So I picked one out that has all the bells and whistles including fun stickers to highlight special events. And I’m feeling optimistic that this fresh system will breathe life into my time management, which can always use a boost. It feels fresh and new, in an old-fashioned and timeless way if that makes sense!
If you’re rocking your planning digitally and can find what you need when you need it, I’m jealous of you. I envy that you can access everything you need from whatever app you’re on, and you’ll never experience that moment of panic when you realize you forgot your planner. We can assume you’ll always be near a phone, tablet or computer and can instantly schedule a meeting and share it with attendees. You might even add lists and new ideas and share them with others. I’ve tried online calendars and will continue to use Google calendar alongside my paper, which I understand duplicates, yet still seems worth it. But I never seem to get that page at a glance I can with paper.
And according to reviews I see for planners out there, I’m not alone. There’s a sense of satisfaction to handwriting, and the planner business is robust and full of options for every need whether it be managing your sales contacts, calendar, meal planning and more.
How about you? Are you using digital or paper to stay on track? Have you found a system that works for you? And am I crazy to move old school?
OK, I am so glad that you posted this article! In this world of digital everything, I have also been using a digital calendar “app” but I miss my paper planner! When I am on the phone, and need to schedule an appointment, I have to put the caller on speaker phone to look at my calendar app in my phone! SO very inconvenient…I want my paper planner back, and have been hesitant to do it–but you have inspired me! Bring back the old school Covey days! 🙂
I have to admit, I have never tried to use a google calendar or fancy app for my self-management purposes! I have always stuck to an “old school” planner. I, like you Jennifer, want to able to see the “big picture” in front of of me and completely agree with all of the other practical uses you outlined. I especially like to paperclip my time sensitive documents to the pages on the calendar when that particular date comes up! I don’t know about you, but my doctor still gives me paper notes to let me know when my next mammogram is; so I simply staple that paper to the page in my old school calendar on the date of my appointment! I use my calendar for my “to-do” list, highlighting and color coding important items. My system is old school, but sophisticated. And it works!
I can’t live without my paper planner. It’s worked so well for me over the years!
I’m a paper planner and could never make the bridge to the digital calendars. I always thought they were great for adding appointments, but they didn’t allow for to do lists, pop-up at the last minute items and they really didn’t allow me to see what was going on the days or weeks around the day I was scheduling. With a planner I can open up that shows my monthly & weekly commitments, I can balance my days better. I don’t know about you, but I need some downtime between heavily scheduled days. Rest is important too! 😉