5 Quick Tips for New Planners and Journalists

 1.  Track Habits in Your Journal.

If you want to accomplish a goal or become healthier, try a habit tracker!   There are a world of beautiful layouts you can try and they really are motivating.   It’s like the little spark of joy you get from marking off a to-do list magnified over and over again.   If you’re starting out, add a 7 day habit tracker to your weekly spread page.

 

2.  Plan a Little in Advance

It really helps to have the next 2-4 weeks planned out in monthly or weekly spreads.   That way when an appointment or task comes up, you can immediate add it in.  Also, if you run into a time crunch you won’t risk abandoning your journal or planner entirely, but will instead be able to use it to help you stay organized and focused!

3.  … But Not TOO Far in Advance!

Let’s say this month you are doing a series of spreads using purple highlights and lilacs around the border of the pages.  Don’t plan the next three months with the same purple pens.   You may find that you’re get bored or see a beautiful layout you want to use.   Give yourself the freedom to try new themes, colors and spread layouts as you go.  That way you can experiment and learn what works best for you!

4.  Washi Can Work Wonders

Starting out, I was frustrated with little mistakes.   I didn’t want to scratch through my handwritten analog “typos” and ruin an otherwise beautiful/functional layout.   Enter washi tape.   If you seek out the opaque kinds or use multiple layers, washi can cover any number of mistakes and make your page even more beautiful.   Stickers can have the same effect!

Here are a few pretty sets:

 

5.  Connect with Others Online for Inspiration

Check out Pinterest, Twitter, YouTube, and Instagram for vibrant communities of users and follow those that inspire you!   If you are inspired by a new layout or design, tag your source of inspiration and give credit when you post your own layouts.  Connect with others and don’t hesitate to reach out.   It is such a great community!

 

Planning and journaling can be just a fun hobby!  If you have questions, don’t hesitate to comment and ask below!  Happy journaling!

 

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