Strange & Charmed

Why Your Planner Isn’t Making You More Productive

Have you ever purchased a planner thinking that it would help you get more organized and in control of your life, tasks and time, but then after setting it up exactly as you wanted it and filling it out with the details of your life, things didn’t change much?

Sure, the planner helped you remember more things you had to do which was good, but it didn’t make doing the tasks easier or quicker or make you more efficient so you had extra time left over. You had just as much to do, and the same amount of time to do it in, and so your productivity really didn’t change much. 

Unfortunately, that is what happens for most women when they purchase a planner.

You see, a planner can be a tremendous tool to help you improve your productivity, achieve your goals and find more time for the things you love, but unfortunately most planners don’t include the right system of inserts to help you manage and organize your life. 

Now, I realize that there are so many options out there in the market for you to purchase a planner, but I want you to ask yourself a question: Are there actually so many unique options, or are there a handful of the same types of planners just in different packaging?

When it comes to choosing a planner for yourself, the options are seemingly endless. 

→ You can buy a planner in nearly every size of paper you can imagine.

→ You can buy a planner in every binding option that technology allows.

→ You can buy a planner in your favorite color, pattern, fabric, personalized with your name, refillable or disposable. 

You are drowning in a sea of options, or so it seems on the surface.

If you take some time to break open most of the options out there, you’ll come to find that although many planners seem to be different because they look different on the outside, once you get inside, everything is the same but in different packaging. This is the illusion of choice brought to you by the genius of marketing, selling you the same old planner in pretty new packaging.

Most planners you can purchase on the market follow the same old, outdated system of inserts that aren’t actually helping you to become more organized or strategic with your time and tasks.

Most planners are set up for one end goal: To help you remember the never ending list of things you need to do and places you need to be.

This is what you will commonly see inside the vast majority of planners:

• A year at a glance calendar of all the months and dates, perhaps for one to two years
• Calendar style monthly spreads for each month of the year where you can record an important date or two in each box
• A weekly or daily spread where you can record some tasks and create a schedule for your day
• A few contacts and notes pages at the end

Flip through some of the planners in your stash, head down to your local office supply store or browse some planner options online, and that is the system you see over and over again inside what appears to be a variety of planners from a variety of brands.

These planners don’t improve your productivity because the system isn’t built to help you truly plan, instead, this system of inserts is meant to help you record dates and tasks. It’s a reminder system, not a planner!

We all have more to do than time to get it done in a day, so although reminders are nice so we don’t forget important things to do that could cause us issues in the future, what we actually need to become more productive, efficient and successful in our lives is a planner that actually functions as a planner.

I call this a Functional Planner.

Functional because it helps you get everything you need and want to do out of your head and onto paper so you can organize that information strategically, and then schedule and track your work to it’s successful completion.

Functional planning is based on research backed time, task and personal energy management strategy. Plus, it incorporates actual neuroscience so that as you follow through with functional planning techniques, you are actually training your brain to think more productively and strategically about your tasks and how you spend your time.

For years, I have been obsessed with the idea of Functional Planning and sharing my journey as I research, design and create functional planning tools to help you create the strategic plan for your life.

The culmination of this work is my signature Functional Planner known as the Charmed Life Master Planner.

I created the first iterations of the Charmed Life Master Planner back in 2015 and every year since I have evolved the design to incorporate the newest research and technology so that your planner becomes the single greatest tool in living your best life.

The 2024 Charmed Life Master Planners about to launch and I would love for you to be among the first to see and purchase the new designs.

Join me on live on Saturday, July 8th at 11am EDT for a tour of the 2024 Charmed Life Master Planners to learn more about the tools and strategies built into this first of its kind Functional Planner!

If you’ve been looking for a planner that will actually help you manage your time and tasks, and train your brain to improve your productivity and life, you absolutely must attend this live event!

Sign up for my email list to secure your spot in the live and get access to the replay, bonuses and limited time offers included with the 2024 Charmed Life Master Planner Launch!

I sincerely hope to see you live on Saturday the 8th for this live launch event!

I am confident that the Charmed Life Master Planner is precisely what have been searching for to organize and improve your life, and I can’t wait to show you exactly how it all works.

xoxo,

Color Coding Magic: Using Color to Stay Organized and Prioritize Tasks

When it comes to staying organized and managing your tasks effectively, color coding can be a game-changer. By assigning colors to different categories, priorities, or types of tasks, you can visually organize your to-do list, enhance clarity, and streamline your workflow. In this post, we’ll explore the power of color coding and how you can leverage it to stay organized, prioritize tasks, and bring a touch of magic to your productivity routine.

1. Choose a Color Coding System: Start by selecting a color coding system that works for you. You can assign colors based on categories such as work, personal, family, or specific projects. Alternatively, you can use colors to represent priorities, deadlines, or task types. Find a system that resonates with your preferences and aligns with your organizational needs.

2. Create a Legend: Establish a legend or key that defines the meaning behind each color. This legend will serve as your reference point when assigning colors to tasks. For example, you might use red for urgent tasks, green for personal tasks, and blue for work-related tasks. Having a clear legend ensures consistency and avoids confusion.

3. Color Code Your Planner or Task Management Tool: If you’re using a physical planner, use colored pens, markers, or stickers to assign colors to your tasks. If you prefer digital tools, utilize the color coding features available in task management apps or software. Apply the designated colors to each task to create a visually appealing and organized view of your to-do list.

4. Highlight Priorities and Deadlines: Use colors to highlight tasks based on their priorities or deadlines. For example, you might choose to use a bright, attention-grabbing color for high-priority tasks or approaching deadlines. This visual cue helps you quickly identify and focus on the most important tasks at hand.

5. Categorize Tasks or Projects: Assign different colors to tasks or projects based on their categories or themes. For instance, you can use one color for marketing-related tasks, another for financial tasks, and so on. This approach allows you to visually group related tasks together, making it easier to navigate and prioritize your workload.

6. Track Progress and Completion: Use colors to indicate the progress or completion status of tasks. For example, you can use a partially filled color to represent tasks in progress and a fully filled color to represent completed tasks. This visual representation gives you a sense of accomplishment and helps you track your progress at a glance.

7. Customize Your Color Coding System: Tailor your color coding system to suit your specific needs and preferences. Experiment with different colors and combinations to find what works best for you. Don’t hesitate to adjust or refine your system as you gain more experience and identify areas for improvement.

8. Consistency is Key: Maintain consistency in your color coding system. Assign the same meanings to colors across different tasks, projects, or timeframes. Consistency ensures that you can easily interpret your color-coded system, even when reviewing tasks over an extended period.

9. Create a Color Key Reference: Keep a color key reference handy, either in your planner, on your desk, or in a digital note. This reference serves as a quick reminder of the assigned colors and their corresponding meanings. It helps you stay consistent and eliminates any confusion or forgetfulness.

10. Enjoy the Benefits: Embrace the magic of color coding and enjoy the benefits it brings to your organization and productivity. Experience the visual appeal of a color-coded to-do list, the clarity it provides, and the ease with which you can prioritize and manage your tasks. Let color coding infuse your planning process with excitement and efficiency.

Color coding is a simple yet powerful technique that can transform your organizational skills and task management. By assigning colors to tasks, projects, priorities, or categories, you create a visually appealing and organized system that enhances clarity, prioritization, and productivity. Experiment with different color coding systems, find what works best for you, and enjoy the magic that color brings to your planning journey. With a well-structured color coding system, you’ll find yourself effortlessly navigating your to-do list, staying focused, and accomplishing tasks with ease.

Discover the Art of Balanced Living with the Charmed Life Master Mind!

Are you tired of feeling overwhelmed by the endless to-do lists and obligations that consume your days? It’s time to find balance and reclaim your time for the things that truly matter to you. Join the Charmed Life Master Mind and gain access to an array of resources designed to help you create harmony in your life.

By joining the Charmed Life Master Mind, you’ll gain access to a treasure trove of resources and support:

📚 Comprehensive planning resources: Access our extensive library of workbooks, planner inserts, and time management tools to enhance your planning skills and streamline your daily routines.

🎯 On-demand classes: Dive into a wide range of on-demand classes focused on productivity, time management, and personal development. Learn from experts and apply their insights to optimize your life.

👥 Community support: Connect with a community of like-minded women who are passionate about personal growth and intentional living. Share your wins, seek advice, and find accountability partners who will uplift and motivate you on your journey.

💫 Elevate Your Time, Amplify Your Joy: Don’t settle for a life dictated by a hectic schedule. Join the Charmed Life Master Mind and gain the tools and knowledge to plan your time effectively, allowing you to focus on what truly brings you joy.

🌸 Ready to make the most of your time and create a life filled with purpose and fulfillment? Join the Charmed Life Master Mind today and unlock the secrets of time blocking.

Click the link below and be part of a community that will support you every step of the way. Your journey to a balanced and successful life starts now!

Remember, you have the power to take control of your time and live a life that prioritizes what truly matters. Enroll in the Charmed Life Master Mind and embrace the joy of intentional living!

xoxo,