7 Ways to WANT to use your Planner by Roxy James

I’m a planner addict and if you’ve been subscribed to my YouTube for a while, you would know that I made lot of planning/planner content on my channel. That eventually led up to having my dream job which is my own stationery brand.

Finding my love for planning and using a planner was life changing. And I know that sounds really dramatic, but I honestly would never be where I am today without a to-do list, a journal and some life goals.

If you’re new to planning or just need some inspiration to actually use your planner, here are 7 ways that I promise you’ll feel inspired to use it.

P.S. be sure you’re following me on Instagram @itsroxyjames for so much more exclusive lifestyle content over there.

1. Get a Planner you want to use

This is a perfect place to start. There are so many planners that are available so choose one that you like and are inspired by. I have used so many planners in the past like Happy Planners, Bando, cheap dollar store planners, 3 ring planners, bullet journals and so much more.

Having a planner that inspires me, looks pretty, and is very functional, really encourages me every day to use it to get my life on track. You can check out my stationery brand @itsprettyproductive to check out the different types of planners we have available and to get inspiration.

Credit @ Roxy James

2. Decorate your planner

This is going to inspire you so much to actually write in it. If you planner is utterly blank, you’ll probably not get that excited feeling of using it. Even if you love a black and white aesthetic, there are so many beautiful ways that you can decorate it and still be effective.

And if you’re not into the black and white aesthetic and you want to liven up your spread, the possibilities are literally endless- from patterned cardstock paper, gift paper, free printables, washi tape and so much more.

Get creative and decorate your planner any way you would like, there’s so much inspiration around.Credit @ The Happy Planner®

3. Experiment with new layouts

Use different types of layouts until you find the one that you like the most. For instance, if you are a really creative person, you might not like a traditional planner that is confined with boxes or lines; you may want to get a bullet journal. If you’re someone that likes structure then there are lots of planners with horizontal as well as vertical layouts that will suit you. Keep experimenting with layouts until you find one that you really like.

Credit @ 𝐌𝐀𝐃𝐘 𝐋𝐎𝐏𝐄𝐙

4. Get free things online

I mentioned this in one of the earlier tips, but HELLO there are so many free, free FREE resources online that won’t break the bank. You can download sticker and washi tape sheets- even entire spreads that you can insert into your journal. Just search up free planner printables and you’ll get access to so many sites offering free resources.

P.S I have lots of free printables right here on my blog so be sure to check them out by searching “FREE” in the ‘Looking for Something’ bar on the home page or get started with one like this.

Credit @ Roxy James

You can use your printer right at home to print so many beautiful pictures for scrapbooking or beautiful quotes.

5. Set a planner date

Set one day a week to sit with your planner. My day is Sunday and I use this day to plan: I decorate my spread with washi tape and stickers and fill everything I know I have to do for the week.

When you set a date to fill out your planner, you are consciously making an effort to organize your life and use it. Think of it as a commitment that will be so helpful as you navigate the week ahead.

If you don’t set a planner date then chances are your planner is just going to sit there unused. Always remember to set a date whether its Monday, Friday or Sunday like me, to plan and you will find yourself being more inspired to do it.

Credit @ The Happy Planner®

6. Take your planner with you

This is where the size of your planner comes in. If you go to work or school, chances are, you’re going to need a big planner. I love my big planner and I always keep it in my work bag which is HUGE. I actually did a video on my channel showing you what’s in my work bag so you can check that out.

If you are not in school or don’t have to go to the office every day, or you just prefer a smaller planner, then a smaller size (stating the obvious here) may be the perfect fit for you. Choose a planner size that fits your lifestyle and help you make the most of it.

Credit @a r e n t h i a

7. Look for inspiration and tutorials

Don’t be afraid to try new things. If you are looking for inspiration, my favourite place is Pinterest. I love using Pinterest to find new planner layouts and I have my PlanwithRoxy Pinterest board where you can get inspo.

Credit @ AmandaRachLee

I get so many ideas from panner pages on Instagram and YouTube as well and I feel so excited to plan when I find inspiration on these platforms. Get inspiration from other people that are planning and don’t be intimidated by trying new things in your planner.

Here’s my scrapbooking playlist on YouTube if you’re thinking about scrapbooking or creating planner layouts.