The Ultimate Guide to a Functional Planner Setup: Your Roadmap to Organized and Productive Living
Welcome to the ultimate guide to setting up your planner according to the Functional Planning Methodology. In today’s training, we will explore the key questions that often arise when configuring your planner for maximum efficiency. Let’s dive in and unravel the secrets to a functional planner setup!
How Many Planners Should I Use?
The simplicity of the answer might surprise you: one planner is all you need. While it might be tempting to follow influencers who flaunt stacks of planners, the reality is far more straightforward. Using multiple planners can scatter your information, making synchronization a challenge. There are exceptions, such as separating work and personal life or using planners for unique purposes like memory keeping. However, the core principle remains: one planner for one organized life.
Which Style of Planner Should I Choose?
Choosing a planner style involves considering bindings, sizes, and closures. Four binding styles exist: Rings, Discs, Spiral, and Book Bound. Customizable binders like rings or discs offer flexibility, enabling you to tailor your planner to match your needs seamlessly. Sizes typically range from full size (US Letter/A4) to half size (Half Letter/A5) to personal size (A6), each catering to different preferences and requirements. Closure options, including zip, button, elastic strap, or no closure, add another layer of personalization to your planner.
Which Inserts Should I Choose to Make My Planner Setup Functional?
To ensure your planner serves its purpose effectively, focus on three crucial phases: capturing information, defining strategic objectives, and tracking and allocating work. For capturing information, consider inserts like brain-dump, brainstorm, inbox, and note-taking. Define strategic objectives using inserts like vision board, annual goals, yearly project matrix, project tracker, and project plans. For tracking and allocating work, opt for inserts such as year at a glance calendar, month on one/two-page layouts, and week/day on one/two-page layouts.
Optional Inserts and Additional Information:
– Address and contact inserts
– Business planning inserts
– Financial planning inserts
– List-making inserts
– Meal planning inserts
– Meeting notes inserts
– Mindset and journaling inserts
– Password log
– Workflow trackers
– Activity, community, school, and work calendars
– Commonly referenced information
How Should I Organize My Planner Tabs and Sections?
The organization of your planner sections is a personal choice, designed to enhance your productivity. Consider arranging your planner based on the three functional planning phases. Starting with tracking and allocating work, move on to defining strategic objectives, and conclude with capturing information. Remember, the goal is quick access and ease of use, so customize your planner’s sections according to your unique needs.
In conclusion, your planner’s functionality is determined by the inserts within, not the superficial aspects like its binding or closure. Stick to what works for you, and don’t succumb to “shiny object syndrome” by frequently changing planners. The power of a functional planner lies in its ability to simplify your life, so choose wisely, customize thoughtfully, and watch your productivity soar.
Feel free to revisit this guide as often as needed, and if you have any questions, don’t hesitate to reach out. Here’s to a year of organized living and unparalleled productivity!
Founder, Strange & Charmed 🍂✨
P.S. If you’re looking for more support in living your best, most organized and successful life, consider joining my inner circle private group coaching community called The Charmed Life Master Mind. Each month we meet for live classes, Q+As and monthly planning sessions, plus you have access to an on-demand resource library with dozens of classes, workbooks, planner inserts and other tools to help you craft the life you want to live. Click here to learn more and enroll today for instant access to all my best content and tools!
