New Years tend to be fresh, new starts for everybody. There are plenty of jokes about how busy the gyms will be and many people will ask friends and family what their resolutions for the year are. Personally, I don't believe in "Resolutions" but I will explain that in more detail shortly. Instead of resolutions, I believe in plans. Concrete, well thought out, written down plans.
I have a few different planners that I use for different events in my life. Right now, my office decor consists of turquoise, gold, and polka dots galore so accordingly, I have been drawn to 2 specific planners and my handy dandy notebook.
This is my daily planner. I use this planner to write out quick notes to myself about the major events of the day. Kyle's work schedule, my own work schedule, special things for Ellen, and of course I plan on my favorite reality television.
I loved this planner not only because of it's gold polka dot covers but also because it includes a special section for "Weekly Intention" as well as a "Daily Gratitude". This planner has made it easy to make me think! What do I want to accomplish this week? What is my main goal for the week? What is something I've been wanting to focus on or improve on? Not only that, but it lets me reflect after each day and write down one thing I am grateful for. It's my personal time to find the good in each day (it's true, there is always something good) and gives me a special spot to record it.
This was my daily gratitude today. Ellen had a doctor's appointment and we got her 5 month measurements. She is growing so steadily along the 95th percentile for everything still and we are so grateful for that. I was scared about her health and safety after my emergency c-section and her NICU stay but hearing that she is right on track gives this mama a sense of peace and calm.
Next, I must have bright, happy colors for each of my planners. I like to write out specific notes in different colors because it allows me to know, at a glance, what the note is for.
In this planner, Black is for general use. Anything that's going to be a usual note or is a everyday event.
Purple is for my weekly intention and what I plan to do each day to accomplish those intentions.
Blue is for any bills I have to make sure to pay that day, as well as the television shows I get to look forward to in the evenings. I don't usually get to watch them live, but I love that I have my DVR record them so I have something to watch the next morning.
Green is for 2 things; money and health. I figured it made sense because green is money and it also makes me think of healthy vegetables and "green" living. I write down my daily exercise goals as well as when Kyle and I will discuss our finances for the next week, along with any paychecks that are upcoming.
Pink is an overall at-a-glance for each day. On January 2, Kyle and I both had the day off so it was a family day. Yesterday was a lazy day because Kyle had the day off but I still had to work. I worked leisurely and got to spend time with Kyle and Ellen. Today was a "usual" day because Kyle had to work and I was back in the routine of working while Ellen slept and doing the household chores on my daily checklist.
Every day, I like to make a list for myself in the morning, before I do anything else. I try to think of the things I want to get done that day so I have a sort of direction. Some things on the list may apply to me, some to Kyle, and some to both of us. I know it's cliche but my check mark is pink and Kyle's is blue.
Today, our family daily cleaning goal was our family room. I wanted to get it vacuumed. One load of laundry and work are on my list Monday through Friday. Ellen gets baths every other day so it can vary from Monday, Wednesday, Friday, Sunday to Tuesday, Friday, Saturday, and so forth. This week she needed a bath tonight, which we got accomplished as soon as Kyle came home. She is now sleeping soundly thanks to the Johnson's Baby Bedtime Moisture Wash.
Kyle brought the trash can down to the street and all that was left is my blog post. Once I publish this new post, I will go check that off my list as well.
I also have one other planner that I use on more of a monthly basis. It is the Home Executive Planner and I love using it to plan our monthly budget as well as meals and shopping lists for our family. I won this planner at a "Freebs Night Out" hosted by Jordan Page of Fun, Cheap, or Free and I have loved it since. It has plenty of space on each day, which I love! It even allows for different categories as well.
There you have it, folks. I like to plan. Planning is my favorite! Yes, a New Year is a fresh start and gives many of us the opportunity to do things we've never done, but always wanted to do. It means a lot of things for a lot of people and for me, it means a fresh, new planner.
Here's the skinny on this post:
WHY: I use planners to make sure I don't forget anything! It keeps me sane.
Planning helps me see, in words, my goals.
I love pretty planners and pretty pens.
HOW:
1 - Buy a planner! Any sort will do. Find one that fits you.
2 - Buy pens! If you want to have a color coordination like me, I suggest the Papermate InkJoy Gel Pens.
3 - Make time! Set aside time each morning or each week or each month, whatever works for you. Make the time to sit down and plan out whatever it is that needs planning.
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