Enter Your Planning Era in 2025
The most satisfying part about January is cracking open a new planner and filling it with aspirational dreams for the year ahead. This has been my ritual for nine years and I am still learning what works best for me. Once upon a time, I taught the paper crafting classes at Michael’s stores and when the planner craze hit the market, we capitalized on it hard. Those days are surreal, glittered-filled distant memories. We actually gathered to decorate agendas and give each other tips on how to best use washi tape? I remember one lady who had three separate planners: one for her job, one for her social life, and one for her kids’ extracurriculars. Another lady had brought a giant keyring that kept all her washi tape roles in order. I remember thinking these people were crazy, but here I am a decade later and I realize I’m just as eccentric as they were, perhaps even more so, because I’m about to share my planning tips on the internet.
Selecting A Planner
Consider your needs : if you want to bring it with you in your purse, you might want to select a planner that will physically fit in said bag. Mine is a medium size and can fit nicely in my backpack.
The Weekly vs. Daily Layout : If you want to narrow your plans down to the hour, a daily layout might be best for you (ideal if you have a lot of meetings or are a student). I prefer the weekly layout where I can be a little more flexible with my notes.
What’s In My Pencil Case?
I’m shamelessly obsessed with the Vogue What’s in My Bag series on YouTube and thought it would be fun to do my own version. As someone who brings her planner around with her everywhere, it’s important to keep the essentials all in one convenient place.
Other planner must-have items are sticky notes and sticker sets, which are both utilitarian and decorative. The sticky notes I have don’t actually fit on the spiral spine of my planner, so I just taped them to the inside back cover for easy access. I use these when plans are tentative and can remove if needed. As for the stickers, go for whatever your heart desires! There are so many options in stores and online for every aesthetic.
What did not work in 2024?
1. Setting too many goals
I was exceptionally ambitious in December 2023 when I set 12 goals for myself. I knew it was a tall order, but I was riding the coattails of an exceptionally good year and wanted to have it all! In the end I completed 6 out of 12 goals. I was feeling pretty low on New Year’s Eve as I added either little checkmarks or little exes next to each point. Then my boyfriend looked over at me and said “the glass is literally half full! You had a successful year!” He’s right. Achieving 50% of my resolutions is incredible and I am proud of myself. But I had stretched myself thin and felt overwhelmed at various times during the year thinking about this. As each month came to a close, I would beat myself up for having failed. I would not recommend setting than many goals at one time. I’m not saying we shouldn’t set the bar high. Challenging ourselves and reaching for the stars should always be encouraged, but I also think it’s important to remaining realistic.
This time around, I asked myself what were two big priorities I wanted to focus on in 2025; which is finishing the first draft of my manuscript and taking care of my body. From there, I determined the main goal of the year was to create structure and establishing good habits. I’m starting with getting my morning and evening routines into my veins. I even asked ChatGPT to create a personalized schedule with dedicated creative writing time to further my cause. Following it so far has gone well.
2. Writing Affirmations
I tried normalizing the use of affirmations in my daily life, but I just don’t think it’s for me. I dedicated a page to them in my planner to reference regularly, but it just got buried under the calendar. Posting them more prominently in my home like the mirror or fridge is not my style. If it works for you, then that’s great! But repeating positive statements is not an effective method of selfcare for me.
Regularly writing a gratitude list was a better way to improve my self-worth and motivation. Reminding myself of all the positive things in my life helps keep me grounded.
What did work in 2024?
1. Daily Review
I do need to review my planner at least once a day in order to keep myself accountable. I’ve noticed that when I go a few days or even a whole week without using my planner, my mental health starts to decline. I feel lethargic and a little chaotic inside. Reviewing the planner, even if it’s just to confirm it’s up-to-date is reassuring.
2. Personalization
Using my planner as a kind of diary/journal encourages me to keep using it and remain consistent. The first thing I did to my 2025 planner was add a cute Sailor Moon sticker I’d been saving since the summer because I wanted it in a prominent spot where I can enjoy it every day. For the monthly spreads, I like to use a seasonal theme. For example, I decorated January with snowflakes and dreamy clouds.
3. To Do Lists
I write down every task no matter how minor it may seem. There’s something validating about being able to check things off a list — Yes, I did take a shower today! Yes, I did do the dishes when it was my turn! These little victories make a big different in the long-run.
4. Journal Prompts
Writing in a daily journal can become tedious. I found the process was most helpful when I was going through a breakup and dealing with the subsequent life transition, but once I was in a happier and healthier place, I struggled to write consistently. The prompts I found in Bella Grace’s Field Guide to Everyday Magic were lots of fun. Some were light and breezy, which is good to foster a positive and whimsical attitude. Others are more serious and were useful to guide me through more challenging subjects. You can also find journal prompts on Pinterest. While journaling is technically separate from planning, I think it’s a fitting companion hobby to help you establish goals and keep you motivated. I’ve included a few prompts in the next section to kick off the new year.
5. Vision Board
I struggle with the typical usage of vision boards the same way I do with affirmations. They feel a little superficial and don’t necessarily motivate me the way they are supposed to. That being said, I have a traditional cork bulletin board in my room (the same board I bought at a garage sale for 25 cents when I was ten) and on that bulletin board, I like to keep postcards, photographs, business cards, tickets, and other small things that bring me joy. The board is constantly evolving just like I am, but one thing that remains the same is how visual art lightens my soul. It is a beautiful reminder of all the wonderful parts of my life, no matter how small.
6. Schedule Time for Rest
This one feels like a given, but somehow also challenging. I like to think I’m pretty good at recognizing when I need to recharge my battery and not fall victim to burnout. One piece of advice I give freely is not to confuse rest with laziness. It is okay to “do nothing.” You don’t have to fill every day of the calendar with activities. It is okay if your planner has a blank page here and there.
Recommended Journal Prompts
What were your wins over the last year? — Not all of these will be impressive accomplishments in the traditional sense, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t celebrate the progress you made!
What were your losses over the last year? — It is equally important to recognize your losses so that you can make changes and prevent repeating past mistakes.
What does your perfect morning look like? What can you do to make it a reality?
What activities tend to anchor you in the present? — These will be the activities that you should prioritize this year.
Create a Recipe for the Soul — a list you can reference whenever you’re feeling blue and in need of some gentle rejuvenation. It has a list of foods you like, solo activities you can enjoy on your own, and comfort movies.
Share Your Planning Style
As mentioned at the start of this article, planning has the ability to bring people together. I would love to hear your planning styles in the comments. What are your tips to stay organized and maintain momentum? Let me know your favourite journal prompts.
