yes. It's an experiment I'm trying. Two things I've noticed immediately. I'm sleeping much better, and I am less anxious about checking if my watch has enough charge to get through the day.

[@davemcclure9685]

Great presentation. Of hand what highlighter do you use with fountain pen? I find it smudges.

[@bookhuggah]

I highlighted the area before writing with a wet pen, so that way it doesn’t smudge the foundation pen ink.

[@Carl_Pullein]

I think it's Monami (A Korean brand?). It smudges too, I don't really mind it adds to the imperfections.

[@bestlaidplans2024]

Welcome new paper planners. Prepare to fall down the planner community rabbit hole

[@Carl_Pullein]

Ah, those planners take the fun out of it. Nothing beats creating a matrix with a pencil and ruler. I once tried it with journaling and I lost the freedom to capture what I was thinking. Freeform for me all the way.

[@JT1358]

That rabbit hole is useful if only to help folk distinguish whether they regard their planner as a tool or an art project.

[@Boog555]

I’ve tried those pre-printed planners and I feel trapped by them; as well they often have sections I’m not interested in. For me, Carl’s method is right, a notebook, ruler, and pens, are all I need. I also like to use Kuratake Zig color dot markers. They are wonderful for making bullet points and come in many colors.

[@Carl_Pullein]

@@Boog555 Yeah, I would avoid them. They restrict your thinking at a time when you want to be free thinking.

[@rockettmedic]

What notebooks are you using?

[@ronv0076]

Thank you , a real revolution Notebook and a Pen - Next step will be Cuneiform writing

[@Carl_Pullein]

Hahahaha

[@ClemensAdolphs]

Does it happen that, after you do the paper version, you check in with your digital systems and discover that you totally forgot about an important project that you should have added first?

[@Carl_Pullein]

As we say in Korea 푸하하! (Pu Haha) I would never let that happen. I know precisely what projects I am working on each quarter and I protect that list better than Fort Knox.

[@kestorr]

I’m keen to Carl, how do you differentiate Projects from Radar? Would you say Projects are items you are working on personally, while Radar not working on directly (could be delegated) but still need to keep an eye on (for the coming week?)

[@Carl_Pullein]

The radar is for things you have nothing to do on that week, but would like to keep an eye on. A project needs some action.

[@anthonydevincenzo6530]

Are you off Todoist altogether or is there some combination of paper and digital planning?

[@Carl_Pullein]

Absolutely not. Paper planning is so I can think deeper without digital distractions. Once I've emptied my head of all the stuff floating around in there, I will then open Todoist and plan out the week digitally.

[@pageeater]

Diamine Oxblood is a gorgeous burgundy red.

[@Carl_Pullein]

I did look at that, but I wanted something a little brighter. Hence, the Matador.

[@TMAB2003]

Who's watching this video and has young kids? :)

[@doctork1708]

Not for you. Instead of wasting time complaining, find something that applies to your situation.

[@TMAB2003]

@@doctork1708 you’ve got a great sense of humour. I can tell.

[@christopherstaal6849]

Have you considered digital paper like the RM2?

[@Carl_Pullein]

I tested a lot of them last year, and nothing comes close to the feel of a fountain pen on paper.

[@berndintemann9631]

Hello Carl, Hello Carl, Your romantic return to pen and paper greatly intrigues me. Indeed, one's own handwriting is more authentic than the letters generated by a keyboard on a screen. And when pens are still colorful, it enhances the sensual experience. However, I am uncertain whether I should follow suit. I harbor doubts about whether romance truly brings forth deeper truths from one's own subconscious or rather fosters new chaos and a world of conflicting desires and insights. Digitalization leads to clear consciousness, structure, and logic.

[@Carl_Pullein]

As with digital tools, if you go down the rabbit hole of searching for the "perfect" tools, you will destroy any hope of becoming more productive. This is about a change in environment, which leads to a change in how you think. I spend enough hours in front of a screen writing, editing and responding to emails and messages. It's that move away from the screen to get messy with a few fountain pens and an A4 notebook where there are no constraints (except the size of the page). That's where the switch in the way you think comes from.

[@berndintemann9631]

I think you're right. I sometimes think a bit too complicated@@Carl_Pullein

[@thales-maciel]

the pen tangent made it really hard to follow through as someone with adhd

[@gauravpande]

3:05 - I bet that black pen has a great personality. 😌

[@Carl_Pullein]

Ooh, that one's about 12 years old. It's great for travelling with.

[@davemcclure9685]

Try Diamine Wild Strawberry

[@Carl_Pullein]

The Matador arrived. Perfect for what I wanted it to do.

[@barryporter6993]

Red Ink - Noodlers Fox Red, Diamine Wild Strawberry, DeAtramentis Document Red

[@Carl_Pullein]

Ooh, they were a little too bright for me.

[@jacquesdespadas]

Matador is a nice red. Laban Ares Red is a great crimson, and Vinta Ink’s Sandugo is a great dark red with a gold flash. J. Herbin Rouge Grenat is a simpler medium-dark red, if the flash isn’t what you are looking for. Red is hard though! Best of luck!

[@Carl_Pullein]

@@jacquesdespadas Thank you for the tips.

[@barryporter6993]

ok. how about Visconti Bordeaux?

[@Carl_Pullein]

@@barryporter6993 Ooh Barry! Stop it!!! Hahahaha I do have my eye on the Visconti Homo Sapien 🙂

[@brendalg4]

Where was the fun part?

[@KatrinaT]

Depends on who you are... if you're a stationary geek, it was the pen and paper part. 😄

[@maikeru86]

Oh, Carl 😍 You going right onto my way 😅 You surely know there are special pens for left-handed people. You like European pens, but you are in Korea! Check please Sailor 1911 or Platinum #3775 - those are phenomenal (!!) Could you create a bonus video only of your fountain pens? To tell something about them, show them with good light, and do writing samples of course 😊 ps. I have horrible english, forgive me that please...

[@Carl_Pullein]

The pens I have I've had for a very long time. They are like old, reliable friends, all with stories to tell. That said, I am looking at some of the Japanese ones, too. The Pilot Custom looks great, and of course, the Holy Grail, a Namiki.

[@maikeru86]

@Carl_Pullein Oh, that great that every of it has some story to tell :D We have 6 videos for every saturday ;) Pilot Custom 743 - will be better choice imo. Namiki are over-rated (much).

[@TheQHunter]

I love fountain pens as well and have fallen in love with BROWN inks:-)

[@Carl_Pullein]

Oooh that's something I'll be looking at in the near future. 🙂

[@theashleybash]

Many times they go by “sepia.” 😊

[@DanBelsky_Health_Money_Love]

Outstanding information, Love your video ❤ energy and entrepreneurial insights, I would like to contact you in the near future to do a story collab @ "your" journey for my millionaire niche channel. Thank you 🙏Dan Belsky.

[@Carl_Pullein]

Hi Dan, you can contact me directly at [e-mail].

[@DanBelsky_Health_Money_Love]

@@Carl_Pullein 🙏

[@whitecap248]

I been watching you on and off for about a year. You are all over the place. Jumping from one system to the next. The amount of time wasted if anyone followed you from one system to the next has to be astonishing. I know you need to produce videos. Maybe you should come clean and just admit that all you are promoting is churning systems so you will het views. Paper?

[@casperr8644]

I really liked his content at first. And then noticed the exact same thing.

[@leilanimr]

And what's wrong with being introduced to new systems? I too have been watching Carl's videos for some time and his latest introduction to pen and paper is quite refreshing.

[@Boog555]

I get your criticism, but I think it’s also part of an evolution in planning systems; I’ve gone through the same thing myself.

[@casperr8644]

@@leilanimr There's nothing wrong with new systems. I use a combination of them as a North American sales manager. I use MS Teams task manager for team tasks, Apple Reminders for smaller tasks, paper and post it's for fast capture of todo, apple Notes, etc etc etc. But with each video it's.....THIS IS THE HOLY GRAIL OF PROJECT MANAGEMENT!!! There's this NEW PERFECT SYSTME I'm going to show you that's going to solve all your problems. To only change the next month and now we're back to pen and paper! Our brains work differently and there is NO one system that is best. Gotta tweak it a little to suite your personal needs.

[@theashleybash]

It seems like what matters most is the strategy and process. In that he seems consistent. Tools and apps are a personal choice, but most accomplish the same things. This way he can share his process with people who use a variety of tools/apps.

[@wsant2872]

So your genius idea of making planning more fun is to use pen and paper? Groundbreaking. Reported for spam and misleading click bait title 😤