"The beginning is always today." - Mary Shelley
Read the tips
When we get a new planner it can be overwhelming. Even though we want to jump right in, it takes time to get a feel for the layout, prompts and format of each unique page.
Our goal for each Mindful Planner was to keep the design simplistic so the flow of the pages matched the way we process our thoughts and organizational habits. We encourage you to create your own planning style, so we've included helpful tips and ideas at the very front of your planner to give you the foundation to start.
Take a peek at the tips and get a feel for how you want to best apply them in your daily routine. How can you hit the "reset button" on a new month, prioritize your goals, organize your weekly tasks or even focus on one key thing for each new day?
Planning can be easy, just start small!
Write down big events, milestones and birthdays
Don't misunderstand us, capturing the details is important but it might not be the best place to start when you crack open your new planner. One thing we've found helpful is to begin at a high level approach. It helps capture the big moments in your life, and it makes sure you don't have to keep coming back to your iPhone calendar to check upcoming events or Facebook for birthday reminders.
In each Mindful Planner you will find specific pages to capture events, milestones and birthdays with additional monthly calendar pages for you to fill in travel plans or important dates. Our calendar pages do not include holidays or vertical grid lines, so you can write as BIG as you want, highlight, star or circle anything that needs to stand out. Make it pretty, make it your own!
Fill in your days off or travel plans
One of the best feelings is writing down any PTO, paid holidays or travel plans for your year. It's so satisfying to flip through your planner pages and see all the fun trips and family time planned. It may seem silly, but when you can look ahead it helps you stay focused on your day to day schedule and keep pushing towards your next milestone or vacation. We all need a little something to look forward to!
In our Intentional Planner, the monthly calendar pages include a "travel plans" box for you to fill in for each month. This is a great place to write each PTO day or trip in a different color to make them their own.
Similarly, in our Focused Planner, the monthly calendar pages include a "days off" box and an additional section at the front of your planner called "Travel Plans". Utilize the "Travel Plans" pages to make notes for each specific trip, including the dates, destination (and address), type of transportation, and arrival/departure times.
If you needed an excuse to plan your next trip...this is it.
Practice your first "Monthly Reset"
We LOVE our "Monthly Reset" section, and that's why we felt like it was needed in each Mindful Planner, even for the Minimalist.
Your life is busy and sometimes the year moves so quickly. In order to help you tackle each new month, there is a single page at the beginning of the month called, "Monthly Reset". As you turn the chapter into 2024, create a habit of taking time to reset a few days prior to 1st of the month.
Use the three boxes, schedule, organize and prepare to set up some tasks/goals that need to be accomplished over the next few days to create a more organized and prepared start to your month. So, that means scheduling the doctor appointment, cleaning out the pantry or even preparing for your daughter's fifth birthday party. Whatever you can get done ahead of time will only help you be more successful going into the month.
Take small steps, every day - choose to "be mindful".