Easy and Fun Organization Strategies to Keep Your Schedule on Track in 2021

Easy and Fun Organization Strategies to Keep You On Track in the New Year

1/4/2021

Being a mom is HARD. It seems like there are always competing responsibilities, social engagements, appointments, and activities, and no time to get half of them done. While I can't promise to help you find more time in your day, I can recommend strategies that have helped me feel more on top of life, and it all starts with organizing your schedule. Here is how!

Pick the Right Planner

The right planner makes all the difference! You can buy one, or make one quite easily using printables (such as those in my free resource library) and a binder, or a journal and bullet journal strategies. If you love graphic design and flexibility, choice a blank journal and create a bullet journal. Love the ability to change things up, but want to try a variety of templates? Use printables and a binder (like those in my free resource library). Like things neat, tidy, and easy? A traditional planner does the trick! I ordered this one for 2022.

You can find many types of planners on the market. I recommend something that you can make your own. I usually pick something with plenty of room for notes, sections for goals and to do lists, and blank space for decorating.

Here are some of the Top Rated Planners for 2022

Lilly Pulitzer Large 2021-2022 Planner Daily Weekly Monthly, Hardcover Agenda Dated Aug 2021 - Dec 2022

2022 Weekly & Monthly Planner by Mead

Blue Sky™ Weekly/Monthly Planner, 8-1/2" x 11"

Blue Sky 2022 Weekly & Monthly Planner, 8.5" x 11"

Organizer Stickers

I've found stickers to be one of the easiest ways to personalize my planner, and keep myself on track. With planner design becoming a true hobby (and not just a necessity), there are tons of options on the market. Here are two that I've used and love.

Aesthetic Planner Stickers

Avery Planner Stickers

Yes, THAT Avery! Your go to brand for office supplies has gotten into the bullet journaling/planner game, and makes amazing planner stickers for all occasions.

Get Your Key Words and Sections Planned

What key words will you use to keep yourself on track? I like separating my To Do list from my To Contact list and separating those from my To Buy list and appointments. I also like setting goals for the week or day. Sticking with 3 seems to be the sweet spot! I've continued this practice whether bullet journaling or using a traditional planner. Do what makes sense to you, but make sure it is something that is helpful. If you are new to the practice of organizing your week, play around with different ideas. There is no shortage of examples on Pinterest or Google!

Here is some examples of how I've broken up my responsibilities:

Need more inspiration? Here is a list to get you started!

To Do
To Buy
Shopping List/Grocery List
To Call/Email/Contact
Top 3 (To Dos/Goals)
Around the House
Work Goals
Home Goals
Bills to Pay
Appointments
Meal Planning
Steps Tracker
Water Tracker
Meal Tracker
Mood Tracker
Medication Tracker

And don't forget to take some time to celebrate your accomplishments or log memories! Think of including some of the following in your planner!

Little Wins: What is one thing you accomplished today that feels like a victory? It can be as big as a promotion at work, or as little as taking 5 extra minutes for yourself!
Milestones: What are some of the milestones you or your family has reached on a given day/week? Think, years since buying your first home, your child writing their first essay or performing in their first play, or your first time taking the lead on a work project.
Funny Memories: What is something funny that happened, or a joke you heard that you loved? Write it down!
Current Events: What is going on in the world?

Decorate!

Make your planner your own! Add decorative stickers, washi tape, or draw designs or pictures! Here are some of the products I've used and designs I've done in my bullet journals/planners.

Products:

Washi Tape

Arteza Gel Pens

Colored Pencils

Design work:

What About My Phone Calendar?

There are a variety of great apps for phones and computers available on the market, including the Google app suite. Don't get me wrong, the automated reminders are SUPER helpful, and I use them. I also use my phone calendar on the go. But when I get home, I transfer everything into my hard copy planner. Here is why:

Motivation: I love decorating, desiring, and doodling, so having a gorgeous planner keeps me motivated to stay on top of my schedule.
Easier/More Effective: I find it easier to conceptualize what I have on my plate and how pieces fit together when my schedule is written out on paper (instead of on my phone). It also allows me to keep multiple to do lists, appointment reminders, and more in a single place. That means I am less likely to forget.
Fun: This is similar to my motivation argument, but I listed it separately because, for me, creating the perfect planner is a hobby. It is relaxing and FUN! The fact that this hobby also helps make me a more productive mother is just a bonus!