This is an old image of mine comparing three different planners that all collectively used the styles spoken about below.
There are so many ways to plan that it can get overwhelming. The key is to find a way that fits your day-to-day life in a way that brings success rather than failure. No one wants to find themselves in a situation where their planner does not serve them in their best interest.
Here are my favorite styles of Planning that I've mixed and matched over the years, creating the perfect cocktail of information that satisfies the way I live my life.
Style #1 - Goal Setting
The go-to style of Planning is GOAL SETTING. This is one of my favorites as it helps me align my dreams to goals and then into plans. Writing it down is a known fact to helping achieve goals.
This type of planning style allows for a big picture item; for example, saving money for a down payment on a house. Creating a plan to achieve that may include adding $100 each week to your savings till you hit your goal. Or, you can go backwards. Give yourself a deadline of when to achieve this goal and then map out what to do each week or month to get there.
Some of the common styles of Goal Setting techniques include: Mindmaps, S.M.A.R.T., Short-Term, Long-Term and Vision Goals.
Find a way that allows the Goal to speak to you and what it takes to achieve it.
Then use each day, week or month to check in. See how you're doing - and if it's going well, great! If you're veering off course, now is the chance to course correct or come up with another plan to get there. Consistency is key, so don't forget to schedule time with yourself to see how you're doing and how that progress is going.
Style #2 - Future Planning
Another style of planning that I often use is FUTURE PLANNING. This can include anywhere from a day ahead all the way to a year ahead.
Some of the ways I use this technique is to plan out my week on Sundays for what lies ahead. This includes writing down meetings, events and appointments followed by time slots dedicated to working out or studying. This gives me a good overview of what my week is looking like, and letting me know if I'm available to do more or I'm doing too much and need to dial it back.
One of the best ideas of this style is how easily it is manageable and unproblematic. It can take some time in the beginning, but it eases up the rest of the week to focus on day-to-day events instead of worrying each moment of what could be coming up next.
Of course, please use this method to plan for the months following and for the year, too. A year log helps capture the major life events that could be forgotten about in the middle of everything else such as: weddings, baby showers and graduations.
Style #3 - Back Log
I'll admit to BACK LOGGING a lot and sometimes, that's all I'm able to do. This method allows you to take a break from having to log items into your planner every single day.
This works well for the busiest of people who just need one less thing to focus on each day.
The Back Log style allows for a one quick sweep of dedicated time to fill in the past days of your planner - logging in what you did, check list items, sleep, food - anything you want to log in. Sometimes, this method works for journals, too. I like to go back and fill in some points when I've missed a few days and add items in as I remember.
Style #4 - Memory Planning
Personally, I'm still new to MEMORY PLANNING; but, from what little I was able to include, it's been wonderful.
Pick specific moments during the day or week that really spark you in some way. A moment that made you smile, a best friend hang out, a family member that really made you feel loved - something like that. Write it down or add a picture to remind you of the fun times that surround you.
Of course, it is also acceptable to add in the not-so-happy moments, too; as long as it guides you towards the goodness of others or allows you to move forward. The trick is to not spend yourself wallowing at bad memories but rather take them at their moment and push forward.
Style #5 - Financial Planning
FINANCIAL PLANNING is really key - especially in the example set in Style #1 - GOAL SETTING. This can include anywhere from using your planner to just write down bill due dates to planning for the future and setting money aside.
Cash envelopes are a great way to help in this planning style, as well.
Style #6 - All of the Above
My most favorite style is to use a mixture of all of them; I like to have an overall game plan for some intentions for the year, and then work my way from month-to-month and into my weekly arrangements. on really lazy days, I find myself using Sundays to back log information and fill in the blanks I couldn't get to during the day.
Most importantly, find something for you
These are just a few of my favorite ways, but there are always others out there; don't be afraid to experiment and play around till you find a method that really sticks to what you need. It's okay to research new ideas and styles, too. There's never just one way to do this.
The only right answer is whatever style works best for you.
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