I’ve just discovered the Studyblr community. I’ve read lots of posts saying that you should use a planner, and since I LOVE planners, I thought that we should go a little bit deeper on this topic.
Bullet Journal is not a type of planner that you can buy, but a system to keep organized. First, you have to buy a notebook. Then, you’ll need to number all the pages and create an index. Finally, you’ll be able to create daily to-do lists using a complex bullet code.
Learn more about Bullet Journal.
You can use the notebook that you prefer.
It is pretty meticulous and organized.
Having to create an index, number all the pages… and basically creating a planner from scratch can be a waste of time.
Even though you have a monthly calendar, you can’t really asign tasks in advanced.
You can’t predict how long a to-do list will be so you will end up with blank pages and crammed tasks in other pages.
Chronodex is a graphic time managing system created by Patrick Ng. It consists on that circle diagram which works as a clock. You can print it out and stick it to any kind of notebook or planner and use it as a way to put up your daily tasks.
Learn more about Chronodex.
It is better than a simple to-do list because you plan in advanced how much time you will spend doing each task.
It is visual and effective.
You can create a color code.
It can be used in an agenda or in a notebook.
You have to print a lot of chronodex circles or make it a stamp.
You may also need to print out a calendar. Is that even a drawback?
Spiraldex is a Chronodex sequel, created by Kent from Oz. It works exactly as Chronodex but using a different design, which, from my point of view, is a lot more clear.
Read more about Spiraldex.
Each page works like a funnel: Top section for long lists (categorize tasks and activities), middle section for your daily activity plan (prioritize what need more attention from the top section) and lower section works like an appointment book (schedule).
Read more about Planner Pads.
This system can actually be used in other kinds of planners.
One week per two-page spread.
Great for long-term tasks (helps you divide the work).
They can imprint your name in gold.
DIYfish (its creator) says: “Life Mapping is a kind of color coding, time-managing, journal writing method that can help you record and organize your life without hustle.” It works pretty much like any other binder planner but with a twist on it. Every page has a color index on its margin that helps you search and locate important notes.
Read more about Life Mapping System.
This system helps you to keep your notes organized in the long-term.
You have to buy a binder and inserts.
6. Midori Traveler’s notebook
How to describe it? It is a piece of leather, with a elastic band around it to keep the journal closed and another one on the spine, so that you can attach refills. It is a traveler notebook… for people who… travel. But well, the journey from home to work and from work to home counts as traveling as well.
See more about Traverler’s notebooks / buy.
Can add and change refills (so it is for life).
Not too big, not too small.
They promise that the paper is lightweight, thin and anti-transparency.
About 50€ (worth it, in my opinion, because of the good quality).
Filofax is the “original personal organiser” but there are more brands that sell this kind of binder planner, such us Gillio or Smythson.
Go to Filofax Official Website.
You can add the inserts that are useful for you.
There are thousands of accesories for your filofax.
You have to buy inserts (that’s not necesary a disadvantage).
If you want to add your own inserts, you have to punch the holes by hand (because of the six holes).
Hobonichi planners are mainly appealing to creative people since you have one page per day to record what you plan to do or what you have done. Every year, the design of Hobonichi is “refined and updated to reflect the demands of users”, as they say on ther website.
Read more about Hobonichi.
There are A LOT of beautiful covers to choose.
You can get creative (and use watercolors!).
Includes one quote per two-page spread.
Their website seems extremely frank, reliable and neatly organized.
The book costs 2,700 yen (about 20€ / $22) and you’ll probably want to buy a cover too (At least, 20€ more).
Personal Planner is a website in which you can design your own planner (from the cover to the inlay design) and they send it to you.
Read more about Personal Planner.
You can design pretty much everything.
The cheaper agenda costs $29.95.
I use a regular week-view planner. This is how I color code and stuff:
Daily homework:
I (and probably the rest of the planet) write down my homework on the same day the teacher set it. I use a blue pen to write it and a red pen to cross it down when it is done. That way, done and undone work jump out at you.
➯ When I put something off:
I cross it down with my blue pen and write it again on the day I plan to do it. That way I know that didn’t do it that first day but it doesn’t simply look undone.
➯ Long-term chores:
(Such as essays or things that require a few days to be done.) I use the same method. For example: Today it’s Monday and the teacher says “You have to do a research paper about the Parthenon for next week”. I write on my planner (under Monday) “Parthenon essay”. When I get home, I decide that I’m going to do it between Wednesday and Friday, so I cross “Parthenon essay” with blue ink and write it again under the days that I plan to do it.
Exams:
I write the exam on the actual day of the exam and then I highlight it so it is 100% visible when I get to a new page. Having a calendar on your wall with all the exams and deadlines is also essential. By the way, it is so relieving to cross off days on the calendar!
Deadlines:
I write deadlines the same way I write exam dates. However, I highlight them using a different color so it is easy to tell them apart from exams.
Other:
Such as details for an essay, what’s covered in an exam, etc. I use the note pages at the end of the planner.
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