Blog Post: 3 The Quest for YOUR Perfect Planner

The Quest for YOUR Perfect Planner

 


January is a QUEST MONTH — for the Planner that meets your needs and have it helping you by the end of the month.

In a world of technology, a paper planner is still a great way to keep it simple and use all the triggers that keep your brain organized. The act of writing and reading by turning pages triggers memory activities that increase your natural storage of information and processing of it. So work WITH your natural inclinations instead of fighting them.

Why don’t we use planners? Because we don’t REALLY see the benefit — or the planner style and format don’t fit what and how we work.

But it is YOUR job to find tools that HELP you do what you want to. So find a planner that helps you achieve your goals and pushes you to do things you haven’t been, but need to.

Here are some ideas to get you started in your QUEST for THE PLANNER TOOL to help YOU.

Statistically, the vast majority of small businesses (more than ¾) use the personal funds of the founder for the base capitol, and the primary failure point is CASH FLOW. If finances are one of your ‘need to improve’ spots, using a planner highly focused on that area can improve your finances by keeping them front and center. Also, if you haven’t started using bookkeeping software yet, a financial focused planner is critical. One option is the Smart Planner™ Budget. Check it out and if it isn’t a total right fit, grab some ideas from it that would help you.

If you need help focusing on only a couple things each day — so you can actually make headway — and some encouragement too, check out the Dailygreatness® Original, Success, or Business versions. Their prompts help you define just 3 things to focus on at a time, yet keep track of the numerous things you need to.

Customize your planner before it is printed. If you already know what you want and just can’t find it anywhere, Agendio offers an option that allows you to customize it and then have it printed just for you!  

Discbound planners are very versatile and customizable “on the fly” especially if you are willing to make and print your own pages and purchase the special punch you will need. Here is a great intro to discbound planners with some free printable pages. 

  • Discbound planners tend to be designed by multi-tasking moms frustrated with the offerings in planners — so the pre-made ones like Mambi are great options, but often a bit uncomfortable for serious business types.
  • A really basic (and generic) starting point is The Perfect Notebook and Task Manager, then you could add your own more detailed pages as you find a need, using either free printables or creating your own customized pages.
  • The Staples Arc Notebook System is the base notebook many discbound users start with to add their free printables.

So BOTTOM LINE ...

You need a paper planner of some sort that works FOR YOU!

If you don’t see anything out there that seems right — NOT an excuse! Create your own!

Keep it simple.

  1. Start with a piece of paper and create a 1 week sheet. Leave some extra spaces for additional info you want to track or make notes in (you have the back for notes too).

  2. Add prompts to help you write down the things that will help you achieve your goals (everything about this should be what will help YOU achieve YOUR goals).

    ✓ Financial goals on record keeping? Add a Prompt for Expenses
    ✓ Bad at tracking hours? Add a Prompt for Time entries
    ✓ Do you make long lists of tasks? Add a Prompt to set aside time on your calendar for them
    ✓ Do you have JUST 3 things as your focus for each day? Add a prompt to help you set those each day and keep them in front of you.

    What else do YOU need to be prompted for?

    ✓ Setting a TIMER
    ✓ Taking 15 minutes to check on your team
    ✓ Being HUMAN with people
    ✓ Communicating what you need to be accomplished
    ✓ Building rapport with clients
    ✓ Taking breathing breaks

  3. Make 2 or 3 copies and start USING your custom planner pages, adjust the page template, add notes on the back

As you use it, you will develop something that works GREAT for you. Then get it printed up and bound for easy carrying (you could start with a thin or flex 3 ring binder). Keep it simple — but do it!

NO EXCUSES! A cluttered brain doesn’t work well. It is your job to unclutter your own brain.

Need help? Call me and let’s get you started. Click here to schedule a free Strategy Session.