Sticking to Your Planner: Tips for Busy Schedules
2 min reading time
Find out how to maintain planner habits even during hectic times with these practical strategies for consistent use.
You bought a beautiful planner, filled it with goals and to-do lists… and then life happened. Suddenly, your planner is sitting unused, and you’re back to feeling overwhelmed. Sound familiar? The good news is that sticking to a planner isn’t about getting it right 100% of the time, it’s about habit formation and planner consistency. Some of the most common reasons people abandon their planners include:
- Overcomplicating the process
- Setting unrealistic expectations
- Forgetting to check their planner daily
- Feeling guilty for missed plans
If this sounds like you, don’t worry! There’s an easy fix.
Make It a Daily Habit
Your planner should be part of your routine, not an afterthought. Set a specific time each day—morning, lunch, or evening—to review and update your schedule and to-do list.
Keep It Simple
You don’t need to write down every little detail or use countless layouts and planners. Focusing on key tasks, appointments, and priorities is enough to build better habits. A cluttered planner or an overly complicated planning system can be just as overwhelming as no planner at all.
Use Your Planner as a Guide, Not a Rulebook
Life is unpredictable. If plans change, try to adjust your schedule instead of abandoning your planner entirely. Flexibility is key to planner consistency, especially when juggling a busy schedule.
Find a Planner That Matches Your Lifestyle
Not all types of planners will work for you, and that’s okay. Whether you need a structured daily planner, a flexible bullet journal, or a minimalist weekly spread, choose a format that suits your workflow and lifestyle. You can take our planner quiz to gain some insight about what might work best for your planning style.
Pair It with a Reward
Building a habit is easier when there’s a reward involved. Light a candle, grab your favourite coffee or tea, or play calming music while planning to turn this wonderful task into a moment of self-care. Using a planner consistently isn’t about discipline, it’s about creating a system that works for you. Start small, stay flexible, and soon, planning will feel like second nature.
Ready to take control of your time and goals? Browse our planner collection and find the one that fits your workflow. For more planning tips, join our email list or follow @theplannershop_official on Instagram.
