5 Real Reasons You Stopped Using Your Planner
Using planners can be an effective way to stay organized and productive, but only if you use them consistently. Often, people start using planners at the beginning of the year but give up after a few weeks. To help you stay on track with your goals, it's important to understand why this happens and how to overcome these obstacles.
1) Not Keeping It Simple Enough
One common reason people give up on planners is that they make them too complicated. Remember, a planner should simplify your life, not add to your stress. Keep it simple by writing down daily tasks, deadlines, and other important information. Avoid adding unnecessary details that may waste your time and prevent you from using your planner effectively.
While aesthetically pleasing planner layouts may be popular on social media, they are not necessary for the functionality of your planner. Don't let the pressure of creating the perfect layout hinder your productivity. Focus on what matters most: achieving your goals.
2) Using Too Many Planners
It's tempting to fall for the charm of various planners, but it's challenging to keep up with them all. Maintaining multiple planners for fitness, meals, kids, work, and other aspects of life is a surefire way to eventually stop using all of them.
Instead, simplify your life by selecting a single planner that meets all your needs. The Happy Planner is an excellent option, as it provides three daily sections that can be used to categorize tasks instead of time slots. This approach allows you to effectively organize your day without feeling overwhelmed by multiple planners.
3) Not Keeping up With Lists
Including to-do and to-buy lists in your planner can be highly beneficial, but it's crucial to stay on top of them. Ensure that you cross off items once completed and consistently add new ones. Checking the lists a couple of times a day to monitor progress can also help.
Remember, to make your planner truly effective, it's essential to use it regularly. Once you get into the habit of using it consistently, it will become a normal part of your routine.
4) Expectations are too High
I must confess, I've been guilty of browsing Instagram for stunning planner layouts and trying to emulate them. However, such aesthetics are not practical or feasible for most individuals. It's unrealistic to expect your planner to be flawlessly color-coordinated and adorned with beautiful stickers every week.
Your primary focus should be setting up your planner in a way that is beneficial and practical for you. If you have the time and resources to make it visually appealing, that's great! But for most people, it's not a realistic goal, and that's perfectly acceptable.
5) Not Keeping it Accessible
It's crucial to have access to your planner throughout the day, which is not possible if it's sitting on your desk at home while you're at work or in class. To ensure that you can check and use your planner on-the-go, you should invest in a bag, purse, or backpack that is spacious enough to accommodate your planner.
Additionally, it's essential to keep a favorite pen with your planner, so you can cross off completed tasks and add new ones as necessary. This way, you can update your planner whenever you have a spare moment, ensuring that you stay on top of your daily schedule and goals.
CONCLUSION:
There are various reasons why you may have stopped using your planner, such as overcomplicating it, using multiple planners, neglecting to update your lists, aiming for unrealistic aesthetics, or not having access to it throughout the day. However, by recognizing these factors and implementing the suggested solutions, you can revive your planner's purpose and become more organized and productive. Remember, a planner is a tool that should work for you, not against you.