Today, I want to share a bit about my planning routine, especially how I manage to stay organized despite juggling multiple roles. As many of you know, I wear several hats: I'm an author, cover designer, and book coach, and I'm also a mom to a toddler. With so many responsibilities, having a solid plan is essential.
I recently switched from bullet journaling to using an Erin Condren Life Planner. While I adore the creativity of bullet journaling, I found that I needed a more streamlined system that required less time for setup and decoration. This planner provides a clean, organized layout with enough space for my various tasks, and it's been a game-changer for me.
Let's go through my current setup and planning process for the upcoming week!
Planner Setup and Goals
I've mapped out my goals for July through October, setting quarterly targets to keep myself on track without feeling overwhelmed. Here's a quick overview:
Personal and professional goals: These are broken down into manageable tasks, ensuring steady progress.
Financial planning: Recurring expenses are noted to keep my budget in check.
Monthly overview: Important dates and deadlines are highlighted to avoid any last-minute rushes.
Weekly Planning Routine
For my weekly planning, I focus on three main sections:
Writing: This is always at the top, where I note down my daily writing goals. Currently, I'm working on a project that I am very passionate about and will share more on in the future. For now, let’s call it project gothic romantasy.
Events/Timed Tasks: Here, I list out any appointments, meetings, or specific tasks that need to happen at a particular time.
Other Tasks: This section includes everything else, from cover design projects to coaching sessions and YouTube content creation.
I use highlighters and stickers to add a bit of flair to my planner, which keeps me motivated. This week, I've chosen a set of fun stickers from a Stickii Club subscription to decorate my pages.
Step-by-Step Planning
Highlighting Sections: I start by highlighting the headers for each section in colors that match my stickers.
Filling in Tasks: Next, I write down my tasks for each section. For example, under "Writing," I'll list my daily writing goals and editing sessions.
Adding Decorations: This is the fun part! I use stickers to fill in the empty spaces, making the planner visually appealing while still functional.
Reviewing Monthly Overview: I cross-check with my monthly spread to ensure all important tasks and deadlines are included.
Keeping It Flexible
One of the reasons I love this planner is its flexibility. I can easily adjust my plans if something unexpected comes up, like a spontaneous trip to a cottage. The key is to keep it functional yet fun, ensuring that planning doesn't become a chore but rather a creative outlet.
Conclusion
Planning is essential for anyone juggling multiple responsibilities, especially creatives like us. It helps us stay organized, focused, and productive while still leaving room for things life throws our way. I hope you found this peek into my planning routine helpful.
Stay magical and have a wonderful week ahead!
