Planners That Work: Stay Organized with Ease

Planners can sometimes feel like one more thing to manage, especially if you’ve struggled to stay consistent with them in the past. For years, I avoided using one altogether because I couldn’t find one that worked for me. But everything changed when I found a planner that fit my brain’s unique needs.

Planners aren’t just for tracking meetings and appointments—they’re powerful tools for organizing thoughts, creating clarity, and bringing structure to your day. While everyone can benefit from that kind of support, they can be especially helpful for those of us who find routines challenging.

Why Planners Matter

Using a planner has been transformative for me because it’s helped with:

• Externalizing My Brain: Writing things down creates clarity and helps organize swirling ideas and tasks.

• Breaking Down Big Tasks: Big projects can feel daunting, but breaking them into smaller, manageable steps makes them easier to tackle.

• Visual Reminders: Seeing plans laid out visually makes it easier to keep track of important tasks and deadlines.

• Routine and Consistency: While routines don’t always come naturally, planners help create a rhythm that makes daily life feel more structured.

  
  

How to Choose a Planner That Works

The “perfect planner” looks different for everyone. To find one that works with your natural flow, start by asking yourself:

• Do I like to time block? If so, look for a planner with hourly layouts.

• Do I work well with to-do lists? A planner with blank space for lists might be best.

• Do I prefer a calendar view? A monthly or weekly calendar-focused planner could be ideal for seeing the big picture.

• Do I need flexibility? A bullet journal or undated planner lets you create your own system and adjust as needed.

  
  

Choosing the right planner might take some trial and error, but the goal is to find one that feels less like a chore and more like a supportive tool.

My Favorite Planner

The weekly horizontal planner from Laurel Denise has been a game changer for me. It’s the first planner I’ve consistently used, and I love how intuitive and simple it feels. Its horizontal layout lets me see my whole week and month at a glance, which helps me stay on top of everything.

If you’ve ever felt like planners don’t “stick” for you (SAME), this kind of layout might be worth checking out - it was for me. If you're curious about trying, you can use my code: WHIMSY10 for 10% off ☺️.

At the end of the day, a planner is just a tool, but finding the right one can make a world of difference. Whether you’re already in love with your current system or still searching for one that works, give yourself the freedom to try, adjust, and make it your own. Planning doesn’t have to be perfect; it just has to work for you.