It’s been a couple of months into the year using the START Planner, and I have to say it has been quite helpful, but also a little distressing.
Here’s how I’ve been using my planner:
- I write everything I have planned and need to do in black pen. My favorite pen has been the Uniball Signo Micro 207 for a clean streamlined look.
- Then I go back through and highlight everything accordingly with the Zebra Mild Liners. For example, work items are gray, household and personal tasks are purple, health and exercise are blue, etc.
- I fill in all the time slots for events that I am certain of the time. For things where I am uncertain of exact time or reminders that don’t need a time, I use the lower portion with check boxes of the daily lines. Then when the event/meeting occurs, I fill the time slot.
Monthly set-up:
- Monthly spread calendar with a notes section
- Mini Goals tracker for the month and a detailed Health Check section (includes weight, measurements for chest, arms, waist, hips, thighs and also health mini goals)
- Lists and Cards & Gifts
- Budget: Income and Expenses
- Notes
- Weekly spreads with 30 minute increments
The section I find most useful aside from the weekly spread is the budget page. I’ve always wanted to really track how much I spend each month and where I spend it too. At the beginning of the month, I recorded my estimated income and also how much I wanted add to my savings by the end of the month. It has really helped me see just how much I spend because it’s easy to jot down my expenses each day or the next day. Since there is also a yearly budget planner at the very beginning of the planner, I have also set up how much I’d like to save each month to reach my end of year goal.
If you missed out on the yearly START Planner, they are launching the midyear planners today.
I’m really looking forward to meeting my goals this year. What type of planner are you using? Are there any pros and/or cons?
Rese & Ry 