Planner Review—Take 2

I wrote my original planner review piece about a month ago. I truly enjoyed using my Franklin Covey Sierra and it is still set up, but a few days ago I couldn’t shake this reoccurring thought every time I picked it up to use it: I wish I could bend it back like a spiral notebook.

After internally arguing with myself over this first world problem, I sought counsel from one of the many planner-centered Facebook groups I am a member of. Another member essentially gave me the permission I was looking for: “If you don’t love it, you won’t use it. So use what you love.”

That was a very liberating message to receive.

I listed out what I absolutely knew I wanted in my new set up: Project Manager section, Expense Tracker, At A Glance Calendars, Weekly layouts (Wo2pgs), and my address book. I removed the Writing section since I have a separate notebook for that. I will be putting a blog posting list in my Project Manager section though.

Crafts by Cori has had its own binder for years. The planner section was just a handy area for notes and reminders. In my Project Manager section, I’m keeping this year’s BEP (Break Even Point list), To Do list, and raw materials notes.

So I got through my first week in my new set up, and I’m still pleased with my self-designed inserts.

Each day has my work To Dos on one side, and each box becomes a separate sectional To Do list with lots of room. Very very pleased! *happy dance* My notebook is full of wonderfulness!

Here are some pictures to help illustrate:

The Pen Band that holds all my pens that I use in my planner.

 

I’ve had the magenta one the longest, so it became my planner.

I took the inspirational page out of my Writing notebook (which is now a Green Flex Binder).

The Flex Binders come with 2 plastic dividers and 3 page protectors. Here’s what one looks like.

This the beginning of my Project Manager section. I’m currently trying to figure out what to do for Christmas this year.

Here’s a blank expense tracker insert that I made. It’s designed for a 5 1/2 x 8 1/2 binder, but I’m keeping it uncut for my bigger planner.

This is a January print out I got from MS Word. Nothing special.

Here is a blank weekly layout.

And here’s my weekly layout when I have all my To Do lists filled out. The right side columns with the black ink are all work notes. I have started highlighting my work hours, and don’t put anything work related down after 4 pm.

Address tabs. I may redo my address section, but I’m not sure yet.

© Cori Large January 16-19, 2015