So, I'm an incredible nerd. I'll be the second to admit it. But, my life is about to shoot off in approximately 236 different directions in the upcoming months, and I have to find a way to keep it together. This is where my trusty, handy dandy agenda planner comes in! *cue Blue's Clues music*
Agenda planners are not always recognized as the effective tools of organization that they are. They are good for more than just their stylish way of complementing your dull, not-so-brightly-colored books/notepads. When used regularly, they do an excellent job of keeping record of your life goals, appointments and daily priorities.
Agenda planners are not always recognized as the effective tools of organization that they are. They are good for more than just their stylish way of complementing your dull, not-so-brightly-colored books/notepads. When used regularly, they do an excellent job of keeping record of your life goals, appointments and daily priorities.
*beware of upcoming nerdy sentence* I spent nearly all of June, July (and most of August) searching for the perfect agenda planner. It's such a commitment to decide what planner will most effectively journalize your life for the next year! In my findings, I came across some great ones and some pretty good almosts. On this tiring and exhaustive search, I've narrowed it down to a few finalists. For those of you that care to be as freakishly organized as I do, check it out: |
The Day Designer
In my humble opinion, this is the end-all and be-all of agenda planners , specifically for businesswomen (established and aspiring).
Allows you to consider the bigger picture (has sections to list long-term goals, passions, etc)
Enough room to list your to-dos, as well as your schedule for the day
Stylish (extra points for the glamorous design and cover!)
Cost (these run about $55 - but you get some serious planning for this price!)
In my humble opinion, this is the end-all and be-all of agenda planners , specifically for businesswomen (established and aspiring).
- Pros:
Allows you to consider the bigger picture (has sections to list long-term goals, passions, etc)
Enough room to list your to-dos, as well as your schedule for the day
Stylish (extra points for the glamorous design and cover!)
- Cons:
Cost (these run about $55 - but you get some serious planning for this price!)
May Books For those of you that are moreso the pocket-carrying types, May Books is the way to go. These little creations are extremely thorough and detailed for their size. Not to mention - they are incredibly cute! One feature that appealed to me was the option of having my name monogrammed against the colors and design that I picked. |
- Pros:
Reasonable pricing ($15 - $20)
Several types of planners offered (including a meal planner, budget planner, etc.)
Pocket size makes it portable and easy to transport
- Cons:
Erin Condren
This planner was my first pick when I began my research of planners. Although I ended up picking a different one, Erin Condren products offer a wide variety of customizable, colorful options to help organize your life.
Pros:
TONS of designs to choose from
Interchangeable covers
Comes with accessories, such as stickers, bookmarks, highlighters (available for purchase)
Cons:
Price ($50)
Calendar organization (I'm not a fan of the three columns for each day).
Material (Some reviewers say the agenda's cover quality is not worth $50).
Funny story: I ended up not picking any of the three! I wanted the space and thoroughness of the Day Designer, and the customizable options of the May Books, without the price of the Erin Condren. Sooo, I ended up picking a printable planner from Etsy.com! There are tons of options there - and I chose one that allowed me to customize my planner, had plenty of writing space, and I sent it to my local print shop, had the covers laminated and picked it up (all for about $20)! |
The planner I chose came from the Etsy shop of Jessica Marie Design (you can see more of her stuff at thepreppygreek.etsy.com). But, as I said, there are plenty of planners to pick from on Etsy - just search "printable planners", and plan away! For some planners, you can almost design yours from scratch, depending on the number of options to customize and accessorize.
Whether you're a planner, or someone just trying to get their life together, I promise that agenda planners will whip your butt into shape if you let them.
For those of you that are in the same nerdy planning community as I am, I say "UNITE!"
Any planners I left out? Thoughts on the ones I mentioned? Let me know!
Until the next, Fraps,
Sarah
Whether you're a planner, or someone just trying to get their life together, I promise that agenda planners will whip your butt into shape if you let them.
For those of you that are in the same nerdy planning community as I am, I say "UNITE!"
Any planners I left out? Thoughts on the ones I mentioned? Let me know!
Until the next, Fraps,
Sarah