hobinichi weeks planner
week 2 of using my hobinichi planner in addition to notion, and here’s what i’ve learned:
- ideas from other people are helpful, bc there are so many ways to use this planner.
- highlight before you right to avoid smudging.
- i dont really mind the bleed, it gives character.
- stickers make it fun but aren’t necessary if you are creative/doodle/draw/color.
- the template helps with my adhd (lack of commitment bc too many steps to make the pages every week/month).
- i have to do something with my hands, so this is another outlet outside of my junk journal that i can actually commit to every day since it’s smaller entries.
Stepping into the world of Hobonichi Weeks has been such a journey, and I'm thrilled to share more about how I'm truly making it my own, especially for daily planning and staying on top of life as a busy student. When I first got my Hobonichi Weeks, I was a bit overwhelmed by all the possibilities, but I've found a few strategies that have made it an indispensable part of my routine. One of the biggest game-changers for me has been embracing the Hobonichi Weeks not just for appointments, but as a true daily guide. Instead of just jotting down meetings, I've started using the daily sections for micro-journaling and quick reflections. At the end of each day, I'll take a minute to write down one good thing that happened or one challenge I overcame. This small practice makes me actually look at my planner every day, strengthening that commitment I often struggle with. It’s like a mini bullet journal embedded within my weekly layout. For all those blank pages in the back that the OCR mentioned, I've started experimenting! Initially, I was stumped, but now I'm using them for various trackers. I dedicate a few pages to my reading list, noting books I want to read and my thoughts on those I've finished. Another section is for a simple habit tracker – things like daily water intake or a quick stretching routine. This way, my Hobonichi Weeks becomes a comprehensive life planner, not just a schedule keeper. I even saw someone use a pocket for stickers, which gave me an idea to use a dedicated back page for my favorite sticker sheets, organized by theme! As an artist, the paper and pen aspect is crucial for me. While digital planners like Notion are fantastic for long-term projects and collaborative work, there's a tactile satisfaction in physically writing things down. I’ve found a great balance by using my Hobonichi for immediate tasks and daily reflections, while Notion handles my larger academic projects. This hybrid approach caters to my need for both creative expression and digital efficiency. It's truly a dopamine planner as I get to combine the aesthetic joy of decorating with the practical satisfaction of checking off tasks. A key learning from my first few weeks has been about personalizing the layout. Don't be afraid to make it messy or imperfect. The original article mentioned not minding the "bleed," and I totally agree! It adds character. Using different colored pens or highlighters before writing helps prevent smudging and makes the page pop. For those with ADHD, like myself, having a structured template like the Hobonichi Weeks is a lifesaver. It removes the decision fatigue of setting up a blank page, allowing me to dive straight into planning and tasks. The smaller entries feel less daunting, and the satisfaction of filling them in daily is incredibly motivating. If you're new to Hobonichi, my best guide tip is to start simple. Don't try to implement every fancy layout you see on social media at once. Begin by just using it for your core schedule, then slowly add in things like trackers or daily reflections as you get comfortable. It's a tool meant to serve *you*, so adapt it to your unique needs and preferences. Drop your own Hobonichi thoughts in the comments – I'm always looking for new inspiration!
