A lot of us use a planner to organize our lives that typically consists of a yearly, monthly, and weekly calendar, as well as space for notes/tasks. Every planner differs, but the general concept is the same.
Those of us who use planners could not imagine life without one. I know I can’t.
While most planners are structured as described above, mine is a little different — but in a good way.
Because I couldn’t find exactly what I wanted, I decided to create my own and you can do the same. My life planning binder is designed to help me organize everyday life while staying focused on my long-term goals.
While I use my life planning binder to organize my daily tasks, it’s primary purpose is to help me stay focused on my bigger life plan. This ensures I’m working a little bit each day toward fulfilling the dreams I have for my life while still living for today.
“The best way to predict your future is to create it.” ~Abraham Lincoln
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HOW TO CREATE A LIFE PLANNING BINDER
1. Start by purchasing the following items on Amazon or at your favorite supply store:
- A large 3-ring binder is best for this project (preferably with a front cover sleeve so you can create an inspiring cover).
- A set of 3-holed plastic sheet protectors
- A set of self-adhesive index tabs (you can use 3-hole index sheets, but they may be harder to see around the plastic sleeves).
- Scrapbook paper (details below)
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2. Determined Your Categories
- I use the ULTIMATE LIFE CHANGER BUNDLE as the framework for my Life Planning Binder, but you can create a framework that works best for you. The advantage of this bundle is that covers all areas of your life.
- Do a quick brainstorm of the different categories that would be helpful for you in the life planning process (ideas below).
3. Label Your Sections
- Design your cover sheets.
- I prefer to use fun designs for mine. I find it’s more enjoyable to use my binder when it’s visually appealing to me.
- I use scrapbook paper because it’s inexpensive, easy and colorful. You can sometimes find paper with encouraging words or stickers that you could use to decorate your design covers as well.
- Slip your design covers into a 3-hole plastic sheet protector. This sleeve is where I adhere each of the index tabs as well.
- Determine where you want your index tabs to go and label them (ideas below).
- I label the tabs by hand because it’s quick and easy.
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4. Tips for Using Your Life Planning Binder
- There are a variety of categories you can choose for your life planner. Some include:
- My Dreams
- Life Goals
- My Bucket List
- Priorities
- Daily Priorities
- Weekly Priorities
- Monthly Priorities
- Daily Tasks
- Weekly Tasks
- Monthly Tasks
- Organization – might include a chore list or other printables you use to keep yourself organized
- Finances
- Personal Growth
- Mindset
- Books to Read
- New Habits
- Health & Wellness
- Ideas and Brainstorms
- Plan for Success
- To Do List
- Places to Go
- Vacation Ideas
- Motivational Reminders
- You can also use worksheets I created for the following blog posts:
- I use these felt tip pens for all my journaling and planning because I like using color and they generally do not bleed through the paper. I love them!
- Once you have your life planning binder set-up and ready to go, it’s time to start using it on a regular basis. I know this sounds obvious but the set-up can be the easy part. Now it’s time to get down to work and let it work for you.
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If you enjoy using a planner, but are looking for a different way to move forward with your dreams and goals, I highly recommend creating a life planner. Have fun!
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