Planning for Beginners
We all know you've been stalking the mailman knowing it's out for delivery because you've tracked it for days. Then it's magically here and you open your precious package. Marveling at the paper you turn each page savoring it, knowing that it's your very own. And then you realize it's all blank....
Do you have lots of appointments or time specific events? Or are you just a list maker and do-er?
Consider dividing the top into Am and Pm sections to keep your day straight. That way each day you can at a quick glance see where your heavy activity lies.
The colored area at the bottom of each page tends to intimidate people as too much space as well. You don't always have to divide it up horizontally. Think about it as vertical sections for task specific lists that need to be done. If they don't need to be done on one specific day you can make a running list for the week!
If you still feel like you can't find a use or are frustrated with the weekly view, try just planning in the monthly layout. There is plenty of space to write daily appointments or events in each day. And if you still want to make a list of to-do's, the Notes section on the left hand side still has ample space!
Try one or all three steps to make sure your planner doesn't scare you. In the end, it's there to be your helping hand!
Let me know what works for you when you turn the page on a blank week. I'd love to hear from you!!
EVERY page is blank and YOU have to fill it in.
For a first time paper planner or someone who knows they need to get on a better path to organization it is extremely intimidating to know that there is so much space for you to enjoy.
I am writing this straight to you because I was once there myself. Confused and spinning my wheels not knowing where to start. Hoping to alleviate your anxiety today, I'd like to peel back the layers in the pages of my own Classic Layout InkWell Press planner to show you planning doesn't have to leave you feeling this way.
Here are 3 beginner insight tips on ways to use your planner straight out of the box without stressing out!
Keep it simple: (go light on the goodies :)
Decoration is a bonus not the primary reason to use stickers, stamps, washi, etc.
Start with one or two rolls of washi tape, plain no frills stickers or simply shaped stamps. Use those to highlight the appointments for the day. It's ultimate purpose is to draw your eye to that time and activity . Or if you would like, you can use it to show a continuous event. Below, I've used plain brown washi to remind me that Tyler has football practice Tuesday to Thursday from 3-5 and also as a header for a to-do list.
Divide up the real estate:
Do you have lots of appointments or time specific events? Or are you just a list maker and do-er?
Consider dividing the top into Am and Pm sections to keep your day straight. That way each day you can at a quick glance see where your heavy activity lies.
The colored area at the bottom of each page tends to intimidate people as too much space as well. You don't always have to divide it up horizontally. Think about it as vertical sections for task specific lists that need to be done. If they don't need to be done on one specific day you can make a running list for the week!
Use only the MONTH view:
If you still feel like you can't find a use or are frustrated with the weekly view, try just planning in the monthly layout. There is plenty of space to write daily appointments or events in each day. And if you still want to make a list of to-do's, the Notes section on the left hand side still has ample space!
Try one or all three steps to make sure your planner doesn't scare you. In the end, it's there to be your helping hand!
Let me know what works for you when you turn the page on a blank week. I'd love to hear from you!!
XOXOXO
-Kim
