In today’s society, we are constantly under pressure to perform, both in our personal and professional lives. Finding a good planner can help you more easily organize and simplify all areas of your life in one place.
But how do you find a good planner?
Fortunately, there is no one-size-fits all option and there are many choices available on the market today.
First things first – what is your planner personality?
Do you like to break down your planning tasks into a daily or hourly format? Do you prefer weekly tasks? Or are you looking for a large monthly view? Maybe a mix of each of these?
And most importantly do you know your preferred planning style?
4 Basic Planning Styles
Objective-Oriented: This is for people who do really well with clear-cut goals and milestones. Do you have a 1 year plan? How about a 5 year plan? If this is your preferred style of planning, you’re the type of person who likes to break your tasks and goals into smaller steps to accomplish.
Direction-Orientated: These are the big picture people. You know two things for sure – where you currently are is not where you want to be and you have a crystal clear vision for where you are headed. You may not have all the steps in place, but every action you take and task you complete, gets you closer.
Task-Oriented: Do you have lists of your lists? People with a task orientation love to have everything written down. Some call it a “mental dump” – as it allows you to get all the thoughts out of your head and onto paper in an organized, easy-to-cross off manner. You are deeply motivated by completing the little steps, and it gives you confidence that by accomplishing the little things, you’ll be closer to figuring out where you want to end up.
Present-Oriented: These are the people who love to think on their feet. They may have broad ideas of what needs to be done, but their focus is always “what absolutely needs to get done TODAY.” If you have this planning orientation, you’re the one who realizes that sometimes it’s ok to stray from your original list to make time for something that is more urgent.
No matter your planning style orientation, using a planner will help you get more productive.
Good news: gone are the days of the boring planner. Here are some of our top picks!
1. Full Focus Planner: Objective Oriented
Our first pick is the Full Focus Planner. This simple, sleek planner is built to help you succeed in the business world. Designed with a blend of “research-backed goal-setting and productivity principles” it’s made to optimize your time.
I’ve been searching forever for a planner like this. My actual to-do list is a mile long. When I can chill out and focus on the big things, I’m getting so much more done. This is making Monday quite enjoyable. SO much satisfaction from crossing things off
– Marissa Berghorst
The Full Focus Planner includes:
- Your Big 3- recognizing your biggest priorities this week
- Goals and a breakdown of how you’ll achieve them
Daily rituals- including a workday startup and shutdown- Regular reviews
2. Passion Planner: Direction-Oriented
Next is the Passion Planner. This sharp and easy to use layout is the perfect business tool. By helping you solidify and take action on your goals, this will allow you to thrive in the work place. Not only that but this is our least expensive choice!
- Passion RoadMap: Exercise that helps you define your short and long-term goals and create a step-by-step game plan to reach them
- Weekly layouts (Sunday – Saturday) that run from January 2018 – December 2018
- Annual and monthly overview calendars
- Monthly reflection questions to keep you focused on your progress
- 20 additional blank pages
3. Plum Paper: Task-Oriented
The Plum Paper planner is the most elaborate of our suggestions and offers a completely personalized planner. After choosing between the 7×9 or 8.5×11 size you get to create your own design, with a huge selection of cover images and horizontal, vertical, or hourly layouts. After this you can place your order or you have the option to customize the weekly spreads. There are about 10 sections you get to label and customize that will best meet your needs and desires in a planner. Finally, you can choose between over 30 add on pages. This planner also includes a fitness tracker, a blog planner, extra to-do lists, financial budgets, and contact pages.
According to their site, each planner includes:
- Personalized planners to fit your planning needs.
- Design your Planner Cover & Weekly Layout too!
- Begin your Planner in ANY month of the year.
- Add up to 6 additional months to your planner.
- Variety of Add On Sections available such as Meal Planning, Fitness Planning, Budget Planning, and more.
Last year, I was elated to find that I had FINALLY found my dream planner. No other planner I’ve tried holds a candle to this planner.
-Lisa
4. Simplified Planner: Present-Oriented
Created by Emily Ley, the Simplified Planner is a great way for you to declutter your life. With monthly tips and daily checklists, this planner gives you the perfect balance of structure and freedom. The beginning pages of this book tell you the most effective way to use your planner, tips to stay organized and make the most of your time.
I LOVE the look, feel, functionality, and purpose behind everything this company makes and does. To me, there is nothing better on the market today.
-Elizabeth
5. Best Self: Present-Oriented
Another good choice is Best Self; this journal is sharp and easy to work through. Each journal spread includes:
- Notes and idea space
- Daily timeline
- Morning gratitude
- Your goal
- Tasks for today
- Quote of the day
- Lessons learned daily wins
- Evening gratitude
I am always on the lookout for new resources to share with my fellow entrepreneur. The SELF Journal was a no-brainer. It is a must for every entrepreneur!”
-Daymond John
With this simple journal, you can optimize your work space!
