6 Ways to Make Planning a Habit // My Tips on How To Stick to Writing in Your Planner!

[@growinghumblyandbeautifull1881]

I appreciate the fact of you telling us to use 1 planner. For me, it works. I tried to use more than one planner, but it is overwhelming. Thank you.

[@kathiejones1612]

Great video! I subscribed before I was halfway through it. I’m retired now but I used a planner for 30 years - kept it on my desk, open, at all times. I did the Franklin Covey thing for years, and worked the system, tracking everything- conversations with people if I felt like it was important, meeting notes, travel planning, goals - everything. I feel I’m a lot like you - dozens of hobbies, I lose track of things if I don’t write them down, all or nothing sometimes. So a planner kept me on track at work. But I always used colorful pens and highlighters and even doodles to make it more interesting for me. I even added a few small stickers from my kid’s collections every once in awhile. I really wanted to do more but didn’t know how. Fast forward to about three years after retirement- stopped using a planner after I retired. Just lost track of things, feeling like I wasn’t accomplishing anything. Two years ago, I discovered the planner community on KZbin. Who knew?!?! So of course I went crazy (all or nothing, right?) and bought a ton of stuff. But now I have a beautiful planner page to look at and I keep finding wonderful functional planning tips. I feel so much more in control of my life now (again). I would break it down this way - decorating a planner is a hobby. Using a planner is essential! Thank you for a great video!

[@PlanningwithBumble]

Thank you for subscribing! Yep you sound a lot like me! Lol

[@debra9024]

Thank you Mary Ellen - this video is just what I needed!! You and Heather Kell introduced me to Happy Planner about a year ago. Your beautiful spreads and the color drew me in. But I’m still struggling with making my planner a habit. I’d describe myself as more of a “collector” than planner. I love buying the merch but then I get it home and am stuck. So I’ve got quite the stash!! I’m also an all or nothing kind of person. Thanks again!!

[@memoir02]

Yes! I was there too! I bought almost all the things over the last few years since I discovered Happy Planner. But I realized the products alone were not gonna make me productive or make me commit to planning. It wasn't until this year during quarantine that I buckled down and decided to figure out my planning style/strategy and now I'm excited to plan again! And I'm slowly commiting to my lists 😀

[@lifeasqueline]

@@memoir02 omg I'm the same way. The last couple months I've been doing the same thing and already seeing results. Like ok let's see what happens if I just keep following the plan!

[@mammabear379]

@@memoir02 i have been the opposite, I had been doing great writing in my planner until the quarantine. Since everything has been cancelled i just haven't had any motivation to plan. I wasn't even watching planner videos or anything. Now I'm going to be homeschooling 3 kids for the first time and I need my planner.

[@shaylaboykin8806]

Debra DeCaro OMG!!!!!!!! This is sooooo me!!!! I'm glad I'm not alone in this struggle.

[@paulamccourt8550]

@@mammabear379 omg! 2yrs on How's homeschooling 3 children?? I've 4 children 18 13 4 and 2 I love time with them but I couldn't imagine home schooling. Wow well done!! In lockdown it was hard enough getting my 13 Yr old to get online for video link lessons so hat off to you well done 😊

[@carolynmoore2144]

Planning with others is a great way to stay consistant. My daughters and I have planning meetings, even over zoom, and create our own challenges. Makes planning so much fun!

[@denisebrandenburg5564]

My sister and cousin and I do that too. Sometimes it is silent and my hubby just shakes his head. “Why are you all on the video you aren’t even visiting?!”

[@francinegolden9199]

That is so cool. I would love to plan with my mom.

[@lisas3724]

Thank you for this video. Ever since we've been under stay at home orders with this pandemic I've struggled with planning since many of my commitments have been put on hold. But now I'm beginning to use my planner for my own time and my home and family. Thank you for all your inspiration.

[@francinegolden9199]

I knew their was a reason I enjoy you. You are like me. In my 20s I probably bought 2 Franklin and Covey planners a year. Every time I would say I’m going to plan and be more organized. I was never successful. Ever since the utube planner community videos, I have been so challenged and motivated. You are my new favorite

[@debrabaney8824]

Everything you said is so true! I have a cat calendar that I loved, so I've been cutting the cats out and using them as the inspiration for several of my spreads! I have just under two years till I retire, so I see this, besides my sewing, as another great outlet for my creativity!!

[@TarynWestover]

I like you channel! I have been using the Happy Planner since February (2020). I know, bad time to start! The way I have made mine a habit is I use Habit Trackers to track my medications since I have to take different ones at different times of the day. I am 64 and live with my parents who are 84. So I keep appointments for all three of us in my planner. So I have to look at it everyday.

[@mammabear379]

I really loved this video. I have been in a planner slump since Covid19 because everything was cancelled and things have been more hectic. My problem is that I love decorating my planner with a ton of stickers but i hate writing in it. I have a classic planner and a skinny classic decorated for the whole year and nothing on the pages. I need to find a way to get over this slump and put pen to paper literally. I am one of those people who has IG and never posts on it too. The only constant since I started planning has been your videos. I wish I could be a Patreon. You deserve it. ♡♡♡

[@flyspotter4404]

Thanks for the recommendations and encouragement, Mary Ellen. I have started with planners several times, but they always seem to go by the wayside, for one reason or another. My life shows it, too- can't find anything haha! I am trying again, simpler this time, and I will be hanging out to learn more from the planner community. Thanks again!

[@lkhorvath4]

I have so many planners/ calenders that have 3 months done and that's it. Thanks for the ideas

[@lindalimkemann7055]

Thank you so much for this video....I was feeling so planner inadequate because I only use a catch-all and budget planner...you saying that you would only use 1 or 2 was the best! I love your layouts, you are a crack up.... you keep me entertained through all this COVID stuff... and by the way the taste video you did with your hunny was too adorable... thank you for keeping us inspired:)

[@francescam.e.1884]

Thank you for sharing this. I really needed these tips. I’ve been too hard on myself with the decorating part that it’s not good enough so I’ve not been touching it. I recently went from a HP classic to a big and love your spreads. I know it takes time to develop my own style and I have to give myself grace to do that. Keep doing these types of videos too in addition to your spreads. I’d love for you to explore the idea of the fear of planning, hoarding stickers and being afraid to make mistakes or that it doesn’t look good. That’s my issue I need to get over! 😊

[@iyamom4]

Come on and let go we all make mistakes in writing stuff down. You can cut little post it(r) if that helps and put them in the box. Just get it in front of you. Our heads are reaching capacity and you have to have some free space in there.

[@jurienafrans3328]

This video is very informative. I like your statement you are doing this for your job like a content creator. I was lost whit watching videos whit people having a lot of planners. Some point it was like make me crazy because one planner was enough for me and I was feeling me bet about. I like the statement that you say is my planner and has to do how I like it. I begin decorating and posting on IG for the people and not for my self. Thank you so much for this video🌹❤🤗

[@cheyennevelasco2569]

I just got into planner decorating last week, and I’ve been so excited about it. I have always been the type to buy a planner and write in it a couple of times then forget about it. I started feeling overwhelmed and started forgetting about events and birthday’s, things I needed to do etc.. so I decided it was time for a planner and to make it fun. This video was so helpful, thank you for your awesome content!

[@cyndiramirez2916]

Planning for me is one functional and secondly therapeutic

[@Angelina_Rose]

Cyndi Ramirez it feels therapeutic for me too. Organizes my head. But I switched from one functional planner to happy planner and I have spent like $200 in stickers 😱😱😱

[@PlanningwithBumble]

Yes it’s therapeutic for me as well.

[@barbarap6851]

Hi, Mary Ellen! I think everything you said is true! I actually do all 5. Decorating and using a planner has changed how organized and accomplished I am! I love using my planner and set it up every Sunday for the week. Love your videos!

[@luckystamper]

Great video. I know some people will say you have an IPhone to keep everything, problem is I click off of the reminder and it is gone, my planner sits there in front of me. Also, writing it done for the next week it reminds me of what needs to be done ahead of time, not when my phone says don’t forget a day or hour before. I design and make jewelry and it keeps me on track with ideas/brain dump so I don’t forget or taking pics, IG, Etsy, orders. So having it in front of me on paper is better.

[@iyamom4]

No iphone but I can agree with you on the snooze and forget it part.🙋🏾‍♀️

[@chanteelangford9993]

Thanks for making this video. It couldn’t have come at a better time. Was starting to feel pretty guilty about starting and stopping decorating my planner and posting on IG. Even with so many others starting to follow me. Hope to use the Great info. and tips you’ve mentioned in the video. Always enjoyed watching your channel.

[@reneeleckscheid1552]

I have been bullet journaling/planning for my own enjoyment since 2016. I wasn't sure I would stick with it, so I started with just a simple lined journal. It helped me stay on track and record things I needed to remember and got my creative juices flowing again. Planning is my 'me time.' Loving your creativity and I always get some great tips and tricks from you. Thank you Mary Ellen!

[@katrinacole6741]

Great video, This HP system has gotten me on track, I complete things, and I have fun making it pretty.

[@lauriehester2402]

Thank you for this. I am not new to planning, but I always learn something new from you. This is a great reminder of why I started this year with a Happy Planner.

[@scifithinker8899]

I missed doing a spread last week, so I skipped it, and did a pretty one this week. I just keep reminding myself that I'm off my game because of the pandemic, and that's normal considering how abnormal circumstances are right now. Nice video, Mary Ellen.

[@allprayedup3847]

Hi Mary Ellen , you are right on with your statements. Wish I would have realized some of these tips. I working on being consistent and found that one planner is working for me, but I realized that I needed to put all my planners that I’m using in one place or binder I think you all call it a catch all. I love eating your videos and thanks for sharing your journey😊

[@shaustin22]

Some people are not naturally creative so they have to copy what others do. I see many planners on KZbin who copy each other. What I don’t like is when they don’t credit where they got the idea. 🌸💕🌸💕🌸

[@PlanningwithBumble]

Yes, I am totally okay with copying, if people choose to do so and give credit! Maybe my thoughts came out wrong there. I guess I just think that you'll get more out of your planner if you create what is right for YOU. If copying spreads makes you happy than I'm all for it!

[@jessicacoley8745]

loved the advice, i find it as therapy,

[@Angelina_Rose]

Very helpful! Thank you! I agree it takes a while. I am in a transition mode but have been using a planner for a year and loved it. I still rely too much on my head but want to give more license to have everything written and check it everyday. Thanks again ❤️👏🏼

[@garysiegel2875]

I love the happy planner. It’s a creative outlet for me. I love to decorate with stickers. I usually have theme. I have 2 children. A daughter and a sad on. My daughter is getting married next year. So I need to keep track of everything for the wedding. As for my son he is an autistic young man who is slightly mentally challenged. Plus I work full time outside the home. So between my family appointments and work schedules etc I really need a planner. I really love the disk bound system, it’s so versatile. I watch your videos all the time and learn so much.

[@allyemily1435]

I need to keep two planners because I don't want my personal stuff in my work planner, but actually needed to realize the opposite from your advice. I decorate my work planner, but the way I finally got my personal planner to become a habit was to make it as absolutely minimal as possible - just a notebook where I write bullet points in whatever pen is handy about what I did that day or need to do in the next week. I'm playing with an additional, decorated personal memory planner, but that's purely for fun when I feel like going back to my daily planner and making those memories pretty, usually weeks or months later.

[@staciecrews9625]

Ty for this video. You look radiant today.

[@PlanningwithBumble]

Thanks so much!

[@sandiarnold6707]

Good info. I have used planners for year. 1 for work and one personal. I'm also a scrapbooker and things changed It took me about a half a year to change. I actually now have 3 planners and also use my phone and alarms. 1 planner is for my budget since I know longer have a salary and bonus checks I've to stAy on budget. One is a memory planner and I add pictures and decorations. Now my scrapbooks are just my trips and things I do with my grown daughter. My everyday chores and activities and I use the ones that came in a 5 by 7 pad form. It stays in the drawer in my night stand and I go over it every night. Just like when I worked I do all my planning on Sunday night

[@KiristieK]

Very timely... i went to find a video for a friend who told me she had problems using the planner regularly... and here was this

[@carolhutner9441]

Thank you, Mary Ellen for sharing these tips. I’m also a 100% or nothing person so I’ve found some planner peace by setting a routine for myself. I always enjoy your video content. 🌻

[@bemechellebland3278]

Very helpful. You are one of my favs. Love your content and you inspire me to beautify my planner. Thanks for sharing!.

[@PlanningwithBumble]

❤️

[@mysfitfitness]

You are the sweetest soul Mary Ellen. Truly. I've been following you since I started this obsession in January of this year. You always radiate such kindness and love. Like most, prior to decorative planning, I bought planners and lost interest after a few weeks. Ive been using HP since Jan. I've definitely discovered I try to take to much on in one day, not realizing how long some tasks will take....lol but planning is cathartic for me. It allows me to turn off part of my brain and turn on the creative side. So, there may be lots of "get to that tomorrow" in my planner but its pretty nonetheless. 😀 Great tips today!

[@sharoncariglio4630]

Thank you for making this video. It helped to hear all of your suggestions. I feel like you made the video just for where I'm at. I found it very helpful and took away some of the guilt I feel for changing planners.

[@lifeasqueline]

This was such a good reminder. I've been doing a good job of actually using my planner this year but the last couple months I was starting to get lax and not really look at it so this comes as a perfect reminder to keep following my plans and actually using the planner cause I'm so much more productive when I'm using a planner.

[@bbresnan7649]

I’ve found that the weeks that I don’t like how I decorated my planner my productivity goes down 😭 because I don’t want to look at it...

[@lifeasqueline]

@@bbresnan7649 Same!

[@PlannerMemaw]

It does feel like a hobby to me. I am new though (to decorative planning). I have used a planner for years but not in this way. And yes, decorating it has kept me consistent with planning.

[@bbresnan7649]

I got into decorative planning during quarantine. I am concerned about how much I’ll be able to stick with these planning habits I’ve developed when I get back into the classroom 😅 thank you for these words of encouragement!

[@elizabethjesenko3098]

Thank you for this - It was so helpful ! Especially using 1 planner- which I’m so guilty of! It seems like anything new - I’m tempted! Your makeup looks great - What lipstick are you wearing?

[@conniec.647]

I had to laugh at your comment about over dosing on hobbies! That's so me too! 🤣

[@iyamom4]

I dont want a cart full of stickers either because I dont get them for free. I have some fun, some fitness and some functional now.

[@plannygabby5723]

Thank you💛💛

[@planswithsuzy]

Hi Mary Ellen! I loved the tips! Also....good to see you in front of the camera 💜

[@PlanningwithBumble]

Thanks! It’s been a while.

[@aimeplans9638]

Thanks so much for this video! I can relate. I won't write it in, if it's not decorative. It has to be appealing to me to want to do it and look at it.

[@scrapjunkie5091]

Yes, helpful video. im gonna share it with some of my new planner babes! ; )

[@fielder1906]

I like the top u r wearing in this video.. looks pretty on U!

[@SweetDreamsofParis]

Great tips and a motivational speech in one video!!! Loved it!!💛

[@kristenwilson2141]

This video truly helped me. Thank you!

[@newyorkgirl6854]

Thank you so much for the planning tips. Great video!!!

[@melissasmith362]

Great video Mary Ellen!! What color nail polish are you wearing I’m loving it!!!!!!

[@PlanningwithBumble]

The hot pink from the DipWell neon starter kit!

[@poole215]

Your videos are always helpful. Thanks for sharing.

[@suzisaintjames]

Here's how I keep my planner front and center of my focus... I notate the time I get up and the time I go to bed. I used to do this on a fancy tracker page... but who has time for that? Right now I notate it on my daily page or if I'm only using a weekly, I notate it there. My "excuse" is that sleep is important... but the practicality of this practice is that it get's me to open up my planner to the page of the day (no matter what format) first thing in the morning and last thing at night... where I "happen" to see my notes from the night before... or make a few, quick notes before I turn the light off. 💖🌞🌵😷 p.s. if you track your water on this page, it keeps you coloring in those glasses of water throughout the day... where you happen to see... something you forgot all about...

[@amyzimmerman8821]

Hi, thank you for the great planner tips! Side tangent: I LOVE your glasses in this video, they look great! Would you be willing to let me know what they are? I am searching for some new ones : )

[@PlanningwithBumble]

Thank you! They're Kate Spade. They are pretty old so not sure they make them anymore but on the inside it says Blakely. Hope it helps!

[@michelletufau9556]

Thanks you for this video! I needed it about 6 months ago though. So I’m the planner that enjoys collecting planner things then I draw a blank when I”m home. Can you offer advice on now what? How do you choose stickers? Do you go through your stash and pick them out in advance, would you stick to just one book at a time as a newbie? One planner... HHmmmnnnn... does a franken planner count? I’m interested in memory keeping but can’t keep up with it, I have a job and a household with three kids. Oh... also on a faith journey... I have a franken planner that includes (big vertical for work, big dashboard for home, big vertical lined for faith, big horizontal for journaling which I don’t seem to get to). I also have a separate fitness planner. I am going to implement your tips and see how it goes. I am all that you said... overwhelmed.

[@scifithinker8899]

I suggest picking the planner that is the most functional for you, and cut back to just that one for a few months. Being overwhelmed isn't helping you. It just makes you feel like a failure. Or, at least it does me.

[@lorinousen4982]

I love your tips! My problem is I do my spread and then I don’t take a picture for days and I don’t want to write in until I take that picture and the week is have over. 😞 also where did you get your baskets you have your planners in?

[@PlanningwithBumble]

Target!

[@robinsprung207]

Great content! Just discovered your channel!

[@PlanningwithBumble]

Thanks for watching!!

[@robinsprung207]

@@PlanningwithBumble You're welcome!

[@lindawoodfill503]

Love 💕 your advice ! Thank you !

[@debwhitmore2574]

Thank you, very helpful advise!

[@katiacalejomora2480]

Thank you for the good advice; I tend to compare myself to other planners. :)

[@janreilly6989]

Thanks for sharing xx ♥

[@liliana1lfr]

Hi, I am new here! Great tips. Do you use a horizontal planner at all?

[@PlanningwithBumble]

I will occasionally decorate one as a tutorial but I don’t use one myself.

[@lisaboland1227]

Gah! Where was this video a year and a half ago? I have so many planners! Like 10 of them. There have been days where I will go through 5+ planners because I can’t make up my mind on which one to use. In ONE day! I’m going to try my best and stick with my Big vertical. Fingers crossed! 🤪🤪

[@PlanningwithBumble]

Let me know how it goes!

[@scifithinker8899]

Good luck!

[@lululovestoplan5401]

Great video - yes agreed about Instagram becoming addictive! And I'm an 'all or nothing' when it comes to junk food :-)

[@kristina4272]

After the summer sales, I ended up with 6 planners!! And I never DO anything!! So every daily plan says, "Read, KZbin. LOL

[@letstalkplans1211]

Cuuute top btw! 😉

[@PlanningwithBumble]

Thanks! I got it at Express last year I think

[@janmiller1850]

Not in that same boat ... just a huge fan. I've learned SO much from watching all of your videos; you have been my main inspiration. Not to copy your spreads or to worry about not being as good as you, just to see the limitless possibilities. So MY #1 tip is to sub to Planning with Bumble and just enjoy the process. 🥰🥰🥰

[@jaclynkenny5107]

Same! I love her content and how neat her spreads are. I feel like my handwriting makes me not like my spread anymore lol.

[@justcallmejo702]

Mary Ellen I love that blouse it is so pretty. 🦋

[@cam_soup4030]

It is hard for me to get a planner because the size I need a bigger one

[@PlanningwithBumble]

Use a big happy planner

[@isaaclikesturtles]

Why does this show up when searching cannon hinnant

[@PlanningwithBumble]

I have NO idea

[@meganm1475]

Does anyone else have writing phobia with their planner? I have it all decorated then don't want to mess it up with my bad handwriting, lol! I know it is just for me, and if I mess it up, there is always whiteout, but wondering if anyone has any tips for this!

[@omgitzsirairhorn]

This video is the 7th video popping up under cannon hannit searches lol..

[@Angelina_Rose]

You would decorate the mini if this weren't your job, I know it :)

[@laramauss1968]

for 20 years I had have simple little black, hourly planners for my busy job. When i lost the job i had time for youtube and I found this hobby. Now I do it every week/day but my schedule is not so important any more......😅🤣😂 But i structure my day and it makes me feel more „useful“ when i see what i did the whole day..

[@Angelina_Rose]

Love this!

[@abrakadabra9033]

You look like you lost some weight and skin looks great. Xoxo

[@PlanningwithBumble]

Thanks! I did get to my goal weight!