Organize Your Life: Top Planner Picks for Your Lifestyle
In this blog post, Organize Your Life: Top Planner Picks For Your Lifestyle, I explain different types of planners that are out there and review some of my top picks to help you find the right planner for you!
Choosing the right planner can be challenging. There are so many variations that we often ask ourselves “which planner is right for me?” Needless to say, over the years, I have used a variety of different planners and systems based on what my needs were at any given period of time. Our lifestyle changes periodically and so do our planning and organization needs. Because I’ve used several different types of planners, I put together this handy list of my top planner picks to help you find the right planner for you. Continue reading for the top planners picks for your lifestyle!
“Our goals can only be reached through the vehicle of a plan, in which we must fervently believe, and upon which we must vigorously act. There is no other route to success.”
Pablo Picasso
If you would like to jump to a certain planner here are links to each one discussed in this blog post:
- Savor Beauty Planner – My Next 90 Days
- PLAND Studio Planner All-In-One 90 Day Planner
- My Daily Planner by Apartment 128
- Next Level Daily Planner
- Dailygreatness 90 Day Journal & Planner
- 12 Week Year Planner
- Lemome Diary Day-A-Page
- Fringe Studio Planner
- Dailygreatness Original Journal & Planner
- STIL
- Cloth & Paper
- Filofax
Why Having the Right Planner Is Important
If you are reading this, then I take it you know the importance of having a planner and are in the market of selecting one. Yet, in case you need a reminder, having the right planner for your lifestyle is important because it can help keep you on top of your priorities, goals, and taking specific actions to keep you on your path. I feel that a life without a planner can lead to added stress leading into a cycle of being reactive instead of being proactive. I must say, I have been in that place of stress and chaos before and notice that I am much more proactive when I am consistently using a planner.
In addition to staying on track with our priorities and easing stress, our needs and lifestyles change throughout different periods of our life and thus, a certain planner may be sufficient at one time and another may be better suited during another time.
Lastly, there are various types of focus areas that a planner can be used for, such as for work, personal use, goal-setting, self-care, and more. Having the right planner for your specific need or focus area is helpful. No matter your lifestyle or what you will be using your planner for, having one can help enhance your life, keep you organized, help you stay on top of your priorities, and bring you close to your goals.
“Always ask yourself if what you’re doing today is getting you closer to where you want to be tomorrow”
Paulo Coelho
Comparing Popular Types Of Planners
There are so many different types of planners to choose from such as annual planners; 90-day planners; customizable binder and inserts; daily, weekly, and monthly ones; and so on. There are also specific planners for various focuses like goal-setting planners, health and wellness planners, self-care planners, business planners and school planners – all designed to meet a specific purpose. No matter what, you could find a planner you could use.
Secondly, there are physical paper and digital planners to choose from. Deciding which one to use is a matter of personal preference. I’ve used paper planners and digital planners. Personally, I prefer paper planners compared to digital ones. This is because I love the tangible feeling of handwriting my schedule, notes, to-do lists, and goals. It gives me something accessible and in front of me to refer to and be inspired throughout the day. I have tried digital planners and sometimes I work with them simultaneously with paper ones, but ultimately, I prefer a paper planner. This blog article focuses just on physical paper planners and they’ve all been one’s that I have used. Keep reading for my top picks!
Which Planner is Best for Me?
At this point, you might be thinking which planner would work best for your current lifestyle. Firstly, start by assessing what your life looks like right now and what you feel will best be able to suit your needs. Do you need something with a daily agenda or would a weekly overview be okay? Do you prefer something that also helps you create a vision and plan goals or one to help inspire self-care? Maybe you just need something more straightforward to keep you on track with your busy schedule. Next, think about what you’ve used in the past. When you use an annual planner, do you usually use it the whole year or just part of it? Maybe something like a 90-day planner would work best for you and help you hone in on your goals.
If you are a professional with a busy schedule and want a one stop shop for organizing all your appointments, meetings, and tasks, maybe a daily planner/schedule with time slots would be best to help you stay on top of your day. Or, if you do not have a rigid schedule to stick to and prefer something that is more inspirational or to help you stay motivated, perhaps a weekly planner focused on self-care and goal-setting would be suitable.
Also, remember to bookmark this page so that when it comes time to purchase your next planner, you can refer back!
And now, here is the planner round up to organize your life: top planner picks for your lifestyle:
Planner Roundup:
Review of My Top Planner Picks
Indeed, with the number of different planners and systems out there, it would be impossible to cover it all in just one blog post. So I rounded a few of my top planner picks to help you pick one for your lifestyle and to organize your life. This blog post covers different 90-day planners, annual planners, and custom binder and inserts systems. Hopefully my unbiased reviews will help you determine which planner is suitable for you now.
90-Day Planners
Over the past couple of years I have been into 90-day planners, inspired by the book and concept of the 12-week year. 90-day planners are helpful because they allow you to really hone in and focus on specific projects or goals and get things done. They can be used for work, personal, health and fitness, etc. Below are a few 90-day planners that I have tried:
1. Savor Beauty Planner – My Next 90 Days
The Savor Beauty Planner focuses on self-care and creating 90-day intentions. The planner has four components to help you optimize your 90-days: self-care, vision, setting rituals, and the plan. It contains self-care worksheets and prompts; 90-day planning and vision worksheets; two-page monthly spreads; two-page weekly planning spreads; weekly check-ins; notes pages to organize your thoughts, projects, and ideas; and a 90-day reflection and future vision worksheet.
I used this planner for personal projects and organizing my life, such as stepping up my self-care practices, nutrition and fitness goals, and planning a trip. The unique notes pages allowed me to section various parts of my trip planning, organize my goals, training, meals, and more.
Savor Beauty Planner Key Features:
- Size: 8” x 10”
- Format: Spiral Binder
- Style: 90-day
- Undated so you can start anytime
- 2-page monthly spreads
- 2-page weekly spreads
- Self-care worksheets
- Vision and planning worksheets
- Unique notes sections where you can organize thoughts, projects, lists, and ideas
- Inspirational quotes
2. PLAND Studio All-in-One 90 Day Planner
The PLAND Studio All-in-One 90-day Planner is easy to use and allows for daily intentions and reflections. The planner is undated so you can start anytime. It is composed of vision and goal worksheets; two-page monthly calendars; weekly meal planners; one-page daily spreads with prompts for focus, gratitude, actions, notes, and an hourly schedule with time slots (6:00 am – 9:00 pm). Lastly, there is a reflection page at the end of the 90-days.
PLAND Studio All-in-One 90-Day Planner Key Features:
- Size: 9.75” x 7.5”
- Format: Spiral binder
- Style: 90-day
- Undated so you can start anytime
- 2-page monthly spreads
- 1-page daily spreads
- Weekly meal planner
- Weekly and 90-day review worksheets
3. My Daily Planner – Quarterly Addition
The My Daily Planner by Apartment 128 is a 90-day planner that allows you to focus on your vision, goals and time management. It is composed of 90-day reflection, vision, and goal-setting worksheets; two-page monthly calendars; two-page weekly spreads with space for a to-do list, reminders, goals, habit tracker, shopping list, and schedule; one-page daily spreads with space for tasks, a schedule with half hour time slots (6:00 am – 8:00 pm), and a meal planner. The planner also contains daily dot grid notes pages; weekly and quarterly reflection pages, and additional notes pages.
My Daily Planner Key Features:
- Size: 8″ x 6″
- Format: Hard Bound
- Style: 90-day
- Undated so you can start anytime
- 2-page monthly spreads
- 2-page weekly spreads
- 1-page daily spreads
- 90-day vision worksheet
- Goal-setting worksheet
- Weekly and quarterly reflection
- Inspirational quotes
4. Next Level Daily Planner:
The Next Level Daily Planner is a straightforward planner to help you organize your priorities, manage your time and stay on top of your goals and projects. It contains preplanning exercises; vision worksheets; habit trackers; two-page monthly calendars; two-page daily spreads with an hourly agenda (5:00 am – 8:00 pm), and space for your morning routine, gratitude and affirmations, setting priority actions, notes and a daily checklist. At the end, there are additional notes pages to use.
Next Level Daily Planner Key Features:
- Size: 8.25” x 5.5”
- Format: Hardcover
- Style: 90-Day
- Undated so you can start anytime
- 2-page monthly spreads
- 2-page daily spreads
- Goal and preplanning worksheets
- Vision worksheets
- Habit trackers
- Additional notes pages
5. Dailygreatness 90-Day Journals & Planners
The Dailygreatness 90-day Journals & Planners are inspirational and motivational and come in various focus areas according to your needs (i.e.: wellness, training, yoga, parenting).
I personally used the “Dailygreatness Training Journal – 12 weeks to a Rocking Fit Body, Mind & Spirit” during a time that I was doing a personal health and wellness challenge and which is the planner version I will refer to for purposes of this review.
The Dailygreatness planners contain a unique system to help motivate and inspire you in creating new habits and reaching your goals. The training journal contains goal-setting and planning worksheets; journal exercises; and a 12-week training planner. Each week consists of a one-page weekly planner; one-page daily spreads with spaces for setting daily intentions and gratitude, a meal planner, an agenda with one hour time slots (6:00 am – 7:00 pm), workout tracker, and end of day review prompt. It also contains weekly check-in pages and a 12-week review.
Dailygreatness 90-day Planner Key Features:
- Size: 9.5” x 7.25”
- Format: Soft Cover
- Style: 90-day
- Undated so you can start anytime
- 1-page weekly planner spreads
- 1-page daily planner spreads
- Goal-setting and planning worksheets
- 12-week blueprint and goal planner
- Weekly and 12-week check-ins
- Inspirational quotes
6. 12-Week Year Planner
The 12-Week Year Planner aligns with concepts described in the book the 12-Week Year by Brian P. Moran and Michael Lennington. If you decide to use the 12-week planner, I suggest reading the book first or simultaneously.
The 12-Week Year planner is a time management and goal execution system planner that is based off of five disciplines discussed in the book: vision, planning, process control, measurement, time-use. The planner, which is framed around the concepts in the book, consists of worksheets to develop your 12-week vision, goals, and plan; connecting with your why; and creating tactics or action items. There are one-page weekly planning pages, one-page weekly to do lists; two-page daily spreads that include a section to list your tactics (actions) for the day, an hourly agenda (8:00 am – 6:00 pm), notes, and daily reflection; accountability sections; and weekly, monthly, and 12-week review pages.
Frankly, once I learned about the concepts discussed in the 12-week year and began using the system, my productivity game has significantly enhanced. You can read more about my review on the 12-week year, here.
12-Week Year Planner Key Features:
- Format: Hardcover
- Style: 12-Weeks
- Undated so you can start anytime
- Use alongside the 12 Week Year book
- Vision, goals, and planning worksheets
- 2-page weekly plan + to do list
- 2-page daily spreads
- Weekly, monthly, and 12-week review
Annual Planners
7. Annual Diary Day-a-Page by Lemome
The Annual Diary Day-a-Page by Lemome is a straightforward daily agenda diary with hourly time slots (7:00 am – 7:00 pm) for those on a busy schedule. I used this planner for work in the past and it is helpful for scheduling appointments, meetings, and chunking out time. It includes a year overview calendar; two-page 12-month planner: one-page daily agendas; and additional notes pages.
Lemome Annual Diary Day-a-Page Key Features:
- Size: 5.75” x 8.25”
- Format: Hardcover
- Style: 12-month (July – June)
- Dated
- One-page daily spreads (with Sat and Sun on one page)
- Additional notes pages
- Pen holder
8. Fringe Studio Monthly & Weekly Planner
The Fringe Studio Monthly & Weekly Planner is simple and easy to use. It covers 17-months (August – December) and comes in a variety of pretty cover designs. The planner consists of two-page monthly calendars; one-page monthly overview and planning pages; two-page weekly spreads; and additional notes pages. It also has inspirational quotes and words throughout the planner.
Fringe Studio Monthly & Weekly Planner Key Features:
- Size: 9.78″ x 6.75
- Format: Spiral binder
- Style: 17-Month (August – December)
- Dated
- 2-page monthly calendars
- 2-page page weekly spreads
- Front pockets
- Inspirational quotes
9. Dailygreatness Original Journal and Planner
The Dailygreatness Original Journal and Planner is a 12-month daily planner and journal focusing on personal growth. The planner consists of goal-setting and planning worksheets; two-page monthly calendars; one-page weekly planners; one-page daily spreads with spaces for gratitude and setting intentions, setting priorities, reminders, agenda with one hour time slots (6:00 am – 20:00), and an end of day reflection; and weekly, quarterly, and yearly check-ins and reviews. Dailygreatness also offers other types of annual planners for different goals including business, wellness, yoga, parenting, and work.
Dailygreatness Original Journal and Planner Key Features:
- Size: 9.5” x 7.25”
- Format: Soft Cover
- Style: 12-month
- Undated so you can start anytime
- 2-page monthly spreads
- 1-page weekly planner spread
- 1-page daily spreads
- Weekly, quarterly, and yearly check-ins
- Goals, planning, and life worksheets
- Inspirational quotes
Planner Binders and Inserts
Binders and inserts allow you to customize your own planner system by selecting from a variety of styles, sizes, and formats and customizing them to your own needs.
First, you pick a binder folder or cover to store your planner inserts. 3-ring binders and A5 (6-ring) binders are two most common binder sizes, but the sizes vary. Once you decide on a binder, you can customize it and fill it with inserts that will fit the binder.
Inserts come separately and there are a variety of styles and formats. If there is something you feel you could use in your planner, you probably could find an insert of it. Common examples of planner inserts include monthly, weekly, and daily spreads, dot matrix or lined notes, goal planners, fitness planners, habit trackers, meal planners, etc. Most brands also offer journals, notebooks and accessories such as dividers, bookmarks, pens, stickers, and post-its.
As I write this blog article, I am currently using a binder and insert organizer system. I have an A5 binder and fill it with minimal style inserts. The A5 is just right size for me to use and carry around easily. Below are a few of the brands that I enjoy and recommend.
10. STIL
STIL has a variety of binders and inserts in a classic and streamlined design. Their binders are more affordable than some other ones out there. The A5 planner that I use is from STIL and it is the vegan pebble one. Their binders come in various types including vegan, cloth, and croc. Their inserts are on quality paper. They have different options for monthly, daily, and weekly layouts; project planners; notes inserts; meal planners; goal-setting; and more. Their accessories include divider tabs, page markers, pouches, stickers, sticky notes, and washi tape. The brand also has other options such as non-refillable planners, digital planners, notebooks, notepads, journals, and bullet journals.
STIL Key Features
- Planners come in variety of sizes and types to choose from
- Sleek and elegant designs
- Refillable
- A variety of inserts on quality paper
- A variety of accessories to help customize your planner
11. Cloth & Paper
Cloth & Paper planners and inserts come in simple and elegant designs. Their planner covers come in A5, personal, classic, petite, mini, and half-letter sizes; and various types including leather and clear disc bound covers. Their inserts come on quality paper and in a variety of layouts including daily, weekly, monthly, and yearly layouts; goal planning; self-care; vision boarding; financial planning; cleaning planner; inspiring dashboards; and more. They even have bundles to make it easy! Additionally, they have many different accessories to customize your planner such as dividers, page markers, pockets, flags, sticky notes, stickers, writing tools, desk pads, and notepads.
Cloth & Paper Key Features:
- Planners come in variety of sizes and types to choose from
- Clean and elegant designs
- A variety of planning and lifestyle inserts on quality paper
- Accessories to help customize your planner.
12. FiloFax
Filofax is a good quality planner system option and is the first customizable planning system I ever used. I still have the mini organizer that I use to this day. They have a wide selection of sizes and designs. Organizers come in a variety of sizes including A5, A4, mini, pocket, personal, and more. Their cover options come in leather, faux-leather, clipbooks, folios, refillable notebooks, and planners. Refills come in daily, weekly, monthly, and yearly options; projects and goals trackers; wellness trackers; meal planners; financial planners; to-do refills; travel planners; notepaper; and so on. Accessories include dividers, pouches, sticky notes, stickers, washi tape, page markers, stencils, and more.
Filofax Key Features:
- Vast selection of organizers, folios, and notebooks
- Various designs to suit your unique style
- A variety of planning, tracking, and lifestyle refills and trackers
- Accessories to help customize your planner.
In Summary of the Top Planner
Picks for your Lifestyle
With so many types of planners out there in the market, I hope this review has helped you get closer to finding one that aligns with your current lifestyle and goals.
“I know of no more encouraging fact than the unquestionable ability of man to elevate his life by conscious endeavor“
Henry David Thoreau
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