How I Set Up My Franklin Covey Planner and I Painted My Binder and YOU can too!

Hi everyone! I thought I'd try something different and give you all an in depth look at my planner and how I set it up and use it. I recently changed some things about how I use my planner and I am very excited about that. I also took the plunge and painted my gorgeous green leather classic binder PINK! I love it! The color I chose happily almost exactly matches the pink in my Rolodex Padfolio that I use for notes and brainstorming. It is also the color in the logo of my DM business. I do use the Franklin Covey System because it is a tried a true system that works for me. While I do like my planner to look pretty, bottom line it has to work for me. I found some great sources for functional stickers that I love and I will link they below. Let's get started!

Painting my binder was a lot easier than I expected. I chose Apple Barrel Matte Acrylic in Honeysuckle Pink that I got at Walmart for under a dollar along with a pack of sponge brushes. I wiped the binder off with a damp cloth before I started but I didn't do any other prep because this is a well loved binder. I was going for a distressed look so I was not concerned with covering all the green. I did not use a sealer because I'd like for a bit of the color to kind of rub off. I applied two coats, allowing it to dry for an hour between coats. Brought it inside and let it sit overnight. When I got up the next morning, I moved everything back in, slid it in my backpack purse and went to run errands. Thinking about painting your planner? Do it! You'll love it!

The dividers I use are actually a set of covers that Alexis offered free on her blog Strange & Charmed. I printed them out, trimmed them and slid them in page protectors. I may laminate them at some point but right now, I'm like the idea of sliding them out to change them whenever I want. I'm actually thinking of doing a change out quarterly and am working on a set of coloring pages to use. I did not put tabs in them and right now that is working really well for me. I only have four sections in my binder unless you count my A-Z section which I keep in my work section.

I carry my planner everywhere so I have a zipper section and card holders in the front so that my loyalty cards and gift cards are handy right in front of my calendar section. Which brings me to my inserts! I use Franklin Covey Original 2ppd inserts. I keep three monthlies and the current month of dailies in there. I love the Blog Boss and the Editable Task & Label Printable Sticker Sets I got from Strange & Charmed. That editable task list is a lifesaver for me! I have a monthly one and a weekly one set up. I love that I can change them or create new ones whenever I want!

I use a fold out work board I made to attach my errand/grocery list and a running Honey-do list. Clipped to the inside I have a list of journaling questions and a running list of blog ideas. I also clip coupons, directions, information for install dates, etc clipped here. Basically any information I might need quickly while running errands or just getting things done at home. There are tons of tutorials online to make them and they are really easy.

My other sections consist of a Religious Section where I track scripture study, keep my Gratitude List, and prayer request. A HomeKeeping Section where I keep my cleaning calendar, menu planning, camper maintenance log, and Holiday Planning. Then there is my work section where I keep a current scent list, blog schedule, running to do list for work, and my A-Z section. I also have a Swing Pad there.

That's it! Remember that what works for me may not work for you. You should stick with a system for six months before deciding it doesn't work for you. I hope this helps ….

Here is a link to the printables I mentioned

http://www.strangecharmed.com/

Getting Motivated

I often see people in different groups complaining that they don't seem to be getting things done. They are overwhelmed and discouraged. There are several things you can try to overcome this. And remember that even though you may want to do everything perfectly, it is much better to be done.

So first on the list is to figure out which tasks are okay to be less than perfect with. For example, that report you are doing for work or school needs to be error free but the grocery list can be sloppy. Or maybe you are doing a quick clean up before bed so spot mopping the floor is okay while cleaning the week you mother comes to visit needs to be more thorough. Take a look and be kinder to yourself.

The next best motivational tool and my personal favorite is a kitchen timer. Set it for 15 minutes and start cleaning. You'll be amazed at how much you can get done. I always am. Have races with yourself or have races with your child.

Another great motivator is to actually mark things of on your to do list. It can be very satisfying to see things checked off. Reward yourself for those check marks. Try having a Top Three. These are things that absolutely must get done. If you get all three, reward yourself with a break and your favorite treat.

How do I start planning my day?

Welcome to The Doorknobs Guide To Basic Planner Use! I hope you find this helpful. I've been using a planner off and on since my second child was born. She has Down Syndrome and I found it easier to deal with the chaos my life became. I was hooked from the first. I started out with just a pad of paper and moved up from there. I've had many different kinds of planners. With all kinds of different set-ups. I've used Franklin Covey the most and find I love their set up, binders, and inserts the most. But, regardless of all the different options out there the actual planning is the same. You have to get it down on paper in some sort of order. Let's get started.

The first thing you're going to want to do is a Brain Dump. That's basically making a list of everything you need to do. Include chores, errands, projects, fitness, etc. It's important to write it all down to make room for other things and so you don't forget. Some of these things will be routine tasks and some will big big projects that will need to be broken down into smaller pieces. Set aside some time either the night before or first thing in morning to do this.

Next you want to give your list some sort of order. So, next to each thing on the list label A, B, or C. A tasks are things that have to be done, perhaps you are taking a class and your assignment is due tomorrow or you need to deposit a check in the bank to cover some bills that are due. B tasks are things you should do but aren't time sensitive or urgent like give the dog a bath or rake the yard. C tasks are things you can do if you have time but that can be rescheduled, for instance purging your file drawer or organizing your DVD collection.

Once you have all the items on your list marked A, or B you'll want to number them 1, 2, or 3. For example, depositing money in the bank and finishing your assignment are 1's but maybe picking up the dry cleaning is a 2, not as important but you can do it while you are out. With B tasks raking the yard and bathing the dog may be 1 because you are planning a family barbecue but something like re-pot plants is important but if you have move it to the next day it's okay.

Some things on your list may goal oriented or projects that can't be finished in a day. Things like fitness or remodeling the house. If you have decided to exercise more to be in better shape, you need to set aside a specific time for that. It may be easier for you to do it in morning before work or in the evening after work. Remodeling the house would have to broken into chunks like replace bathroom vanity or paint trim in the family room.

That's basically it for GTD (getting things done). We will cover more in depth in our next lesson.