Disclaimer: I am biased. I come from a planner-wielding family and have used one every single day for the past seven years. That being said, I see incredible value in using one. From promoting basic organizational skills to potentially improving your social life, a planner has a multitude of benefits that far too many fail to capitalize on.
Time Management
Perhaps the most obvious benefit of using a planner is improving your time management skills. Have you ever left an assignment unfinished and had no excuse other than “I forgot”? While we tend to pride ourselves on our ability to multitask, the reality is that simply relying on our memory to juggle different tasks is a recipe for disaster. On the other hand, writing important tasks on paper, reduces the likelihood of forgetting deadlines.
Moreover, it ensures that we schedule enough time to complete said task. Whether we are still in school, recently graduated, or active in the workforce, we are all familiar with procrastination. We fall prey to continually pushing important due dates off, thinking we can simply “do it later”. Using a planner offers an alternative; by creating daily to-do lists, we can break down long-term projects and tackle them bit by bit. It is a simple but effective method to gain control over your schedule and turn any chaos into clarity.
Developing Discipline & Healthy Habits
Using a planner brings consistency into your life. Scheduling each event, errand, and assignment allows us to manage our expectations on what we can accomplish throughout the day. As we gain a clearer vision of our own capabilities, planners can help us track more abstract goals that lack a specific “due date”. Unlike assignments for school or work, managing personal ambitions can be difficult because we often lack accountability. Referencing a planner daily can combat this issue. It helps us keep ourselves in check, promoting discipline and a goal-oriented mindset.
Adequately scheduling the arguably monotonous, burdensome parts of our lives creates space for more enjoyable pastimes. Using a planner ensures that your days are not overscheduled, meaning you can build in time for self-care or hanging out with family and friends. It allows you to intentionally set aside time for relaxation, creating a healthier and more well-rounded lifestyle.
Planners empower people. By visually mapping out our assignments, more substantial tasks no longer seem as daunting. It combats feelings of being overwhelmed by our “to-dos”, and helps develop critical skills such as planning, organizing, and prioritizing. Over time, the habit of using a planner will not only boost your productivity but will also allow you to instill healthy and sustainable habits in your daily life.
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