How I Plan in a Simple Spiral Notebook!

[@sharonmitchel1377]

This was a breath of fresh air and yes, common sense! I’m a hybrid planner too. After retiring 4 years ago, I kept looking for the perfect system for my new life. I bought planners, but they were always too big for lugging around or not flexible enough! This year I went back to digital calendaring, but the pesky task list still had me stymied. I started putting information into Reminders on my ipad, periodic tasks like when to change filters, rotate the mattress, etc. The vertical planner I bought was a great place to record what I had done, but really didn’t function well as a task list, so, I went back to a notebook! This week I discovered google tasks. It is wonderful to have on my phone. I’m using it for quick grocery lists and errands and it puts a notification on my google calendar which is always handy. No digging in my purse or pocket for the list! Common sense for the win! But my trusty notebook is great for putting together that weekly or monthly list.

[@ouryarnwhirled]

Common sense and simplicity. This is the way to live life. We only live one day at a time and we need to make each moment count. Thanks for sharing this method with us. 🙂

[@bethyoung3654]

Thank you for promoting simplicity in our planning and life.

[@TrinaOGorman]

I often think about my students, and certainly my own sons, and how I want them to have focus and balance and peace in their lives. That often comes from simplicity and a lack of confusion and yearning.

[@beckyanderson2504]

Keepin' it simple, bravo! Thanks for the vid

[@laurencecassina725]

I’m going to save this video in a new folder titled “no-nonsense planning”! Thank you for putting things in proper perspective: scheduling tasks, commitment and discipline etc. Makes so much sense, and it used to be simple for me before I got caught up in the shiny world of multiple planners. I’m going back to basics, and this just resonates so much!

[@TrinaOGorman]

My approach is an unpopular one in the world of notebooks and planners, but I think it is a focused and balanced approach amidst the current chaos.

[@laurencecassina725]

@@TrinaOGorman I often think in the past I used to enjoy the activity versus retail therapy or envy, and I'm relearning that when I actually use what I have, it brings so much more joy! I think we need more people giving a reality check as you do. Thank you!

[@kathleenlavender029]

I retired from practicing law in the last year and I've been delighted and a bit surprised that I still use all of the calendaring and "to do" list tools I developed in my long years of practice. As you say -- a lot of it is just common sense and what works for you individually.

[@TrinaOGorman]

People are being taught by influencers, creators, and algorithms not to trust their own commonsense.

[@jensplannersandjesus]

I liked. I’m commenting and I have subscribed. Looking forward to watching more of your videos.

[@TrinaOGorman]

Thank you. ❤️

[@marydrummond8832]

Well done . Thank you .

[@heartquaked]

I love this! I very recntly ditched my monthly planner for a spiral notebook. I decided the planner was too restrictive to me... It barely fit everything I needed to remember for my workday. Now I can make a whole page of things to do for the day, add all kinds of fun stickers and colors on it and also include things to do after work in order to take care of myself. Thank you for this video!!

[@TrinaOGorman]

Thank you for watching.

[@lindseyberrum]

I love the simplicity of a notebook. Why have I been paying $60 + bucks for fancy planners that I don't fill out entirely?

[@TrinaOGorman]

The question remains a mystery to many.

[@lindaholbrook7447]

Thank you for bringing me back to earth!

[@TrinaOGorman]

I don’t know how or when it all became so complicated.

[@melanieswritingplans]

This was a great video! I agree 100% that if you don't have intentions to go along with your planning - however it's done - it's not going to get done. For me personally, I'll have life "seasons" that can affect how likely I am to complete certain tasks on specific days of the week if my mental health is requiring the majority of my energy. I'll still get the items done during that current week, but it'll be an "as I feel like it" kind of thing. But I definitely don't do that all the time because like you said - things will never get done!

[@TrinaOGorman]

I am glad you enjoyed it! It’s probably impossible for anyone to be productive all of the time. Our moods and mental states will definitely affect how we get things done! ❤

[@mommyingBetchay]

I like this comment. Although I hear it from women planners from time to time, I am still in the adjustment phase of accepting days when I am not able to do a lot.

[@TrinaOGorman]

I’m not sure what you mean. Did you recently become a parent?

[@melanieswritingplans]

@@TrinaOGorman My apologies for the confusion! I have bipolar II and generalized anxiety disorder...I can go for days/weeks/months being on top of my game, and other times NOTHING gets done. Even with help from my husband I can still fall behind, and then I feel more anxious to do stuff but I don't have the willpower to do it. I hope that helps!

[@findingpeace3963]

This was a great video! It was very simple and explained how our internal intention is a requirement to achieving our goals.

[@TrinaOGorman]

I'm glad you found it to be helpful.

[@mitomom4947]

Awesome! Totally agree!

[@masalladelaverdad]

I appreciate this perspective!!

[@TrinaOGorman]

I'm glad.

[@UnearthingtheGift]

I like this approach and do something similar except the scheduling into my phone calendar, I think that would help a lot!

[@TrinaOGorman]

If it’s not in my phone, it’s not going to happen!

[@bethj4197]

New subscriber; loved this video

[@TrinaOGorman]

Hi! Welcome to my channel. I'm glad you enjoyed it. I love may spiral notebook these days.

[@meganregel3441]

Something doesn't have to be difficult or complicated to be a system. You have a system, it's just simple and seems obvious to you! Friends- if you do all of this and still find yourself not getting the things done, you may have ADHD or another kind of neurodivergence. I take issue with the idea that if you don't do a thing you want to do, then you must not really want to do it. It's simply not true for everyone (which isn't to say it is never true).

[@TrinaOGorman]

Human behavior is often not that cut and dry or something that can be explained away with analogue tools and a writing/planning/organizing system. People have all different things going on in their lives.

[@meganregel3441]

​@@TrinaOGorman You are absolutely correct that human behavior is complicated! There are so many possibilities and you're not responsible for mentioning all of them. I'm sorry for my harsh phrasing! ADHD is merely a possibility for those who see this, *know* they do want the thing and *are* trying hard to achieve it, but seem to keep falling short. (I see you!) This is especially true for femme presenting people because ADHD has been historically overlooked. A social media post (ok, a LOT of them) helped me and maybe this will help someone else.

[@TrinaOGorman]

@@meganregel3441 This is great. Thank you.

[@katsmith8263]

I thought you're going to show ys your notebook

[@TrinaOGorman]

There are two glimpses embedded in the video of me writing in my notebook. I didn’t think anything more was needed to explain the monthly and weekly layouts.

[@ranaaltaani]

Do you plan in between your note pages? An how do you refer to your plan during the day or the week? And during your work day do you use a separate system/ notebook for your work notes and work related things? Thanks in advance🌸

[@TrinaOGorman]

I plan in my head, sometimes on paper. I put appointments and scheduled tasks in a digital calendar. I break down larger projects and do the smaller tasks as they need to be done. The steps for planning and executing tasks don’t change, but motivation is key. I think a lot of the extra attention paid to processes is distracting. Does that make sense?