I’m very much a list writer and over planner so you’ll never find a shortage of notebooks in my house. I’ve finally narrowed down my main set to the ones photographed and I’m excited to share what each one’s purpose is.
- Commonplace book: See my recent post about my system; I use this for the most important facts and knowledge I come across to catalogue it all for future reference. It also helps me retain information when I write it down so it sticks in my brain.
- Journal: For personal journal/diary entries, I date them and it’s basically just a big emotional pour lol
- Daily Ideas: I take my floral notebook with me everywhere and use it for note taking and ideas that pop into my head. I create grocery lists, mini budget plans, and other random daily stuff in there.
- Creative Planner: This is just a big notebook, but I strictly keep all of my content and creative project related notes and plans in this one so they’re easy to find again. I create posting schedules, content ideas, creative project organizers, and more in this one.
- Daily/Monthly Planner: This dated planner also travels with me everywhere and I’ve also created a post about my foolproof planning method. I plan the basics of my days from my workout to my meal plan, and use the monthly calendar to plan events and birthdays.
It may seem like a lot, but this cute little stack sits under my coffee table an arms length away besides the two that travel in my work bag. Having a purpose for each one helps me organize my thoughts and have ease of access when referencing things later.
Do you use multiple notebooks or digital notebooks?
... Read moreHave you ever felt overwhelmed by scattered notes and to-do lists? I totally get it! My personal journey into creating a dedicated 'notebook ecosystem' has been a game-changer, not just for organization but for boosting my overall productivity and creative flow. If you're wondering 'how to design my notebook' system, here’s how I approach it, inspired by my own setup.
First, it all starts with understanding your needs. Don't just buy a cute notebook because it's pretty (though that helps!). Think about what you really need to track. Do you have a lot of random thoughts you want to capture throughout the day? Then a dedicated 'Daily Ideas' notebook, like my floral one, is perfect for those quick jots, grocery lists, or mini budget plans. Knowing its specific purpose prevents it from becoming a chaotic mess.
For bigger picture thinking and projects, especially if you're a creative, a 'creative planning notebook' is a must. For me, this isn't just about listing tasks; it's where I brainstorm new content ideas, map out project timelines, and even sketch visual concepts. It's my secret weapon for 'creative effectiveness,' allowing me to break down large initiatives into manageable steps. I find that physically writing down these plans helps solidify them in my mind, making execution much smoother.
Then there's the heart of personal reflection: the 'journal notebook.' While my main journal is for emotional pours, sometimes I dedicate specific sections to gratitude journaling or envisioning future goals. It's a sacred space to process thoughts and watch my personal growth unfold. And of course, for learning and consolidating important information, a 'Commonplace Book' is invaluable. It’s where I catalogue facts, quotes, and knowledge, helping me retain information better.
When it comes to scheduling, a good 'Daily Planner' or weekly planner is non-negotiable. I use mine to block out my workouts, meal plans, and appointments, ensuring I don't miss a beat. My tip? Try color-coding! It makes scanning your day or week incredibly easy and visually appealing. For those looking at specific planners, don't get caught up in finding a specific "70-ep01-05 weekly planner"; instead, focus on the layout that best suits your daily flow – hourly, daily, or weekly spreads, dated or undated.
To maintain your 'notebook ecosystem,' make it accessible. Keep your most used notebooks within arm's reach – mine sit right under my coffee table! And don't be afraid to personalize them. Whether it’s choosing a 'leather journal ecosystem' for its aesthetic or adding stickers and tabs, making your notebooks enjoyable to use encourages consistency. Regularly review and consolidate notes to keep your system fresh and functional. It’s an evolving process, but one that truly brings clarity and calm to my busy life!
love it