Yearly Set Up Process | Thoughts on My Planner and Life for 2024

[@tiffanymo3683]

When no one sees your very personal belongings (planner, journal, etc) you are free from acting for others. Like all us non influencers. So at the risk of sounding cheesy af, plan like no one is watching. We will still love you. If we don’t, good. Be yourself and your people will stay close.

[@evergreeninks]

thank you for this reminder

[@angelabassett7984]

Decision fatigue. YES. The reality is that planners are so much more similar than different and I can make a lot of different planners work just fine. I’ve been complaining to a friend I can’t decide which planner system to use. Her response: Stay off KZbin!

[@evergreeninks]

Stay off KZbin and stay off Instagram! That's what I'm learning too!! 😳

[@clojm2926]

I completely agree with everything you've said. This last year has been full of FOMO, of panic purchasing and I've totalled up (roughly) what I've spent on planners and supplies, most of which haven't been used as completely as I'd have hoped, and I am disgusted with myself. I'm going back to a ring planner in A6 size (one thing my hopping around did for me was to show me that A6 is my preferred size!) and a small A6 notebook for on the go rapid log bujo-style. No stickers or fancy pens, just a gel pen and sometimes I'll paint a little inside if I feel like it. And a simple Rhodia notebook for a journal, and an A6 commonplace notebook. I'm done with it all. I'll still remain in the "community" for the inspiration and the hobby side of it all, but I've made a promise to myself to stick with what I have until at least June. If it isn't working then I'll redo another review. I'm expecting my second baby in the upcoming month so it might just be that I need to tweak my system as I go, but I'm on a no buy. I've set limits in that I can replace anything I need to replace, and I can treat myself to one new cover or rings in June if I manage my no planner hopping/no buy until then. It's gotten ridiculous. Part of me is also a bit annoyed with myself for following the panic marketing. Take SI notebooks for example (no shade, her products are amazing, well thought out, and she truly works hard and deserves all the success!) I hate that I was influenced into buying a bloomin notebook that deep down I knew I didn't need. Alllllll those influencers, the affiliate links, the pushing and and panic was, and still is, ridiculous. I understand that people need and want to make money, but cmon. I even work in marketing and I understand how it works, it just gets my goat a little to have such a powerful push over a notebook 6 months before it can be used. It's. A. Notebook. Getting a 10% discount via an affiliate link on a product you can't touch for 6 months and don't even know if you'll use, and that already exists elsewhere in an extremely similar format is just insane and isn't the super deal you think it is... Anyway. Rant over. Like I said, zero shade, no shop is better than any other, it's all such a panicky stress at the moment. But over the last couple of weeks I've seen more and more videos like this, touching on the consumerism and panic purchasing so hopefully the tides will change.

[@evergreeninks]

Thank you for this! I also don't think I'm the first to say something- I think SamPlans had a video about this out in June or July! So I agree, we're all feeling it. I think your point about sticking with something for a certain point of time and then sitting down with it to review it is a great one. If we mindfully review at regular intervals, I feel like it could help se of the sudden jumps and helps us know what we need better. I'm definitely going to do a system review more than once a year, now that you've mentioned it! And yes, we can see the marketing tactics, know why it's happening, and still feel it's affects. Not sure how to negate or counteract it besides just NOT BEING THERE ... i'm working on that too!

[@clojm2926]

@@evergreeninks yeah I've realised that I need to do more regular reviews of my system and find out what's (not) working and why. And then IF I see a new layout or something I think might be useful, I can draw it out and stick it in my rings to really try it before investing, then review before purchasing. Easier said than done for sure....

[@manu060178]

I totally agree with what you say. My solution for all this was - since I have a Adobe Creative Cloud Subscription - I collected Ideas for inserts and then created my own ones in InDesign. This way I can print them, try them and adjust the layout if needed or even don't print them again. E.g. I saw some inserts with the Hobonichi Weeks Layout and thought: Hm... I want to try if this works for me. So I've ordered a Hobo Weeks for 2023 on Amazon in October 2023 and used it as a second planner (at that date, it was heavily reduced). After that I said: yeah works, recreated it in Indesign and it is now in use in my Ring Planner. And to be honest: a lot of inserts are like: yeah this could come handy but I need other sections, or I don't need this column etc so I have switched from buying to make my own

[@clojm2926]

@@manu060178 good old inDesign!!! I've taken to just drawing them out to give them a quick trial. I bought a Rhodia flip pad to have some nice quality paper for my fountain pens at least, and just draw them. Quick and easy, but not quite as tidy 😉

[@moodles69]

You have articulated this issue so well. I completely agree with you. 🤯

[@evergreeninks]

Thank you, my friend 💚

[@Plan2Run]

I agree with you regarding planner community and consumerism 2023 . I do feel like it exploded durning 2020 and then expanded . Thank you for this video , it was needed .

[@evergreeninks]

Thank you 💚

[@sierranmcmillan]

Thank you for this! I really needed this talk. After watching this, I’m going to do a no-planner-buy year next year and stick in my current system/what I already own.

[@clojm2926]

"what I already own" YASSSSSS I've gone through the mountains of notebooks and paper and stickers and supplies and written an inventory. I'm challenging myself to see how I can reuse / recycle/ finish up everything I already have. I'm extremely lucky in that I can afford this hobby, but just because I can afford it doesn't mean that I can afford to waste resources when the earth is burning. I'm so ashamed of everything I have knocking around and I'm determined not to let it go to waste. There will be a lot of chopping down notebooks in the foreseeable future I think 😅

[@evergreeninks]

I'm also feeling this way! I think at most what I'll need to buy is paper to print inserts on ... and that's IT. I have everything else I need! I'll probably join you on the no spend/low spend

[@clojm2926]

@@evergreeninks I did invest in some new paper trimmer blades for all that paper I have to cut down 🤣

[@sierranmcmillan]

I wish video responses were still a thing. I just filmed what's essentially a video response to this video, and I wish I could link it up somehow. I'll defs link yours in the cards.

[@evergreeninks]

@@sierranmcmillan drop it in the comments here and I'll pin it!

[@ElaniaG]

I think the question about the planner giving time (as a tool) or taking time (as a hobby) is such a good one. It's definitely the realization that moved me into a more simplified planning system. At this point in life, I want my planner to give me time for other hobbies and pursuits. Planning is still something I really enjoy, with all of it's GSM #s, accessories, and systems, but if not careful, I can spend more time planning ( & trying to improve upon my planning ) instead of the doing--which is what I'm truly after. Appreciate you sharing your thoughts!

[@evergreeninks]

Yes! You said it exactly how I was thinking it! Thank you! 💚

[@AliBrownie]

Hey Friend! I am so thankful for your courage and candor! I have been on a minimalism journey for over a year and have tried to be thoughtful at what comes in my home. I do tend to watch videos and am inspired vs influenced just because my planner HAS to be a tool and functional with all that I have going on as a steward of my home, ministry and business. I did end up buying two sizes of the SI Common Planner because the B6 was just too big at the end of the year. I’ve been asking myself many of the same questions you are regarding my system/how I plan. And needed something smaller. That said, I would have never heard of the Sterling Ink planner had it not been for the planner community. I mostly just keep my head down and do my thing. But so many people saw what my system was like over the years from watching my videos and my need for pre-printed layouts but lots of notes pages and so I got comments and DMs and I think even a couple emails from folks telling me that my perfect planner had been born. 🤣 So I gave it a whirl and it worked so well for me that I don’t feel like I need to look at any of the other planners that have come out. And your right…a TON have come out this year. Anyway, I feel like what you pointed out can be a real issue for some. It’s a deep soul work towards contentment that has helped me stay minimal in my planning. I just added a rings reference binder and between that and my weeks Common Planner, I think I’d be good for years. I am still in process and my journey towards minimalism isn’t complete, but I’m finding much peace and joy in having less stuff. Bless you and praying the truth is received in understanding and grace. Much love! 💛

[@evergreeninks]

Thank you so much for commenting and sharing your system and your journey with us! You are incredibly inspiring! I hope to make it where you are in the coming year! And thank you so much for your prayer 💚 God be with you, too and may He watch over you and yours 🩷

[@autisticbucky]

i’m a bit late watching this video but it’s so nice to hear someone talk abt the overconsumption in this hobby without the condemnation i’ve heard others speak with. you were so well-spoken and put into words a lot of the troubles i’ve seen in the community! and i think we all make mistakes. it’s important we learn. i myself have fallen into the rabbit hole of ring planners the past month and want to make large purchases since i am easily influenced, but i’ve stopped myself and tried to use what i had first to see if it would truly work for me. thank you for such a wonderful video 💛

[@evergreeninks]

thank you so much for saying so, it makes my heart full knowing that others understand I'm not trying to condemn, just to find my own boundaries! You've got this! I believe you can forge through and find what you are comfortable with in terms of consumption/purchasing

[@tiffanyblue6894]

I agree a lot of us do so many of these things

[@justcallmeivonne]

I definitely agree with you to a certain extent and i appreciate your honesty. I do think the uptick in consumption isn’t just a planner community specific thing. It’s a society thing. I’m also a big reader and the amount of book haul videos I’ve seen in the last couple of years is astounding. People buying 25/30 books at once. I’ve stopped watching all haul vids as much as possible so i don’t contribute to views on those videos. But like here in the planner community, people collect books as a hobby so i get it but it doesn’t mean that i have to also do it to be considered a member of the community. I try to purchase items , books and planners alike, that i know I’m going to use, whether now or in the next 6 months. Planning is a tool and a hobby for me. I’m using the SI as a tool. Only functional planning goes in there. But because i carry my planner everywhere with me AND i live in NYC so i commute on public transit and walk a lot and am in crowded public spaces a lot , i don’t want too much personal information in it inc ase it gets lost or someone sees me writing in it so i have a separate health planner and reading journal tat i keep at home. And that’s where i get creative and can sit for hours tinkering. I’ve also leaned more into undated planner or just blank inserts for TNs so that if it doesn’t get used this year, i have it for next year. So I’m definitely trying to be more thoughtful about where i spend my hard earned money! With all that said, i am looking forward to watching your rings series as I’ve thought about a rings an option to planner hop in when i need just a quick change of environment but not sure it it’ll work.

[@evergreeninks]

not watching haul videos is on my list too! I also work really hard to not post that content either! A big goal of mine for 2024 (as someone who shares with the planner community) is to lower my focus on stuff (the what) and work more to talk about why and how I use what I choose. And maybe talk about how I choose something... but that might be straying too close to influencing. I think undated is the way to go too, as you saw. It allows for more flexibility. Thank you!

[@justcallmeivonne]

Yes! I also share my planners on my channel and have leaned more into the how i use my planners, specifically geared to neurodivergent people (I’m an AuDHDer) and those in academia ( I’m a PhD student) so more about how i use them myself in the hopes that it could inspire someone or at least give someone a different view on how to use what they already have. But yeah, thanks again for sharing and i look forward to your future vids!

[@ayanarandolph5778]

This was a good video. I like that people are being more mindful of their system and purchases. And although this was a rough year for a lot of people in the planner community. This was my best year ever. This year I spent the least amount of money that I have had in years. I used what I already had. I set guidelines for myself and I didn't charge my purchases. I think a lot of people blame the planner community for why they can't stay on track, but you cannot blame the community. It is good that we have variety in products so there is something for everyone. What people need to do is to set guidelines for themselves. If you don't like bound books, don't go buying 10 hobonici planners because you see everyone else using them. If you have a tendency to stock pile stickers and then not want to use them because they are too beautiful, maybe don't buy the stickers or buy pet tape that gives you the same feel but is more economical instead of sticker sheets. What I wish the community would stop doing is to encourage people you to and use all of the things, because how can you buy something and use it for a week then decide it is not for you. If your purchases cause you to stray away from your goals whether financial or otherwise you have a big problem and need to evaluate and that was the boat I found myself in and decided to change what I was doing. Now if I want something it needs to be thought out and saved for. Everything that I want for 2024 how be meticulously planned and budgeted for and that is what I need right now. I need boundaries and guidelines or I will lose my ever loving mind.

[@evergreeninks]

I think when you said that the community shouldn't "encourage people to use all of the things," you said my entire video in a couple of words. We should say no and set our own boundaries, and you're right. It's completely in our own power. It's up to us, and we shouldn't blame anyone else. However, 'influence' is subtle and slips in when we're not looking. I totally believe it's up to the individual - I just didn't know if anyone was talking about the realization that this is an issue. We can't take steps on our own without coming to a realization that we have a problem. Thank you for your comment, and I'm so glad that this was a good year for you! I hope 2024 is just as great for you.

[@ayanarandolph5778]

@@evergreeninks oh yes. I am definitely influenced by social media. But it isn’t just planners, someone could show me a way to cut onions and I would be like yeahhhh I need that tool. Lol but that’s why I have to remind myself that I have goals and things I need to do. I literally have a page in my planner of a list of do and don’ts when I comes to buying and using certain planner things. But it definitely needs to be put out there so that people see that this can hurt them if they are not being mindful or buying with intention. I hope this year will be great for all of us and bring more planner calm.

[@ShawnLambert-l1d]

Thank you for putting words to my thoughts and feelings!

[@evergreeninks]

Oh, I am so glad that you empathize! Thank you for being here!

[@lwiener67]

So, what I decided to do is keep my personal rings with my inserts as a creative binder but I went back to FRANKIN COVEY reason being that this system helps me focus on what I need/want for planning. I went with seven habits this year for my main planner. I have been using FC system successfully in the past and when I try to do something else I personally have no focus. I cant organize my thoughts or information in a system that tells me what I value and what are my goals that I try to create myself. I need help with something like that. But that's just me and my brain.😊 I also will just read the FC blog to remind myself of what I really need to focus on. I love your thought process. Your planning style is very creative and inspiring. Mainly your review process. I learn alot watching your videos. I have took some of your ideas and review questions and put in my FC and creative binders. I find it hard to change something when I dont review how things are going. But I dont want to be hard on myself, I want to enjoy the process if that makes sense. Thank you for your videos!!❤❤

[@evergreeninks]

Thank you so much for this! I have the Franklin Covey book and have been meaning to start it, but since it works so well for you, maybe I should start it! I think you hit the nail on the head. If it doesn't help you organize information the right way, then it's going to make us feel restless and unfocused and discontent. I definitely think SYSTEM, not stuff, is step 1 for planner contentment!

[@clojm2926]

@@evergreeninks ok I feel like I'm spamming now, but SYSTEM NOT STUFF you've hit the nail on the head! Any system can work or be tried in my rings or other stuff I have lying around. I don't need more stuff, I need a system that works for me.

[@evergreeninks]

@clojm2926 SYSTEM NOT STUFF and TOOL VS HOBBY are my two anthems for planner contentment in the coming year . Also, I have a video talking about system coming soon. I'm just gonna plug that here, haha! 👀

[@lindsayscraftyplans]

I love this! Thank you for making this video. It was a great talk. I am currently setting up my personal ring planner. I am printing out different kind of inserts to use to see what does work for me. I am so bad about using my planner. So I'm trying to make my planner more usable for me. I like to journal so I'll have many blank pages so I can journal when ever I want. I want my planner to have everything that I need. So I'm watching planner videos to get some inspiration.

[@evergreeninks]

I love looking at other people's set ups for inspiration, too! My problem comes when I think I have to have the same items they do to make it work the same way in my planner. I'm still personally trying to figure out where the line is for me!

[@lindsayscraftyplans]

@evergreeninks Same here. I have such a hard time seeing something and then wanting it because it looks so cool and I think I can use that in my planner. I do try to make everything for my planner. If there is something that I see in a planner video that I like, I try to make it similar. I don't have much of a planner budget, and the little bit I do have it has to go to paper, computer ink (because i do print everything that goes in my planner), and pens. I am going to be buying a planner punch because I don't have a personal planner punch anymore.

[@BlushnBlue]

How did I not know you had a YT channel. Glad I am here now and definitely agree with your message.

[@evergreeninks]

Thank you! And Hello! I haven't been very active until the past month and I haven't gotten a good handle on how to market it on IG, I guess! It's good to see you on this side of Planner IG too!

[@PaperJoyPH]

I really enjoyed hearing your thoughts and struggles. Thank you for sharing :)

[@evergreeninks]

Thank you for watching 💚

[@jaquelinemythril2602]

I agree with so much of what you are saying! I think another big thing for me this year is that I've been dealing with bad physical health (disability) that has made me really depressed mentally. So, yeah, I kept reaching for new, new, new to make me happy. Made me happy temporarily, but then I also feel badly that I'm over-consuming and wasting.

[@evergreeninks]

I think you nailed it! The new makes us happy temporarily, but then the guilt crushed us because it wasn't new-to-be-useful, it was just new-to-distract. I hope 2024 is a kinder and gentler year for you health and disability-wise!

[@stadomo_]

Thank you so much for this video. I’m new to the planner community so didn’t get any of the pre sales and I’m really glad of it now. There are many creators talking about planner regret but I love your point of when does a planner go from a tool to a hobby. I want to be able to take time with my planner to make it my own but never want it to lose the purpose I sought it out for. Looking forward to your rings series as I’m thinking that will be the best system for me in the long run. It can evolve as I become more comfortable with my planner and the best way to use it without needing to buy a whole new one. I love many of the bound book options but want more clarity on how I use my planner first.

[@evergreeninks]

I agree with all of your concerns and thoughts when moving into a planner for the first time, and I think you're well on your way mentally to setting one up! (Which in my mind is the hardest part) I'm excited for you to be starting your system! It IS fun and exciting! Good luck!

[@brownplans4748]

I agree with a majority of what you said, however, I’ll have to disagree with wanting to stick it out with a planner system that may not be working for you. I think systems change as seasons in our lives do. For instance, my life is very busy during the fall and spring months while my life is a bit slower during the winter and summer months, so I find that I’m using a lot less resources to plan during those seasons. Granted, I do not think I need to constantly change my materials within my system too much but I acknowledge that if it doesn’t work then I’m not going to force it. I just have to step back and go straight to the bare bones and start the process over to figure out what works and what doesn’t. I’ve been in rings consistently for awhile. It just works. I do bring in other sizes as a supplement, but personal rings is my second brain and I choose to separate things like work or scheduling, as well as my wallet and the kids sick chart. I do agree with everything else you’ve said. This year has certainly shifted within the community and there is an essence of “follow the leader”. Granted, anyone can do what they want with their money. But it’s disheartening to know that some people are still struggling with their systems because of the influences.

[@evergreeninks]

Thank you for sharing this nuance! I totally agree that shifts need to happen when a system isn't working, especially when energy levels change! I personally want to do and share ideas similar to what you said - how can I modify what I already have, without buying something shiny and new just because it seems to be the "solution" in the rest of the planner community. I completely agree that at the end of the day, people will do what they do and it's really up to the individual. But yeah, it seems that the way we want to spend our money is in reaction to others, not in reaction to our own needs.

[@brownplans4748]

@@evergreeninks yes I think it is very hard to stick to something when you are influenced to try something else. I’ve had to take many breaks from socials just for my own self evaluation/assessment. For me, planning is a necessity. It is a tool. It is an organizational part of my day to day. And when I look at it from that perspective and not one of the aesthetic creative part of me, then it becomes a lot easier to say no to certain things. I appreciate your honesty and transparency. A lot of people choose to keep things to themselves and it doesn’t really help with accountability or the realization of things when people choose to stay quiet.

[@Dreblueskies]

So glad I heard about your channel, great content! 👏

[@evergreeninks]

Thank you so much!

[@pinkskiestoday]

The irony of it all is this: I knew exactly what I wanted/needed for 2024. I have tried-and-true systems that I planned to replicate for next year. U N T I L . 🤣🤣🤣 Until I saw your A6 setup (the hour-long video). And I fell in love! So I ended up buying an A6 Gillio, a Midori Hibino, and another couple hundred dollars worth of inserts, dividers, pocket pages, and Sterlink Ink notebooks. 🤣🤣🤣

[@evergreeninks]

Uh oh! Well, I hope it'll bring a good refresh to your system and some excitement to the hobby! I do really love my size and insert choices, haha! I hope you love it just as much or more 💚

[@nancyatorres209]

Such a great video. Last year I bought a new pocket vds which I liked and thought I would use this year. I just bought an a6 2nd hand to try out, and I'm trying to do all freebies incase I don't like. I got the a6 for a great price too. I'm definitely going to minimize my spending. I also have a mini hp setup, just to decorate and use my stickers. I do think the market and planner community had an influence in my spending when I initially discovered the happy planner.

[@evergreeninks]

Good luck! I hope 2024 is a more minimal year for you, if you want it to be!

[@tortagialla]

Thanks for a thoughtful discussion! I think many of us can relate to the consumerism struggle and I definitely fell into it. I think it’s just the nature of it all.. the super early pre-orders are so overwhelming and the buying but I’ll sell it later is a whole new way of doing things because there is buy sell trade groups. It’s good and bad - so I dunno what the answer is 😅

[@evergreeninks]

I definitely think it's different for every person, but yeah it hit a point thag I felt j needed to talk about it! My solutions won't be anyone else's, but even just the discussions here in the comments have been so so helpful! I think we just need to TALK about it, you know? I don't know what the answer is either 🤗