If you’ve been reading my blog and tips for a while, then you know when it comes to managing time, tasks, and projects, I’m a paper girl all day long. For the past several years I have used a Planner Pad, and for the most part, I’m really happy with it. But…it does have a few downsides. First, as I’ve mentioned before, I sure wish it was prettier. While this planner is nearly perfect for me from a functional standpoint, it isn’t very appealing to my eye. Second, while it is excellent for planning weekly tasks and appointments, it doesn’t have a great way to track ongoing projects and tasks. Because of this, I’m considering making a switch to this planner:

Erin Condren’s Life Planner

Erin Condren Life Planner - cover

I’ve had my eye on this lovely planner for a while, and I’m seriously thinking about taking the plunge. (Yes, right smack dab in the middle of the year!) My plan is to keep track of ongoing projects via SpringPad and then use the planner for daily tasks and appointments. The planner includes a monthly spread and weekly spread, like I’m used to. Here’s a peek inside:

Erin Condren Life Planner - weekly view

(Images courtesy of Erin Condren)

If you want to learn more about this planner and Erin Condren’s other colorful and adorable products, here’s a special invite link:

https://www.erincondren.com/referral/invite/abygarvey

If you create an account using this link, you will get a coupon for $10 off your purchase, and once your order ships, I get a $10 credit, too. (Thanks in advance. 😉 ) I have used Erin’s wall calendar in the past, and know people who have and love the Life Planner. Her products are really high quality and colorful and fun! What’s not to love?

Alright, onto time management tool number 2.

Legos

Okay…I know what you’re thinking: Aby has gone off-topic. Wasn’t this a post about time management tools? Yep, it sure is a post about time management tools! So if you haven’t heard the news, Legos can help you become a better time manager. If you struggle with managing your time, or ever end up at the end of the day wondering “where did the day go” it could be because time isn’t concrete. You can’t touch it, hold it, or see it, which makes it very difficult to manage. But, believe it or not, Legos can help!

This blog post explains how How To Use Legos To Manage Your Time Better. This post has me kicking myself for donating all of our Legos…but I have been inspired to set my timer for 25 minute increments throughout my desk days. It’s incredible how much more focused I am with a timer on! I was really grateful for the reminder to turn my timer back on again!

Bullet Journal Task Tracking System

One of the participants in simplify 101’s member area posted about Bullet Journal task management system, and the idea sort of took off like a wildfire in my It’s About Time Class. Here’s what the website says about this system:  For the list-makers, the note-takers, the Post-It note pilots, the track-keepers, and the dabbling doodlers. Bullet journal is for those who feel there are few platforms as powerful as the blank paper page. It’s an analog system for the digital age that will help you organize the present, record the past, and plan for the future. And I would add, this is a terrific excuse to invest in a Moleskine notebook. Sound intriguing? Go here to learn more about the Bullet Journal. And go here to learn more about the Moleskine Notebook.

What tools do you use to manage your time? Do you sometimes feel the need to mix it up and try a new planner, or list keeping system (like someone else we know)?  Or do you have a system you love and see no need to try something new? I’d love to hear from you!

Aby