The Ultimate Guide to a Functional Planner Setup

Are you ready to get your planner setup for Functional Planning so that you can get more done and organize your life? This training is going to answer all your questions about choosing and setting up a functional planner!
Timestamps
0:00 - 4:35 | Introduction
4:35 - 10:48 | How many planners should I use?
10:48 - 27:12 | What style planner should I choose?
27:12- 1:05:30 | Which planner inserts should I use to make my planner functional
1:05:30 - 1:09:51 | How should I organize my tabs and sections?
1:09:51 - 1:10:37 | Discount Code
1:10:37 | Outtro
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→ MENTIONED IN THIS VIDEO
✔︎ The Functional Planning Handbook: bit.ly/functionalplanning
✔︎ The Master Planner System: www.strangecharmed.com/shop/p...
✔︎ The Advent of Productivity Calendar: www.strangecharmed.com/shop/p...
✔︎ The CEO Strategy Planner: www.strangecharmed.com/shop/p...
✔︎ Financial Planning Bundle: www.strangecharmed.com/shop/p...
✔︎ Tarot Journal: www.strangecharmed.com/shop/p...
✔︎ Meeting Notes: www.strangecharmed.com/shop/p...
✔︎ Workflow Tracker: www.strangecharmed.com/shop/p...
✔︎ Meal Planner: www.strangecharmed.com/shop/p...
✔︎ The Charmed Life Master Mind: bit.ly/JOINPPMM
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→ WHAT'S NEXT?
✔︎ BUY MY BEST SELLING PRODUTIVITY BOOK: bit.ly/functionalplanning
✔︎ DISCOVER YOUR PRODUCTIVITY ISSUES: bit.ly/charmedgtdpa
✔︎ MY LIVE CLASS SCHEDULE: bit.ly/LiveBizPlanning
✔︎ BUY MY FUNCTIONAL PLANNER: bit.ly/alexisplanner
✔︎ GET SUPPORT & ACCOUNTABILITY FROM ME: bit.ly/JOINPPMM
___
→ FAQ?
✔︎ SHOP MY TOOLS, CLASSES + COURSES: bit.ly/thecharmedshop
✔︎ MY AMAZON PRODUCTIVITY FAVORITES: bit.ly/amazonproductivity
✔︎ FREE eBOOK AUDIBLE TRIAL: bit.ly/audible2free
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→ FOLLOW ME ONLINE
BLOG: www.strangecharmed.com
INSTAGRAM: / misstrenchcoat
FACEBOOK: / strangeandcharmedblog
TWITTER: / misstrenchcoat
PINTEREST: / misstrenchcoat
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→ EMAIL ME WITH QUESTIONS OR INQUIRIES
alexis [at] strangecharmed [dot] com
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→ ABOUT THIS CHANNEL
Hi, my name is Alexis but I’m also known as @MissTrenchcoat all across the internet. I’m an online entrepreneur who helps ambitious women plan for a balanced, successful life and business! I design productivity tools, classes and courses based on the latest productivity science and research. Welcome to my KZbin channel where I make regular videos on the topics of productivity, planning and online business to help you get all your big thoughts, plans, dreams and ideas out of your head and onto paper so you can get down to business creating your dream life! I teach a unique approach to productivity that focuses less on the daily grind and more on gaining clarity on your priorities and goals. To me, the answer to upleveling your productivity isn't hustle, hustle hustle! The answer I have found is to get your mind clear on what you want to achieve, and then creating a simple, streamlined strategy to help you make it happen. From experience I have found, if you get your head in the right place and then plan better, you will end up having to take less action which saves so much time, energy and stress! I welcome you to join me with an open mind and a notebook, because if you are ready to learn a better path to productivity, I have a lot to teach you!
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→ 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!

[@Sustainable.Motherhood]

I haven’t finished watching this video but as I was listening to you answer the first question I realized you’re unlike other planner personas on YT (one planner one life, not having multiple) thank you for being your and not changing your planning according to trends. It is refreshing to see someone stick to what actually works rather than chasing the latest shiny thing . I’m here to listen to all the answers to all the q’s. New sub here 😊

[@trishhicks1020]

not a busy person, but love the planner world. So looking for help

[@lbrowning2543]

Q1 You answered it. I use one planner but have infinite numbers of notebooks for research, writing, various projects and journaling.

[@natalinavarro7883]

Me too!

[@nicolashea8234]

Q1 I have 2 planners, 1 personal and 1 work ... both very separate.. I don't need to see work in the evenings 😆

[@annefrance9282]

Thank you for saying that every size is portable! I have two A4 discbound notebooks: one for work, that doesn't leave work (or only occasionally) and one for private. Before that, I tried lots of different sizes, line-types, styles.... I also use different notebooks for different projects & journaling and things like that in different sizes. But planning is only the two A4 planners. I make my own inserts and I found that daily inserts work the best for me. And I make my daily inserts based on the Franklin Covey system which I found very appealing and functional. I just added some trackers I needed for myself.

[@alexrc7146]

Oh my god! I needed this! I was thinking of changing my planner, I've been using a blank notebook and kinda bullet journaling but I noticed I left many pages blank because I felt it was too much work. I've been following you for years and always wanted to have a planner similar to yours and this is just perfect! I needed an answer for q1, 2, 3 and 4 hahaha thank you so much Alexis! You're the best!!

[@karenlebeter4196]

I have been a functional planner since 1979. Franklin Compact since 1992. Now retired. More health info with a watch that tracks stuff. Using a 2nd Happy vertical for household projects and my genealogy research for a book.

[@subashnigovender807]

I really appreciate this video. as someone who is easily influenced due to fomo I tend to want what everyone has and is promoting. After wasting so much money on so many things I don't use now I'm learning to be intentional about my planner

[@michelleachacoso4983]

I’m Michelle from Austin, TX. I’ve enjoyed your channel for years. Thank you for all you do!

[@MissTrenchcoat]

Thank you for the comment and letting me know! It’s great to hear from you Michelle!

[@msleahnicole]

This came RIGHT on time... Thank you so much for this! So helpful as always!

[@TheRealGrannyWeatherwax]

Definitely staying with one planner in 2023, but throwing in a different size just to confuse things. I work best in B5 size, which is roughly the size of a Classic Happy Planner.

[@socialdeviant13]

Q1: I use 1 planner and a few notebooks (contacts and personal study). While I do deal with PHI, I keep it to chart numbers and acronyms or CPT codes. That way, I'm not actually walking around with PHI while grocery shopping. Q2: I use a Classic HP or "half-sheet" size disc planner. The MCO nurse and office manager use Big or "full-sheet" planners, and two MAs use the Mini size. Q3: I found love in daily sheets. I have a lot to keep track of on a daily basis, like phone calls, auths, provider messages, etc. I tried to use weekly spreads, but the vertical, horizontal, and dashboard layouts just don't have the space to allow me to both sticker AND plan. And just planning without spreading it out across the sheet makes it hard to see what I need to do. I'm also noticing a monthly log and weekly sheet would be helpful, but the majority of my work seems to need to be on daily sheets.

[@alicewarner9331]

We will be fixing up our house and yard next year and this planner system would be great for budget of each project and time line and what we need to buy for each one. And other things I haven't brain dumped yet. Lol Oh, like what I will be doing and what my husband will do and what we will hire out. 😅

[@melissanoble1621]

Q: All of them! I want to use only one planner, I will make a calendar maybe write down goals and then I don't look at it again. I am at a loss on how to set it up. What I want to use my planner for is; projects, I am currently making two quilts at once, it's a block a month project. Tasks for home Appointments Tracking finances Tracking weight loss Tracking stocks ( just started) Reading Spiritual and general and learning. Q2. What type should I use Q3. What inserts should I use Q4... Thank you for all your help. You make sense😁❤️

[@diverstalent]

Thank you so much! Sousan

[@glitterxgore6943]

I tried the stack of planners thing. Heck I tried multiple planners in one. Ended up completely overwhelmed and stopped all of it.

[@MissTrenchcoat]

More planners more problems!

[@jessicasplans6848]

Wow I am kind of at a loss for the first time watching your videos. While I agree about the multiple planners situation, more planners does create more problems. I have been guilty of buying more planners then what one person should have or attempt to use. I am now realizing that I was buying all the pretty new planners and trying to fit them in to some over complicated system on a one way trip to failure, frustration, and all those feeling that come with it. But the answer you gave about the multiple planner and the people that use them was absolutely heart breaking. I hear you and your opinion, but you put everyone that has multiple planners in a horrible light. While yes there are creators that are exactly as you said, and it’s pretty clear which are. Even if it’s not right away, it always comes clear. But I use 6 planners myself. I have purchased all of them my self, I’m not trying to sell or I am not given anything to use my planner system. When I post my first video and everyone after that, it’s going to be me sharing what I am doing along my journey. I do have upmost respect for you, and all your work, but I wanted to respectfully disagree and say what’s on my heart. I have watched your planner for years, and loving how it has evolved. Every year gets better and better, and this year is no exception. It’s a relief and a gift to watch the creator go through and share their planner with the intentions, plus giving additional ideas of how to make it better for us. That so rarely happens now, but appreciated more then you know.

[@MissTrenchcoat]

Hi Jessica- I'm honestly not sure what I said that was so heartbreaking. I definitely did not put down anyone who used multiple planners- it was pretty clear I was talking about not allowing people you see online to influence you into thinking multiple planners is better- a point you seem to agree with in your response. I'm thinking something about this discussion may have personally triggered you as you shared you use 6 planners and are perhaps also a planner influencer yourself? If your multi-planner system is overly complicating things, I recommend cutting back to one binder and filling it with the pieces from each of those 6 planners that you use. My main point here is to stop working so hard to make multiple planners work- just because you have them and bought them and want to use them, doesn't mean it's effective. I don't want anyone to waste their time, it's a precious resource and that's why planning is so important! Best of luck to you with your planner journey!

[@jessicasplans6848]

@@MissTrenchcoat thank you for the response. I understand more what you where saying in the video. And thank you for being open for a conversation. I was hoping my comment was not going to upset, offend, or be taken as trolling because nothing of further from the truth. Now I understand where you where coming from and it makes sense.

[@Laura-je2uw]

A horrible light? Did we watch the same Video? Wow, you seem to be a person that gets very easily offended for nothing. Alexis makes incredibly helpful Videos.

[@delphinelb8774]

Q1, hesitating whether or not do a professional planner for projects only (calendar due dates are together in my every day planner)

[@delphinelb8774]

Oh yes I had forgotten “ONE PLANNER, ONE LIFE” thank you Alexis! (Using your 2022 inserts)

[@ferjen1843]

Actually, in the rest of the world (Argentina) we also have Letter and Legal size as in the US and other countries, although our preferred system for sheet size is the ISO A system, from A0 (biggest) to A4 the most used and A5 great for planners.

[@davidstein9129]

This was a very informative video Alexis. Thank You. Perhaps I missed the item but I don't see your 2023 planner available in your store. Where can I purchase it?

[@lisadragon]

I wanted to compartmentalize my work, personal, home and side hustle so I tried using multiple planners but i get overwhelmed yet to put everything into 1 monthly view seems not enough. Its true though, multiple bound books because its not customizable but I was over doing printing and cutting inserts at this point. Struggle!

[@MissTrenchcoat]

Are you saying your monthly view wasn't enough space for everything? Perhaps consider how you can supplement your monthly with other inserts that will organize specific information so you don't have to write it into the monthly calendar. I showed a number of yearly calendars and trackers that could be used to organize data specific information. Or your can come up with a key system to notate items on your calendar without taking up as much space as writing it out fully. Hope this helps!

[@lajourdanne]

I tried using one planner this year. I crashed and burned. My brain likes segmentation and having it all in the same place meant something was going to get missed because my brain sees a bunch of stuff and can’t separate it naturally.

[@MissTrenchcoat]

You’re missing things because you need to slow down and read instead of scanning a page. Segmentation overloads your working memory and erodes your executive function.

[@jennifergunter5526]

Q1