Plot, Plan, and Dream: How to Use a Planner to Create Your Best Year Yet
Productivity, planning, and personal growth

There’s something magical about opening a brand-new planner — blank pages full of possibility and a chance to reset your goals, schedule, and self-care. But let’s be honest, using a planner can sometimes feel overwhelming. The good news? You don’t have to do it perfectly. Progress, not perfection, is the real goal here.
Why Planning Matters (But Perfection Doesn’t) — Messy plans are better than no plans at all. Don’t stress if your handwriting isn’t Instagram-perfect — if you can read it, it’s good enough. The same goes for your planning setup. You don’t need a pristine desk, hours of quiet, or the “perfect moment” to start. Just open your planner and spend five minutes reviewing your upcoming events and tasks.
The magic happens in consistency, not perfection. Regular check-ins — even brief ones — can refocus your mind, ease overwhelm, and keep you on track. Progress always beats perfection, so start where you are, use what you have, and keep showing up.
3 Ways to Make a Planner Actually Work for You:
- Think through what you need.
Grab a cup of coffee, tea, or water, and spend a few minutes jotting down what you need your planner to do for you. Is it just a place to see your appointments? Or do you need a “second brain” to house all those random thoughts, tasks, and ideas so your mind doesn’t feel so full? Understanding what you need from your planner will help you use it in the best way for you.
Takeaway: Define your planner’s purpose — and use it daily to stay organized.
2. Find your sweet spot between function and decoration.
Your planner doesn’t have to be Pinterest-perfect, but if it looks nice, you’ll probably enjoy opening it more. Find a balance that works for you. Over the years, I’ve tried it all: preprinted planners, blank notebooks for lists, Bullet Journals, and more. What I’ve learned is that your planner should evolve as you do. What worked a few years ago might not work now — and that’s okay.
For me, a happy medium works best: a flexible, functional planner that’s also aesthetically pleasing. For the past several years, I’ve been loving my Jane’s Agenda Discbound Planner. It’s flexible enough to change with my needs, while the classic inserts and decorative elements keep me motivated to use it. The functional Jane’s Agenda inserts provide structure, while the pretty covers and coordinating dashboards make it enjoyable to use.
Takeaway: Don’t be afraid to experiment with a mix of function and style — make it your own!
3. Embrace blank pages in your planner.
Having blank pages in your planner is a beautiful thing. Sometimes you need space to create a brain dump, jot down current projects, or make a “Someday” list. The best part? With a discbound system, you can move those blank pages around and use them as you need. Keep an index at the front of your planner to help you find exactly what you’re looking for.
Freedom to leave pages blank means you don’t have to worry about perfect structure — just use what works for you in the moment.
Takeaway: Make room for spontaneity. Blank pages are tools for creativity and mental clarity.
Permission to Pivot
Plans change, and that’s perfectly okay. I love using the Pilot Frixion pens and highlighters because they’re erasable — and not in that frustrating, old-school way. These pens erase beautifully, making it easy to stay flexible. My favorite is the 4-color pen, which lets me color-code on the go. Plus, if I miss a few days of planning, no worries! It’s always there when I’m ready to dive back in.
Takeaway: Stay flexible. If plans shift, roll with it and keep moving forward.
Get Started– Your goals for the new year don’t need to be huge. Pick just one thing to plan this week — whether it’s dinner, workouts, or your next self-care day — and write it down. That’s it. Remember: progress over perfection. You’re doing great!
Want to dive into the Jane’s Agenda Discbound Planner System, check out www.janesagenda.com
Need a “Planning Buddy” or want to see how I’m currently using my planner? check out my latest planner video on my Natasha’s Healthy Living YouTube Channel.
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