How to Stick With Your Daily Planner

It is easy to pick up a new planner and start using it, but continuing to use it long-term is where the challenge lies. This article will help you understand why you keep quitting your planner and how to stay motivated to continue using it, thus truly benefiting from having a planner. I've always struggled with daily planners, and it took me a LONG time to stick with one. (Thanks, ADHD)

I think that's a big part of why daily planners can be so helpful, though, because they give you a tool to stay on track with goals and habits you are trying to form.

Pick a Planner You LOVE

If you use a planner for a little while, then ditch it, it's probably not the right planner for you. A planner that you love and are passionate about is one you'll want to keep using. From its appearance on the outside to its setup on the inside, you need to fall in love with this planner.

It's all in the details: the size, look and feel, the number of pages, whether or not the pages can be customized, and much more. When you are in the habit of quitting with using a daily planner, start researching different types of planners and really take your time to pick the right one.

Make it Fun

In addition to using the right planner, the way you use it will also make a big difference. You need to have a reason to keep using it, which involves making it a fun experience. Don't make it a chore with a boring black and white planner that you don't enjoy using. Figure out ways to make the entire experience more enjoyable.
Maybe you include some coloring pages so you have activities to do each time a new month starts, or you use color coding, stickers, washi tape, and embellishments. Maybe you prefer a bullet journal-style planner because it gives you more customizable options.

Track Daily Habits or Tasks
You need a reason to use your planner every day, as opposed to just using it monthly for appointments and schedules. To do this, think of things you want to track or write down every day. Your personal goals will determine what this is, but some ideas are:

• Your water intake
• Quality of sleep
• What you eat
• Fitness routines
• Anxiety or stress triggers
• Mood tracker
• Gratitude or inspirational quotes
• Work tasks you completed

It can really be anything you want, as long as it's something you do every day that will keep you opening up that planner.

Turn it Into a Daily Routine

Another great way to encourage regular use of your planner is to incorporate it into your daily routine. It should be scheduled into your day, whether you use your planner before writing in your journal, have it be part of your mindfulness routine, or write in it in the morning while having your first cup of coffee.

The routine you create should positively affect your daily life, and your life in general.