Note that these are just basics; of course, you can only use Items 1-3 and be successful!
During Week 3, we spoke about Tips for Starting a New Planner and last week, we discussed Different Types of Planning Styles. Now, we get to put all that information together into creating a planner that is prefect for you!
Below are items that I find useful. Some people prefer working with the bare minimum, in which case, I would focus on Items #1 through #3. But, if you're like me, and you like a bit of color and scrapbooking-esque into your book (be it a planner, a bullet journal or a diary), then keep on reading!
Always remember, there is no right or wrong way to do any of this! (This is my favorite part - no one is ever wrong .)
Item #1 - Goals / Ideas in Mind
Take that list we made in Week 3 and take the ideas that we talked about in Week 4. This will become the basis of what your planner will do for you. I like to take some trial runs sometimes - use a layout for some time, and then change it up. But, some people like to stay consistent throughout a chunk of time.
The most important part of Item #1 is to have a basis of what the planner will do and how it will serve you in the long run.
Item #2 - A Planner / Notebook
I will go into detail in future posts about my favorite products and write up some honest reviews, but this part is where the fun is (and where the addiction starts). Some suggested items to get started are the following:
Blank Notebook Options
A spiral or composite notebook (LVL 1)
Passion Planner Undated Daily (LVL 2)
Hobonichi (LVL 2)
A moleskin or any dot grid notebook (LVL 3)
Calendars / Layouts Included Options
Erin Condren Vertical, Horizontal or Daily (LVL 1)
Passion Planner Weekly or Academic (LVL 2)
Cloth & Paper (LVL.3)
The levels listed above note the ease in which they are in terms of how involved you become; level 1 is the least complicated and level 3 is the most involved. Please note that these are just personal opinions and I love every single one of these options and would do them all at the same time if I could.
The best thing way to start in selecting the right book for you is how involved do you want to be in it. Would you rather draw out every item? Do you just want to make lists? Would you rather have all the dates and calendars pre-filled?
Once you can answer that, the options become easier. Don't be afraid to try out different options, however! There's always a different method, so get creative - get inspired by some of your favorite spreads and use that a source of interest in what your focus will. be.
Item #3 - Writing Utensils
Finding the right pen is a journey; I've gone through many types over the years, and sometimes, it gets complicated. But, it does not have to be. Sometimes, a basic Bic pen is all you need!
Some of my favorite Pens and Highlighters are (in no particular order):
Passion Planner Erasable Pens
Micron Pens
Uni-Ball Pens
Sharpie Pens
Muji Gel Pens
Erin Condren Metallic Gel Pens
Midliner Highlighters
Sharpie Pastel Highlighters
Tombow Brush Pens
Erin Condren Markers
Item #4 - Washi Tape
For those of you who are unfamiliar with Washi Tape, it's basically decorative tape. I use it for various purposes like decorating edges/borders, creating sections, and as headers for certain parts of the planner.
It's impossible to list out all the ways to use Washi Tape, but know that if you can dream it, it can do it!
Item #5 - Stickers
This might be my favorite part (besides collecting notebooks I don't use because they are too pretty to write in). There are so many sticker books and shops out there to use and that list will forever be growing. Amazon and Etsy have thousands so you'll never be low on stickers.
The BIGGEST ISSUE with Stickers is . . .
Getting over Sticker Guilt.
You know, the guilt of buying stickers but not using them because they're too pretty to be used. That guilt. It's a crime I commit often, especially if I know I'm changing planners often. But, once you get past that initial worry, it can really turn your planner from drab to fab (I can't believe I just said that).
My favorite or go-to options are:
Happy Planner Sticker Books
The Paper Studio Sticker Books
Erin Condren Stickers
Cloth & Paper Stickers
Item #6 - Other Options
Other ways to enhance your planners can be: personal photos, scrapbooking paper and borders, decorative sticky notes, paperclips and binder clips. . .
The list truly does go on.
Planning is meant to be fun, not a chore
If you want to keep your planner simple, it's very easy to do so - a book, a pen and maybe some transparent dot stickers from Cloth & Paper to help highlight anything that needs to stand out. If you want to go wild -- go wild. Have fun with your planner! Spend as much time with it as you want to dedicate to it and it will be successful.
Stay tuned for next week when I write up my first product review!
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