5 Reasons a Planner is Key to Success

To begin, I want to clarify that I don’t utilize a physical planner in the traditional sense. I’ve fully embraced technology, relying on iCalendar and iPhone to schedule and send reminders for appointments and meetings. 

I’ve also experimented with digital planner applications and still find it more efficient to use a printed planner for weekly, monthly, quarterly, and yearly planning. 

It’s simply faster to flip through the pages, compare the monthly and weekly calendars, and quickly jot down ideas or notes. Plus, having a physical reminder of all my goals and tasks on my desk is an excellent reminder of my priorities. There’s also something about using my favorite pen and putting ink on paper that makes it all feel more tangible and real. I can write my own success story!

Before, my desk was disorganized, with scattered lists and notes on scraps of paper. I struggled to find a way to organize the mess, but that all ended with using the weekly planner.

This planner has a dedicated section where I can jot down ideas for upcoming blog posts or email newsletters, making brainstorming and scheduling easy.

The planner provides ample space for notes, eliminating the clutter on my desk. I can make daily and weekly notes, and there’s also a large notes section at the back of the planner. I use the daily notes area to record finishing a painting, while others use it for planning meals or daily gratitudes.

Do you have a dream for yourself that excites you? Knowing your destination is key to getting there. So what’s the dream? What would make you absolutely bursting with excitement? No ifs, ands, or buts. No limitations! What do you want for yourself?

Now, let’s make that happen! 

Do you have a dream that excites you? Knowing your destination is key to getting there. Let’s work together to make it a reality! 

I struggled with achieving my year-end goals, so I switched to setting quarterly goals. This way, I have a clear focus for 90 days without getting distracted by day-to-day tasks. To help you set and achieve your goals, I’ve included planning sections for each quarter. It’s important to tap into the emotions you’ll feel when you accomplish your goals. Reading your thoughts throughout the quarter can be an energizing and motivational tool.

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90-Day Roadmap to Success

Now that you have outlined your dream or goals and determined how achieving them will make you feel — it’s time to break them down into actionable steps.

The first step towards achieving your dream is to create a list of specific and measurable goals. While most people tend to dream in generalities, being specific helps you know exactly what you’re working towards and measure your progress.

So, take some time to create a list of specific, measurable goals from your overall dream. It may seem daunting initially, but breaking it down into smaller steps will make it more manageable and achievable. Remember, every step forward is a step closer to achieving your dream!

Asking myself a series of “ What” and “How” questions helps drill down to clear, defined goals. Questions such as — What does that mean to me? What would I need to feel/do I’ve achieved this? What steps do I need to take? How often do I need to take the steps? What steps can I take each month, week, and day to succeed? When do I need to complete each step? What am I going to do if I get off track? What will motivate me? Do I need outside help? 

Don’t forget to set due dates for each task. 

Check out “Creating a RoadMap to Success,” which outlines a step-by-step process for planning months and weeks to crush your goals.

Here’s where things get real — all the planning in the world won’t work without taking consistent action! Trust me, I know from experience. Consistent action is necessary for plans to work.

I have discovered that creating a routine for planning helps me maintain consistency and achieve success in the long run. 

Every Monday morning, I sit down with my planner, a warm cup of my favorite tea, and plan for the week ahead. This ritual helps me maintain a peaceful and focused mindset, setting a productive and successful tone for the rest of my week.

Of course, I am not infallible, and sometimes I get sidetracked by the day-to-day hustle and bustle. That’s when I find my planner to be most helpful. By flipping back through the pages, I can re-center myself and find the motivation to get back on track toward achieving my goals.