EVALUATING YOUR PLANNER SYSTEM | OBSERVATION AND HONESTY

[@jenniferlarsonjaylaplans]

Cindy I can’t you how much I appreciate you still putting out content with everything you have going on in your life! Much love to you and your family!

[@WKBredhold]

This is timely for me too. I’ve been trying to understand why I keep buying planners and nothing satisfies me. I need to think about my entire process in a methodical way. And I really appreciate you mentioning to include the digital stuff we do that I don’t necessarily consider part of my planning, but certainly is. I don’t know if it’s my planners or my process but man I spend a lot of time looking and thinking about planners and they don’t spend as much time serving me, that’s for sure.

[@tinabrown6892]

I feel the same. I’m always looking at new planner systems but not really using what I have.

[@davisbrooke3832]

Thank you for this video, it was extremely informative and it taught me that maybe I’m planning my 2024 planner to have to many sections, I’m not a frankin planner type! I hope you get better soon, your a gem!

[@dee_ewell_pierce]

I retired last year and realized that my planning has changed drastically. I bought a cheap planner from CVS and I'm going with that for 2023.

[@kawaiitropix4837]

🌈I love that you focus on the process & not the product 🥰

[@HeartBreathings]

Everyone's been telling me I need to watch this, and I totally see why! We are so much on the same page right now about simplifying but I didn't have a process to figure it out. Now I do. Thank you so much!!!

[@dbklyn97]

I review my planners' effectiveness every year. I have found that my planners' systems have gotten better, and I do so much more with less. I have stopped any planner supplies outside of the yearly purchase and have been using down my stash. This was a great video. Thank you for sharing!

[@meeks4756]

This is a great idea for honest reflection...thank you for sharing! I struggle with complex goal-setting systems, like MakseLife. I love the idea of them, and I almost bought one of their planners this year (especially when I saw your gorgeous cover, Cindy!). But I really dislike the feeling of failure I get when I don't accomplish some (or all) of my goals. I would like to see more people giving themselves permission to not achieve all their goals. Or using a goal-setting system without setting goals in every category. Or prioritizing their goals into "need to do" and "nice to do" and "don't do." Or focusing on one or two goals at a time, rather than setting actions for all of them. I would like to see more "goal setting for the rest of us." Let's start normalizing setting realistic goals and not pushing to improve ourselves every damn minute.

[@lbeard7661]

It’s funny you should mention the “every category” thing. I bought the makselife notebooks when they were on sale, and started trying to work on them - and realized right now I really just want to work on financial goals. And then I started feeling guilty/weird for not really wanting to set the other categories, even though I scored really low on some of them. That’s just what I needed from my goal system - guilt. 😂

[@meeks4756]

@@lbeard7661 Exactly! I love how these systems prompt you to really think about what you want to accomplish and how to get there, but then there's this immense pressure to "fill in the blanks."

[@mommyingBetchay]

I can also relate to the “every category” thing. I already feel the pressure to be someone or improve in areas where I am not prepared to do just yet. Right now, I just jot down things that I would like to do, my dreams, my dream project. I am still finding ways to list them all down without being overwhelmed. Or to just simply appreciate that I wrote them without necessarily doing all of it. I am just slow in putting priorities everyday compared to most people I see in KZbin. I have to accept myself in that way.

[@meeks4756]

@@mommyingBetchay A few years ago, I bought a digital version of a planner that included both long-term and short-term goal planning pages. It even had a "Someday Maybe" page. I liked that it took the pressure off of trying to fit everything into a single year.

[@Rivercat0338]

You can use shower markers to take notes in the shower too 😁

[@brittanyphillips9157]

This is blowing my mind 😂

[@brendadela3280]

There is also Rite in the Rain notebooks that you can use regular pencil with. Game changer for me.

[@ericawinchester2250]

I did this in my journal! I started off with what I actually needed in a planner vs what would be nice to have, then evaluated my current planner and what works vs what doesn’t. It was a great exercise and helped me figure out what I needed.

[@patriciazimmermann5717]

I like this idea. I am going to try my own version, in my journal with a blank page or two. I am going to revisit it at the end of the weekend to see if I need to make any changes, for or against, the observations I had already made. My reasoning for in my journal is so that when I start to think “the new shinny stuff” is what I need I can reference my pages and THINK before I make any decisions I may regret.

[@bianchiesperia1148]

I always enjoy to get a glimpse of someone else's mind processes while choosing their planner system! Thanks for the video 😍

[@muhhyuugas6676]

This year was a struggle with keeping up with planner bc of moving from home to college, not really having a space and a system or an all furnished home in the beginning. My goal is to really focus on getting organized for 2023, vc it’s gonna be hectic

[@kcombs100]

Thank you for doing this. I like how you're explaining how to step back and think about things. So simple but so easy to forget to do that when the new planners come out, all the sales start and every one else has a shiny "toy"

[@wwaxwork]

This was great to hear. I use a hybrid HB 90 in my Makse Life weekly for my todo list and tracking what I'm doing in a day. I make the check in of both systems in my Makse Life planner if I bother to do it. Honestly I just do the check ins and reviews when I feel myself drifting away from my goals or things aren't moving on my board, so maybe once every 4 to 6 weeks. As someone with a chronic illness the Makse life has way too many damn goals to try and keep track of, I don't have the energy to try and fix 8 areas of my life at once. Just 3 goals all broken down into small bite sized steps I can do as I can is fine by me for life goals, hell some months it's just one goal I nibble away at, moving my post it's slowly over and still moving forward as I can..

[@NgocVKHennessy]

I love the rawness of this video and how honest it is . Too often do we buy all the things without thinking and hoarding until it gets out of control. When we realize it, it's already too late to undo and we struggle to make things work. I love your idea of using index cards. I just use a notebook and split it in half and jot downs the pros and cons . This really does help me stay on track and not buy all the things that I potentially won't use. I have been good lately in not buying everything that comes out, especially these last few months with new planners from shops coming out and all. I also write things down in my wish list and revisit them every few weeks. When I lose interest of something, I just cross it out. I come back in a month or two and if I do not need it nor do I want it, then I just cross it out. I have saved so much money using this method and actually being brutally honest with myself to stop the excess buying of things that aren't needed. Of course there are occasional things that are only a limited time and in the moment I ask myself questions and half of the time I abandon my cart and just exit the window. For 2023, I am reusing my planner covers that I love and recently resold the planners in sizes that did not work for me this past fall. My new rule of thumb is if I want another planner cover, I will have to resell a planner cover to cover the cost and replace that cover. So far it has worked for me.

[@DarcieGlam]

That was amazing Cindy! I go through something similar and it leads me to trying out a new planner every year with mixed results so my analysis has clearly not been working lol. The way you have described your process with looking for commonalities, using the index cards and highlighters is brilliant! With all of the challenges and commitments you have going on I am so appreciative of what you constantly contribute to the planner community. Bravo!

[@AshleyCadaret]

Oh just me rewatching before Black Friday. Thank youuuuuuu.

[@kathrynwilson2067]

Damn, girl. Are you buying the planner because it works for someone else. That hit home! I just listed pros and cons in my bullet journal. I wrote out 8 pages of notes. 😂 This process helped me to make a choice for the new year thanks.

[@jenwessleman9317]

I completely quit planning two years ago number one, because I wasn't self employed any longer or working really, but mostly because I it was all too overwhelming. Couldn't justify the cost and not using. I've had EC for years, and loved using it along with the Goal Planner from Cultivate What Matters for business/ Life goals. Now I find myself starting a another new business, and looking forward to finding out now what will work best for what I have going on. I will be seeing clients, and that will be a big factor in what will work best, and most of that honestly will be done through my website, and appointment setting apps. Mostly I just want goal setting monthly daily weekly etc

[@evelynmcleod268]

Thanks for this! I’ve already decided to go with ML flagship but the idea to make using the planner a goal is the best idea for me. I’m a procrastinator and taking it all the way to a daily habit is awesome.

[@hasfartogo]

I am sticking with bullet journalling but I will strip it down to what I have on hand in washi tapes, stickers, and stamps, plus only use grey for making my spreads. Sorting out my collections now that I know my averages for books read, movies & series watched, anime watched, health diary, and my annual trips.

[@shockingdocumentaries4255]

I already know I’m going to like this video just based off the title. Observing myself and figuring out ways to make my life easier, is currently my obsession. Along with the Serenity Prayer…😉 So I’m liking and commenting before really getting into this video. It’s more efficient that way. 🧐

[@Worldtinkerer]

That's a really good, concrete system! I will have to remember that next time I feel like I need a big reboot of my system.

[@maestra730]

what an interesting process! it can be applied to all aspects of life... what is working, what isn't.... hmmmmmm. Well done!

[@atypicalweeks]

I've recently gone from a super scaled back system to very, very complex. I have started a YT channel as I've been reflecting on what is working and what isn't. I've been amazed at how some things have come to me when I'm filming that didn't come to me otherwise.

[@hollydianehackney2835]

I tried out so many planners this past year... luckily most of them were on sale or undated. Unfortunately, two of them that I started in July 2020 were not... I can at least say that I learned quite a bit about what works and what does not. If I get a good deal, I do not mind the thought of "wasting" pages when I do not use them. I also don't mind tearing out weekends or repurposing them as notes/sticky note pages. I have come a long way with accepting the idea that there can be whitespace on my page. I have also accepted that many of my spreads/pages will not be pretty -- but at least they serve me when I use them. I tend to give stationary items away because I cannot stand that they just sit there unused... It is a great way to make new planner friends :)

[@PrincessCelESF]

I use the last note page in my Happy Planner to list out what I need to track and points to remember/intentions for next year’s planner. I have found this year I started populating that page a lot earlier this year. It has actually led me to explore expanding rather than condensing my system. By that I mean more sections but still one book. I know damn well if it’s not all in one place I won’t pay attention to it. 😅

[@anoukholderbeke2717]

I have loved the ML flagship planner this year. Just switched halfway through the year from horizontal to vertical. It’s definitely my planner for next year as well. I would love an EC planner but I need the goals pages and I know I can’t handle a separate planner or the booklets. Out of sight is out of mind for me. On busy days I use a simple separate to do list in an notebook or when I’m stressed out on a daily page with timeblocking system to see how much I can actually get done within the day compared to what I wish I could get done.

[@lushestdaisies]

I need to do this for several areas of my life. I’ll definitely be coming back to watch this again and again. Thanks Cindy!

[@werelemur1138]

While I didn't do this formally last year, my "ugh, I'm migrating my bujo AGAIN" led me to realize that maybe I should have a planner that would last a whole year.

[@sandralantau7395]

Thanks for another very practical, very helpful video Cindy. I hope you don't mind if I mention that bullet journaling does not have to include writing about your thoughts and feelings if you don't want to use it for that? The beauty of Ryder Carroll's original Bullet Journal Method is that you customise it to suit your own needs

[@planwithkellye2926]

Great reminders as we go into 2023. Sending you all the love & good vibes for your health. 💜

[@jen1sur]

I have my work planner system firmly in place and it works. But, my personal life planning is a mess! I like this approach, and I will use the concept to define what I need for my life and how I can achieve it. Thanks!

[@Barb.u]

I love this! I usually make lists of my needs, wants and don'ts for my next planner, and add notes such as how much space I want for each thing, or how often I need it 😊

[@elsiebeach8069]

What's "Da Bump?"

[@nillabee]

As I switch systems again for 2023! This was such a timely video! Sending all the good joojoo(prayers)energy your way!

[@fishheads08]

Dude, this was perfect. I worked while I listened to you talk. I really enjoy your videos and how you present things. This is something that I am struggling with a bit at the moment. I have 3 planners that I am juggling with and as I work through this, I am seeing some things that can really help me figure out what I need to do to get my poop in a group planner-wise. Part of my problem is I end up with the "shiny object" that you talk about. I see stuff online or on youtube or Facebook or whatever and think that it looks super fun so I get it and end up with something I don't use. At the moment I am a mom, work outside of the house full time, am in school full time and I need practicality I have used the Cousin all year and it has been great, but has limitations that I can't figure out how to work through. I bought both a Cousin and a Weeks for 2023 but didn't think I would use the Weeks (hello, buying the shiny object...) and I also have an A6 that I throw in my backpack and take with me to work/on the go since it is more portable. But after going through this super cool process, I am seeing how I can make my Cousin and Weeks work for me. As much as I love the bujo and it is truly cute and fun, I don't really have the time to set it up, the Weeks can give me what I need for project planning and bullet journal-ish pages since it has the blank pages in the back but my Cousin can house everything so I can reference and plan through the year. Both books will give me the chance to have fun with stickers, and washi, and decorating as I need, but also be super minimal if I don't have the time and just need a spot to throw things down. Thank you so much, Cindy. I enjoy your humor and your content. This was a fantastic exercise. I feel like I know what I am doing for next year with a clear focus. I appreciate this so much!!

[@sarahschaeffer7025]

This is great advice. I did something similar in a notebook, but the index cards would help me organize my thoughts better visually. I realized that I loved the Passion Planner a couple of years ago, but now I use it mostly just to map out my week to see where I have time (or don't). I found the MakseLife vertical flagship this fall and I love it--but the weekly goal planning is overwhelming. I love that paper and the minimal layout. I wish they made one without all the goal pages. Thanks again for your really helpful, no B.S. content!

[@wendybowman5871]

Thanks for putting this out there. I’m trying really hard to buy yet another planner for work as it’s kind of redundant. We’re working from home so all everything work related is digital. A paper planner for work is just habit really. I’ve already got my bullet journal notebook for next year. Resisting buying new to just have new is hard.

[@tammygant4216]

Wow, I've been subconsciously trying to do this, but my efforts were sporadic and rambling and unhelpful. Thanks for helping me see a way through this process.

[@susan_brehm_art]

This video is sooooo good! Thank you !!!

[@kathyla731]

Watching this for 2024! 🎉🎉🎉

[@alonafyshe6785]

Great video! Really got me thinking

[@nikorae5286]

Consider what you may/ might be able to do if not sleeping when at dialysis it's time where you are just sitting so getting some art stuff reading brain dumping planning listening to book/ music/ movie/ video watching or A blessed NAP

[@ebonitompkins]

I'm only using one planner (my other stays at work) but I never thought to breakdown what works and what doesn't. I realized I need an A5 but struggling with which layout so more brainstorming is necessary. Thanks Cindy!

[@dvlsnvrcry432]

I've found my problem with my planner system is I just do not use it. I feel better when I write things down but I don't due to lack of time and energy. I think for 2023 I'm going to try my best to be much more mindful of my various notebooks and planners. I'll definitely condense them because I feel like I have way too many to keep up to date with. I've already invested in a five year journal so I'll just stick to that and my one planner, I just need to make sure I actually write in them instead of just having them collect dust.

[@mariplansalist]

8 years of friendship and you still teach me things. I’m going to play with index cards now kthxbye

[@hanswife1999]

I love visuals I tend to choose post its to get my life in order but the process is similar. thank you for the honesty I always know I will find here

[@wendydunn3964]

I also use post its!

[@PlannerNerdPlans]

I love it! Thank you very much! I not much of journaler as well but sometimes writing it out helps sorts my thoughts as well.

[@deezee3579]

I've done this before with your Skill Share Class, it was so helpful. Definitely, need to revisit these strategies!

[@hockeymomWA]

I love your encouragement.

[@kymbrabezner]

I definitely need to do this! This year was a hot fuckin mess of great and horrible, so I made a mind map for planners of 2023, but I need to incorporate something like this so I can get a good picture of what worked/didn't this year. Thanks for this video!

[@MissAnimegrl]

Observing and thinking about my life over the year helped me with my own planner decisions. Keeping separate planners for work and personal have been great, but going back to my Bujo beginnings was my choice after using a Hobonichi Cousin for work this past year. I'm still on the fence about a Reading Journal, and I want to try it again next year-- while I'm not consistent in my reading, it at least let me be more mindful of what I read, and when I read. Finally, the Budget Book isn't going anywhere. It's got 2 years worth of spreads left and I'm gonna use them up.

[@annec8127]

Huh! When I first clicked on this, I thought "well I don't need this, but I'm curious." Then I counted how many "planners" I use and realized I've just added a fifth. It actually would be worth examining. I think they all serve individual purposes (two are more journaling/goal tracking than planning, one for work and one for personal) but one of them - my work planner, I bought an expensive Agendio for last year and while I have used it mostly as intended, I'm wondering if it's really doing that much more than the previous set up which was much cheaper. Turns out I DO need to do an evaluation!

[@danakaystone]

I am definitely doing this!!! I can't thank you enough❣💫🌻

[@amillionlifetimes]

Thank you Cindy! I really appreciate you doing this. I’m guilty of buying what others suggest and it not being right for me

[@jennifercwilliams1]

Totally random thought what about deconstructing the BUJO into sheets and then punch them and add to the discs to go with the HB90 system? Again totally random.

[@annec8127]

You can buy dot grid sheets of varying sizes punched for discs at Plum Paper, and if you're willing to just go letter / half letter, from Levanger/Circa. I do the former for my work notes. Saves you from having to own a punch and time punching. (However, I think Cindy's not really a disc fan?)

[@melissasnyder5268]

Yes, I ordered a B6 from Sterling Ink so I have the structure of monthly and weekly and then blank pages for daily or whatever I need them for.

[@alexaphillips467]

I love this SO much! What a simple yet effective way to evaluate your system. Definitely going to do this as I'm working on building my planner stack for 2023!

[@djmd1991]

Thank you for this reminder! Great video and a great way to sort out what's working

[@saiaplanning]

This video released at a great time. I feel like I've been in a planner crisis for that last few months. I'm definitely going to do this exercise.

[@DawnMontgomeryAuthor]

This is such a great way to work through your process. I love this!

[@nikorae5286]

Keep the bigger bujo and tip in the HB90 pages you need for structure along with arty shit like monthly, doodles and daily only if you feel like it

[@AshleyCadaret]

This was such a good idea. Thanks for inspiring me! Totally did this and solved some problems. 🎉

[@Sovereign.Alignment]

Thank you 🦋🦋🦋

[@clarasherry185]

I'm really interested in your index card technique! I personally tend to do mind mapping to get my ideas out. I'd be interested to see what you could do with a mindmap! Your lettering and colour skills would make a mind map next level.

[@muhhyuugas6676]

I know its not related to the video but I saw the advertisement of a thing called Artful Agenda, that promises a digital planner with paper planner features, and I thought you may want to review

[@LeaverWild]

This an incredibly valuable video. Thank you Cindy! ❤

[@katiebosio3439]

Thank you for your insight and thoughts! Great things to think about!

[@kimberlyannplans]

Fantastic video! I’ve found that being really honest with myself about my motives for planner purchases has saved me a lot of money and a lot of disappointment. I think I’ve finally figured out that I can thoroughly enjoy seeing other people’s planners and systems and not necessarily have to adopt them myself. What works for me is pretty basic in the planner world, but that’s ok.

[@michellechannell1219]

Thank you for sharing this process! It is very helpful.

[@shelly3251]

Thank you for the advise!

[@purpledoneright]

Have you thought about doing the weekly reflections with your $15 patreons, since you convo with them right before the live? And it's a cool perk for them too.

[@Jenvick]

This is super helpful! Thanks!

[@cristalee3448]

This is such a helpful video, especially at this time of year. Thank you!

[@grahamandream]

So useful--I will be doing this.

[@tcconnection]

This is an interesting journey isn't it? I hooked into stuff (fomo) and then realized my chaotic life didn't regularly work with it. I kept using up supplies while getting more and more simple, a size to carry more and more small. Still not sure what goes best with using my phone calendar and phone alarms set.

[@jesmccutchen6006]

First comment lol! After half a decade!

[@thecoffeemomplans8554]

This is such a good video. I can’t wait to try it out for myself

[@TheLhollis]

Love this video. Thank you.

[@BodaciousWench]

I write my daily actions/todos on a 3x5 on my days off

[@funscorp]

After a lot of research I’m getting a Makselife for 2023. I have two goals for 2023 and I may add more but I know better than to extend myself. Usually what happens is I have one goal and I complete 3 others that weren’t even on my radar at the beginning of the year. There’s no way I’m trying to complete goals every single week. FOH.

[@queryalways]

I'm trying the ML Vert (your edition) for the 1st time in 2023 because I feel I need a strong goal structure. I lost 6 months of this year due to various issues, so I need to gain some ground again & I figured the ML may be a good way to start. As an Australian though it's been hard to find good (& reasonable priced) planners that aren't completely Americanised. Even Australian produced ones are catered to US markets, & I want a AUS feel to my planner. I just don't want to Filofax it, & I certainly can't just Bujo it (I don't have the brain power to layout each month, let alone week; though I'd love to). So, this year I decided on a hardcap of the 3 I mentioned last week. 2 AUS designers (1 US layout) & the ML Vert. I'm going with goal setting, some creative outlets, and brain dumping - soul writing as my focus for healing in 2023.

[@sandralantau7395]

I hope you don't mind if I point out that Ryder Carroll's original Bullet Journal Method has a very, very simple Monthly Log (no drawing, 2 minutes (if that) to set up) and does not have a Weekly Log at all. I mention this so you're not put off bullet journaling just because of the extraneous decorative fluff that is actually not a part of the original Method

[@queryalways]

@@sandralantau7395 Hey Sandra, thanks so much for your reply :) It's great to hear from you & that you took the time to tell me about the original system. I've followed some of the OG Bujoers on Insta & KZbin, but my brain just has 'off days'. Maybe if I start it will switch into gear & be able to cope with it. I think the blank pages trigger something?? Sorry, TMI there, lol. You're right though & I have a bunch of Bujos in storage. Have a fab day/night!!

[@sandralantau7395]

@@queryalways I love my BuJo, which has changed a lot over the years. I hope you find your planner peace!

[@reneebarrette4514]

If it helps, HB90 Bootcamp starts on December 11th if you want to tag along with the alumni group!

[@amyvaughan4749]

I do my best thinking in the shower!

[@tcconnection]

Have you been spammed with this telegram message

[@theshunnedBandersnatch]

Watching this after I spontaneously bought two B5 Moleskines (a pro project planner and dotted cahier) at Target despite having 5 more months in my Personal Planner and had been contemplating trying PP's new ring system for 2023 🥲 Time to sit and really think about what will work for me.

[@theshunnedBandersnatch]

Update: The Pro Project Planner is working as my current home planner -- lots more room to write, which I think I was missing in my A5 PP. I did go ahead and order inserts and a ring binder from Personal Planner to try for my work planner. I think it will be better because I always run out of note pages, and with weekly meetings, I need as many as I can get.