Starting a new planning journey can feel overwhelming, but with the right guidance, your Abundantly More Planner can become your most valuable tool for personal and professional growth. Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you get started.
When I became a mom, I needed to simplify my life. I didn’t want to carry around a journal and a planner. I also knew that using my phone for a journal or a planner didn’t work for me. However, when I looked for a daily planner that would work for my lifestyle and planning needs, I couldn’t find a daily planner that had more than 3 months’ worth of pages (the Abundantly More Daily Planner has 6 months of planning content). I couldn’t find a planner that had a space for reframing thoughts, gratitude journaling, an empty page for daily notes, AND time blocking. The planner also needed to fit in my diaper bag AND my purse. I knew I had specific needs for myself, but I knew these practices help me have better mental clarity. I’ve also noticed that my therapy clients have benefitted from these specific daily practices as well.
That’s when I decided to create the Abundantly More Daily Planner. It’s a compact daily planner that has enough space for 6 months. There’s a space for bullet journaling, gratitude, reframing thoughts, time blocking, scripture memory, and monthly goal setting. I use it every day and I know it’ll help you too.
Getting Started: The First Steps
Before diving into daily planning, take some time to familiarize yourself with your planner’s layout. The Abundantly More Planner is thoughtfully designed with specific sections that work together to create a holistic planning experience.
Setting Up Your Foundation
- Start with the Monthly Overview
- Mark important dates, appointments, and deadlines
- Set your monthly goals and intentions
- Review upcoming events and commitments
- Weekly Planning Sessions
- Schedule a consistent time each week for planning
- Review your monthly goals and break them down into weekly tasks
- Allocate time for both work and personal activities
Daily Planning Rituals
The heart of the Abundantly More Planner lies in its daily pages. Here’s how to make the most of them:
- Begin each day with gratitude – use the dedicated gratitude section to list three things you’re thankful for
- Review your top priorities for the day and mark them clearly
- Use the time-blocking feature to schedule your tasks efficiently
- Take advantage of the water intake and self-care tracking sections
- End each day with reflection using the evening review prompts
Making the Most of Special Features
The Abundantly More Planner includes unique features designed to enhance your planning experience:
- Habit Tracking
- Choose 3-5 habits you want to develop
- Mark them daily to build consistency
- Review your progress at month’s end
- Goal Setting Pages
- Break down large goals into smaller, actionable steps
- Use the SMART goal framework provided
- Regular progress check-ins
Common Beginner Mistakes to Avoid
As you start your planning journey, watch out for these common pitfalls:
- Trying to use every feature at once – start small and gradually incorporate more elements
- Overplanning or scheduling too tightly – leave room for flexibility
- Forgetting to review and adjust your plans regularly
- Being too hard on yourself when plans change
Building Sustainable Planning Habits
Remember that effective planning is a habit that develops over time. Start with these tips:
- Keep your planner visible and easily accessible
- Set a regular planning routine – same time, same place
- Celebrate small wins and progress
- Adjust your planning style as needed to fit your lifestyle
Your Abundantly More Planner is more than just a calendar – it’s a tool for intentional living and personal growth. Start with these basics, and as you become more comfortable, you’ll discover additional ways to customize your planning practice to suit your unique needs and goals.
Remember, the key to successful planning isn’t perfection – it’s consistency and authenticity. Your planner should work for you, not the other way around. Start your journey today, and watch how organized planning can transform your daily life.
Hannah is a radio/podcast host, blogger, and mental health therapist who loves Jesus and fashion. Her work revolves around betrayal trauma and the eldest daughter population.
