How I’m using the Jobs-to-be-done (JTBD) framework to help me choose my planner system for 2025

[@nathanmwallace]

I did something similar, and found it helpful to realize that portability is a huge constraint, but only really necessary for my daily planner. Other needs could be addressed by bigger notebooks since I’ll be at my desk or able to carry them in a bag. I use one pocket-size notebook (for short-term planning and scratch notes) and multiple larger format notebooks for deeper work (journaling, brainstorming, work meetings, long-term planning, etc). Separating what needs to be portable from what doesn’t gave me much more flexibility in my choices, so I’d really recommend considering it!

[@LittleCocoStudio]

Thank you for the recommendation - I completely agree with you! Once I separated that out, I got very excited for what I might use as my desk notebook. I’m even looking at the Sterling Ink B5 blank notebooks as one option! It feels close in size to the large moleskine I used to use, except it’d be fountain pen friendly. Maybe I can take a second look to see if there’s more I can pare down from my list. I do love having the dated pages, so I can add notes to upcoming meetings for that day. Seems like a niche want, but I’ve been doing that more often than I thought I would with my A6! I tried having a catch-all notebook (and notes app on my phone), but it required me to migrate it over to my main planner for me to remember it… which (sigh), I always forgot to do 🤣

[@nathanmwallace]

@@LittleCocoStudio I love that idea about using dated pages to add notes in advance! Thanks for the idea and all your content! I love how thoughtful and mindful you are 😊

[@CreativeSherry]

When I saw your title, I immediately clicked on your video. I was a Product person at my company. I've recently transitioned to Knowledge Management and still use my PdM skills. To see you use them for planner decisions is super cool ❤

[@LittleCocoStudio]

Yay! It’s nice to meet you and I’m glad you recognized the reference! :) Congrats on your transition to knowledge management! I’ve had the best time working with KM folks!

[@jessicar.6605]

Wonderland 222 planners' weekly spreads are actually vertical with daily pages on the back . They also have an A6 size version. I think is the one called "All in One".

[@LittleCocoStudio]

You’re right! ☺️ I’m taking a second look at the A6 all in one!

[@Elizkleincaz]

Wonderland 222 only has vertical layouts btw. They look very cool, especially the quarterly pages.

[@LittleCocoStudio]

Yes, you’re right! I’ve been taking a second look at their planners for 2025!

[@HannaChoe]

First of all, thank you for introducing me to the JTBD framework! This was very interesting and I enjoyed doing the activity even though I think my 2025 system is set. I am planning on a full Hobonichi line-up next year - A6 HON + weekly supplement, A6 Techo, and Weeks (because that is also my top emotional planner and by golly, I'll make it work 🤣). This will be my first year using the A6 since... 2015, I think, which is when I discovered the brand. 10 years - seems like a perfect time to come back to the A6!

[@LittleCocoStudio]

10 years! That’s incredible!! I love your line-up. I think mine will end up being similar. I’m still feeling that emotional attachment to the Cousin since it was my first Hobonichi, but now that I’m not using the weekly pages for my schedule, it does feel like a lot of wasted space. I also love the idea of using it as a journal / archive, but I also know that I am not a daily journaller. Which of the weeks covers are you leaning towards? I love that Paddingon Bear one, but I’m also curious what might jump out at me when we see the full line up!

[@rayq352]

Great video. I use a similar system for deciding my planner needs. My needs being everyday functional, spiritual and educational. I'm a "compartmentaliser" so I could relate to a lot of your thought processes! This year I had an everyday A5 (Hobo Hon) which sits on my desk at home. I also used the SICP A6 vertical for gratitude and SICP A5 vertical for faith- enough blank pages for a page a day. I would have used Sterling Ink for my everyday as well but I couldn't order in time in 2023. 2025 I'm going for SICP for pretty much everything. An A5 vertical for every day. The Daily Dated Planner for faith and gratitude combined. I may use a small size notebook or planner if necessary, for on the go. I also have some other considerations such as health /well being (which I can probably incorporate in the A5) and a study journal. I already have a reading journal which isn't finished :-) This year Catherine at Sterling Ink has included B6 and B6 Slim sizes. There is a B5 for anyone who wants to go big! I'm not affiliated with her in anyway I just like her notebooks! :-D

[@LittleCocoStudio]

Thank you so much! Your 2025 sound so exciting! I've been very curious and interested to try a Sterling Ink planner, but I keep hesitating because I like my dated daily pages. I've decided to stick with Hobonichi for the majority of my planning needs, but I'm thinking about trying out a TN-size Sterling Ink as a memory keeper. I'm also really into her B5 sized books, and while I don't think I am ready to try a B5 sized planner, I'm thinking about buying a few blank notebooks and using them for personal stud, long-form notetaking, and/or special projects (like home and garden projects).

[@annakitching5975]

The PAPERTESS DESIGNS TN with the vertical weeklies is amazing! 😊🧡✨ I’ve been using it this year; it’s been the loveliest planner to help me enter the planner community and navigate my everyday. As my 1st planner, I can’t compare it to these other brands, but I can attest to the quality and incredible user experience of this book. It lays flat for me, without a cover (it is still in excellent condition, without additional protection and with me trying to be really relaxed with it too). I hope this helps you assess what books might serve you best this upcoming year. 😊 Thank you also for your videos! They really feel like a hug, warm and safe; thank you again.

[@LittleCocoStudio]

The PTD books look so nice! 😍 Every time I visit their website, I can see why they're popular! I'm glad you've been enjoying it this year and it's still in great shape after months of use. I would like to try the weekly insert for memory keeping, although I'm unsure about the total cost of shipping, duties, and taxes. The other option I'm considering is Sterling Ink's TN-sized Common Planner. It'd have the weekly verticals and extra space for additional entries if I wanted to expand on something, and I was already considering ordering some of their B5-sized notebooks. Thank you as well for your kind words. It means so much to hear that you've been enjoying my videos and that they feel like a warm and safe hug. 🤗

[@annakitching5975]

@@LittleCocoStudio Ooo yes, factoring in shipping is important; I can understand why that adds uncertainty. The Sterling Ink books all look stunning too 😍 - and I am coincidentally really intrigued by B5 notebooks also, it seems like the exact amount of space that I need! Ironically, the only planner I've picked up for 2025 is the Hobonichi weeks, so far, as I really wanted to be a part of the Hobonichi release season this year. Thank you so much for your kind response; and awwe, you're welcome; I really hope that you are having a great day. 🤗

[@chi-towncalifornia5916]

Since last year, I’ve been using a Midori MD A5 ruled notebook as a planner/commonplace book, creating daily planning titles of checkmarked goals at the top, but I do struggle to fill a full page. So I’m fairly certain I will get a 2025 Hobonichi Techō Original A6 as my daily planner, and an A5 notebook for journaling and recording thoughts, using each page as I go. I am someone who needs to stay compartmentalized, and not have absolutely everything in just one notebook.

[@LittleCocoStudio]

I really like the idea of having everything in one notebook, but I’ve learned through lots of failed experiments, that I retain things better and am more consistent when I break things down into smaller tasks. Updating my little Hobonichi Weeks has felt effortless, which was a surprise bc I’ve been trying to track my habits and exercise in my bullet journals / daily planners for years. I like your idea for next year. I always feel comforted by having a thick, large (A5 or bigger) blank notebook nearby, so I have space to record things I’m learning or thinking. ☺️

[@Autumnichi]

This is how I approach my journals - absolutely necessary because I have dozens of journal/planner/notebook needs 😂 Fun to watch the process. Tfs This is going to help lots of people for sure.

[@LittleCocoStudio]

Thank you so much! :) And yes, I have so many needs… it was easier to just focus on my daily planner for a start. 😂

[@CaffeineByTwilight]

Definitely enjoyed this video!! It gave me a lot to think about for my 2025 choices.

[@obie_G]

This was a fun and very necessary thought exercise! I just did this the other day because the planner chaos in my brain is so real. This will be my second year using analog planners. I like to say 2024 was "the year of experimentation". I think I bought every planner available 🤦‍♀I also share your thoughts on not wanting to setup a bunch of layouts and I also need a vertical timeline for my schedule-- and one book! I think I'm going with the sterling ink vertical in either A6 or A5. but those hobonichi weeks covers are soooo tempting. ugh, its a daily struggle LOL

[@LittleCocoStudio]

Experimentation is a very necessary - and FUN - stage to be in. I also felt like I bought a lot for 2024… at least I did from Hobonichi. I had an emotional attachment to the Cousin, and then I bought three Weeks. Don’t even get me started on the temptation I had to fight to try out a day-free as well. 😂 The main reason why I didn’t try other brands was bc I wanted to wait for Hobonichi’s previews and then I had missed a lot of preorders. So yeah, all of the Weeks covers for 2025 are (as predicted) tempting me so much. Why are they so cute?! I’m hoping my own sorting exercise will remind me that a Weeks won’t suit my everyday needs unless I put a lot of effort into customizing my own layouts. And, I know that I’m going to hit low energy periods where I won’t want to put that effort in. 🪫

[@kat-yd6je]

It sounds like the full year Sterling Ink might be your best bet? It has enough pages for one a day even though they aren’t dated, but you could get a stamp set and go through and stamp all the pages out to date them at the beginning of the year. The Sterling Ink daily planner is only in an A5 and B6 and does not have the weeklies.

[@LittleCocoStudio]

You’re totally right. Without the weeklies in the daily planner (which doesn’t come in A6), it doesn’t feel more compelling than the Hobonichi original. Maybe stamping the days would be a good option. I like having the pre-dated pages so I can add notes to future dates. While I have come to appreciate having my weekly supplement being separate to the book, having it all in one was what I originally wanted!

[@Chaos_and_Creativity]

​@@LittleCocoStudioshe has a date bundle of stickers with dates for the entire year if you didnt want to stamp everything. Its only $20 and comes sith literally everything you would/could need.

[@KatiesCraftStudio]

Unfortunately the Sterling Ink daily isn't coming in either A6 nor TN sizes and they don't have weekly spreads. So if the dated daily is a must, that won't work. There's enough pages, though, so if I were you, I'd get a full year and just date all the pages at the beginning of the year and get it done. The PTD and the W222 could be a good options, though, if you don't need the dailies

[@LittleCocoStudio]

Ahh, you’re right. 🙃 I heard daily planners and assumed it would be all sizes! It’s a good point to take the time to re-date the pages - that would open up a lot of possibilities! I guess I’ll have to see what my energy levels are by the end of the year. It tends to be a chaotic time. I used to make a dated planner for my sister as a gift and it would trigger my hyper focus where I’d spend days doing nothing but adding dates in my spare time. 🫣 I tried stickers once, but the bump that the stickers created drove me crazy. Maybe I could consider using a stamp if I went that route! 🤔

[@KatiesCraftStudio]

@@LittleCocoStudio I use a date stamp! (Although I didn't do mine all at once because I'm not a page-per-day girl)

[@LittleCocoStudio]

@@KatiesCraftStudio may I ask what date stamp you used? Ah, preferring a daily page and struggling with hyperfocus tendencies is not a great mix for me. 😅 At the same time, my curiosity is piqued!

[@KatiesCraftStudio]

@@LittleCocoStudio oh I'm right with you, absolutely driving myself crazy with the hyper fixation. I used used a boring one that was probably the first result on Amazon. That classic, library checkout look

[@js4637]

My chaotic attempts to rationalize what planner will be my main planner for 2025 was well explained by you as the JTBD. I wish I had found your video sooner since this has helped solidify to me what my planner will be without feeling uncertain. I am able to think out clearly what my functional priority is as well as social and emotional needs. Thank you for your video and how clearly you explained the process.

[@LittleCocoStudio]

Thank you so much for the kind words! I’m really happy to hear this may have helped a little. There is so much to consider and choose from to right now - it’s been chaotic for me, too. 😅 How might your planner decisions change with the additional consideration of your functional, social, and emotional needs?

[@ruonpaper]

Interesting system, which sounds like a really useful way to keep the distractions and impulses in check and really assess which planners will or will not align with your needs. I haven't really taken the emotional needs into consideration much when looking into next year's system, but those may very well be a deciding factor between two otherwise very similar planners. Very insightful, thank you!

[@LittleCocoStudio]

Thank you so much, Ru! I completely agree with you that making the final decision will likely help me make the final call. What are some of the planners you’re considering? And what do you think about the latest Hobonichi release? 😍

[@ruonpaper]

@@LittleCocoStudio I'm currently thinking of getting a Take a Note A5 and a Hobonichi Weeks. The basic grey Weeks looks like it'll be fun to personalise with some stickers. And I really like the brown Arlettone cover, so I might get that one for the Take a Note! There are so many beautiful items in this year's release! Not everything is my style but I appreciate the diversity - I feel like there's something for everyone. 😊

[@Addicted2Planning]

I feel like the SI N1 Vertical Full year is your holy grail! Travelers company size, all in one book, weekly vertical layout, lay flat book. Plenty of blank pages at the back.

[@LittleCocoStudio]

Yes, it’s a strong contender! 😍 I do think I want my pages to be dated, but I might be willing to sit down and pre-date the pages. I’m looking into date stamps right now. 😅

[@chapter48creative]

I found your channel about a week ago and am so happy I did. I do something similar to sort through planner lineup decisions. Your method adds some extra considerations I might have to try. ❤

[@LittleCocoStudio]

Thank you for your kind words! What are some of the additional things you’re considering now? :)

[@Adventuresover40]

This is great. I really like this system you used. Thank you so much for sharing.

[@LittleCocoStudio]

Thank you so much! I find it very simple, yet effective whenever I’m feeling overwhelmed with indecision (which is often 😂)

[@Adventuresover40]

@@LittleCocoStudio hehe I hear ya!! Im going to try this system out when I am faced with indecision.

[@debbiedeas]

This was so helpful! I identify with a lot of what you’re looking for in a planner.

[@LittleCocoStudio]

Thank you so much for your kind words! 🥰

[@riesemma]

I wish there were more B6 planners.. The sweet spot for being able to use the monthly calender and vertical weekly but more portable than A5

[@LittleCocoStudio]

Yes, so true! I used a B6 notebook last year and could immediately see why it’s such a popular size.

[@JustScribble]

There are quite a few B6 planners out there. PapertessDesigns, Sterling Ink, Take A Note, The Journey Planner from Nisha Fernando, Twines & Papers Hybrid planner, The Rosey Life Planner, AuraEstelle, Mujo, Midori, the PAL planner are some off the top of my head. I know a lot have asked me to add that to my lineup for 2026…for my first year I had to limit sizes offered because it’s a risk and a lot of work.

[@sarahshahin2141]

i really like your method and closig thoughts,, logical and simple approach

[@LittleCocoStudio]

Thank you so much! 🥰

[@LovetheWord311]

Congrats on going through this thoughtful process. SO needed for grounding and settling ourselves down. Thank you!!❤

[@LittleCocoStudio]

Thank you so much! I agree - it’s very grounding! I like doing activities like this when I feel like I have a lot swimming around in my brain and I need to slow my thoughts down so I can make actual decisions. 😅

[@IAmWillJR]

Thank you for sharing! Would totally use this system of breaking down needs. As I am starting to become more interested in working out and such!

[@LittleCocoStudio]

Thank you so much! I’d love to know what conclusions you come to if you try out this exercise! I’ve seen a lot of people using daily planners as exercise logs!

[@mids_mids]

this video has been absolutely helpful, breaking down your needs in that way it’s incredible. Thank you so much for it.

[@LittleCocoStudio]

Thank you so much! I’m really glad to hear that you’ve found it helpful! 🥰

[@PlanYourOneLife]

The Pilot Prera is one of my favorites pens. I have it Ivory and Vivid Pink. I'm sure that you'll enjoy it too. I feel the same way about the Hobonichi Weeks, their covers are hard to resist.

[@LittleCocoStudio]

It’s such a great pen! That ivory is gorgeous, and how fun would the pink one be with a bright pink ink?!?! Which of the Weeks covers are you gravitating towards this year? I’m getting annoyed at myself for how much I’m liking them all. 😂

[@Jlynn197]

This is a great idea

[@LittleCocoStudio]

Thank you! 🥰

[@JustScribble]

TAN has a B6 which is like a Nolty memo layout. They don’t just have the two day per page vertical layout. And they have a standard too that’s a full year though it’s horizontal.

[@LittleCocoStudio]

ohhh, good to know! Thank you!

[@dontbringmedown70]

There are horizontal and vertical Wonderland 222 planners

[@LittleCocoStudio]

You’re right! I missed that when I was first looking at their planners!

[@syddlinden8966]

I'm trying to get everything into one notebook. Used to have things on a wall calendar, journal, and a writing notebook. Then I moved to bujo for several years. For next year I'm trying having all my spreads done up already to see if it helps with the actually using them part, and for '26 I'm either going to try a Hobonichi Cousin or a super traditional, super paired down bujo. I like that the cousin had the whole year, but the perk of the traditional bujo format is the running dailies mean I could common place or write really easily over several pages for one day. I may end up with a tracker and journal, and a separate writing notebook again, but if i can find a way to fit it all into one place i think that would make my brain really happy. I've gotten really tired of having to check several places for where i put a note about a project or scene I'm working on.

[@syddlinden8966]

My needs: Daily time tracking Fountain pen paper Full page dailies for journaling or notes Monthlies with Monday start Space for Spending, hours, and reading trackers, etc A5 or B5, b5 pref Smaller grid Clean look Plastic free cover options - linen or plain board Lie flat sewn binding

[@LittleCocoStudio]

Love your list of needs!!! I am with you on the fountain pen friendly paper, small grid, and lay flat sewn binding! 😍 I can also relate the frustration of not knowing where I’ve noted things down. My brain seems to be happier when I compartmentalize certain things, but when it comes to daily to-dos and my schedule, I’m lost if they aren’t together! I have such a soft spot for my Cousin. It was perfect when I was working and studying from home. It never left my desk, and I had enough blank pages from unused days that I could always find additional space to write more if I needed it.

[@craigholmes9396]

Sterling Ink looks pretty flexible, not nearly as structured as the Hobonichi. That would definitely be a step in a different direction. I used your exact method to make my selection last year. I have a Cousin now and I believe that I will downsize to an Original and add the Weeks later if need be. I have a concern about enough free space for journaling, and other activities. We shall see.

[@LittleCocoStudio]

I have been very interested in Sterling Ink for a while. I've tried a few of their notebooks, and had some issues with the binding. At the same time, I got some of the first versions and I've read that they've improved it since. I have a similar concerns about journalling - currently, I journal in a blank book, but I like the idea (or challenge?) of journalling in a one page per day book. I'm thinking about trying out a compact common planner (TN size) as a memory keeper. I'm still undecided, and I'm also waiting to see what the prices will be for each book!

[@JustScribble]

If you liked or would be ok with a 2 book set you might really like my planners. They are very functional but aesthetically pleasing too. My A6 is horizontal but it’s a unique dashboard and the dailies have timelines.

[@LittleCocoStudio]

You have created some amazing planners! 😍 I also love the almond colour you chose for your covers! I'm hoping to stick with one book next year, but I see the appeal of using a 2 book set, and I might try that out in a future year!

[@JustScribble]

@@LittleCocoStudio thank you! I truly understand wanting one book for the year. With 384 pages in each book of my planner it would be just too thick to be functional but also I’ve found many need a refresh and revamp mid year and getting a fresh start in book 2 helps with the want to planner hop for many so it was an easy decision to do a two book set. It’s like the excitement of planner season (and the new school year supply shopping) twice a year 😝

[@kellymcdaniel6272]

I also really want an a6 version of the daily planner from Sterling ink! The way I imagine it, if I could get an a six, hoping Nichi cousin, but in the sterling Inc. formats, that’s perfection. If I can’t, then, I go for the sterling Inc. vertical weekly booklets, and a travelers company, monthly booklets, both in passport size than I usually go for a daily in more of an astrology, hardcover format like the magic of eye, or moon faze Studios.

[@LittleCocoStudio]

Yes! A Cousin in an A6 size would be amazing! But I have to give Sterling Ink a lot of credit for making as many planner options as they do. I can barely keep up! 🤯 I love my TN passport, but I think that might be too small for me if I wanted to use the weekly vertical. I haven’t really been able to use it much except as a wallet and sticker release book. It was hard enough to downsize from an A5 vertical weekly to a slightly smaller than A6 sized one!

[@margkre]

Love this process ! I do it a bit less structured, but it helps me a lot ! Foe your info, papertess designs planners lay flat, tn included. And check out just scribble new planner in preorder, it's amazing and available in a5 and a6 😉

[@LittleCocoStudio]

Ooh, that is good to know about PTD! It’s a very minimal, but pretty layout! I’ll have to see if they have a plastic cover, so I wouldn’t have to put the TN string in the book. Thank you for the reminder about Just Scribble! I’ll have to look at their offering!

[@Chaos_and_Creativity]

​@@LittleCocoStudioCheck into lauren phelps designs... She has a TN cover that makes it where you dont put your actual books on strings... Just the cover... And you can even add like 5 notebooks to just the cover... Best thing ive seen for TNs!

[@melissam3072]

I've found rings soooo overwhelming. Wonderland 222 A5 full year stacked weekends is what I'm going with this year. I get 90% of my needs met with this planner. Also W222 is vertical, not horizontal - just FYI.

[@LittleCocoStudio]

Ooh!! You’re right about W222! 🤔😍 I read that they’re using the Tomoegawa TR paper as well! I’m glad I’m not the only one who finds Rings overwhelming. So many creators are using them, and I love how personalized they make them! But, for me out of sight = out of mind, so I prefer to have everything together in one book.

[@melissam3072]

@@LittleCocoStudio They are! it's crazy the difference between the two TR papers!

[@JustScribble]

SterlingInk doesn’t have a planner that has dated dailies plus daily weeklies. It’s dated in one or the other. And I don’t think they have an A6 daily (which again has no weekly spread).

[@LittleCocoStudio]

You're right! I made an assumption that it would come in an A6 size when I heard about the dated planners. And, the fact that they're without weeklies, makes it comparable to what Hobonichi is offering with the Original A6.

[@JustScribble]

@@LittleCocoStudio I had expected it too honestly.

[@barryporter6993]

I am intrigued by the Franklin Covey system.

[@LittleCocoStudio]

Ooh! I haven’t looked into that system too much. What about it is intriguing you?

[@barryporter6993]

@@LittleCocoStudio first is its history. Many of the business people I knew depended on that system. The second is its flexibility and adaptability. There is even a "historical " storage option.. There is on line training available. it has fascinated me.

[@barryporter6993]

@@LittleCocoStudio kzbin.info/www/bejne/oGOUm6OedpaEZq8

[@barryporter6993]

plese tell us what tea you are drinking :):)

[@LittleCocoStudio]

I was drinking a mint tea! ☺️

[@ProofByConundrum]

Thank you for demonstrating this process! That was very helpful.

[@LittleCocoStudio]

Thank you so much! I’m glad you found it helpful 🥰