If you got my VIP love letter on Monday, then you know my year so far has been ridiculously insane and how I have been dealing with that. In just the last month I have learned so much about my new time planning ways. It has completely transformed my organization skills. Last year I used my binded desk diary and while I loved it, it wasn't enough room to keep all the other aspects of my life in check. Then, I decided to get a Filofax to change the way I plan my life.
I keep getting questions about my planner set up and how I actually use it. So, I wanted to break down my new planner step by step. By the way, I upgraded to a Louis Vuitton agenda, a huge shout out to Tradesy for having the best online marketplace. I am really in love with my planner, its so beautiful! I'm not really a LV girl, but this planner is so chic.
First thing is first. I like the first page aka "dashboard" of my planner to be my current vision board. I'm a huge believer in affirmations and words to encourage you throughout the day. They make me feel so powerful which is exactly what I need to feel when planning out my days.
Here is my breakdown, I keep a divider for each section of my life.
1. PLANNING- my monthly & weekly calendar
2. TO DO- my ongoing list of To-Do's that I cross off when accomplished.
3. INSPIRATION: magazine tear outs, wallpaper samples, information sheets
4. PROJECTS: brainstorming notes, sketches and ideas
5. WORK: Pages for each client I am working on with all of my notes, records, numbers, receipts, etc.
( My monthly calendar is from Stationary Unicorn )
Before I begin to plan each month, I write down my monthly goals on the left hand side. Say 3-4 things I want to accomplish in the month. Then I take a look at my days and write goals for my days. For example, I plan out my gym time and yoga classes. I make sure to schedule in time in nature like going on a hike or run by the lake. I have found that when you write your top priorities down at the start of the month, you end up planning everything else around that. NOTE: This helps you actually accomplishing goals.
Then, each week, I like to plan out my week. On Monday, I write down notes in the top section of each day. Here I put reminders, like call for painting quote or get pricing on that wallpaper. I divide my weekly tasks over the week and give myself approximately 3 a day. This way I don't feel so overwhelmed with so much to do.
In the INSPIRATION section, I like to put magazine tears that inspire me. I have several. I hold punch them and they fit perfectly. When I go through magazines, which I LOVE, I pull out my favorite pages and place them like this. . .
In the PROJECTS section, I keep lists for each thing I am up to. I have a page for BLOG POSTS, NEWSLETTER LISTS, ARTICLE CONTRIBUTIONS or COLLABORATIONS, etc. What I love about this planner, I can add or throw out pages as I go through them. This way things are neat, clean and clutter free.
I also have a clear pocket page where I keep business cards, samples, things I need to keep around and not lose.
When I plan out my days in advance, and keep the information I need organized, I find that I have more time than I even imagined. I'm not keeping everything in my head so when I do something, I do it easily and without distractions. So I get things done more efficiently and in a timely manner which lends to more time for other things. It's blown my mind how much more I can accomplish. I have taken on more clients than I usually do, which means more business and income.
How powerful is that? Do you have an organization system yet?
