I have been using my Filofax for 6 months now. I use it yo keep track of appointments, due dates, and personal diary information as well. However, I graduated from college three weeks ago and ever since I have had a hard time writing in my filofax. I am working 50hrs a week and don't have much time to write in my filofax nor do I have much that I can write in it. I'm sad to admit to being in such a rut with my filofax. Normally I find myself writing too much in it! I believe the fact that I don't have much that I can write down makes it less appealing to me. I still want to keep my filofax and use it daily. Please help! If anyone has any advice or has been through this themselves I would love to hear what you have to say. Thanks in advance.
Lindsey, that happens to me often --- too busy but nothing that requires keeping appointments or much planning. And the FF stayed untouched. I tried to pretty things up to make me want to use it but that did not work for long. Finally what worked was just making it a habit to at least just OPEN my planner everyday and just write something in it -- even if I did not think it was anything important.
So every morning, I note in the corner of my calendar if it was sunny that day (a little drawing of the sun) or the temperature. At the end of the day, I note the hours I worked that day. Even if it's mundane, it got me into the HABIT of writing in my planner. Try not to think "do I have something important enough to write in the planner?" -- just write something in it everyday. Then soon, you will be used to opening it daily and that's when it becomes natural to have your lists and stuff in there --- because you instinctively trust that you will see the reminders as you automatically check your planner everyday.
Sounds silly but at one point, I even had a daily task "Open planner" that I get to check off everyday. So even on days that I wrote nothing, I at least try to open my planner to check that task off :)
i know it can be challenging to find the time to work in your Filofax. My best time is on Sunday evenings, preparing my tasks for the week. Then I leave it open on my desk so I can view it from time to time to make sure I've covered those tasks. I am a part time faculty member at university, and full time IT project manager, and of course I consider my house another full time job :) so a lot of things to manage. Don't think of it as "another thing to do". Think of it as a tool used to jot your thoughts down so you don't have them stuck in your head whirring around and wind up dropping important to dos. I also coordinate my planner with my phone calendar. That way if I don't have the planner with me, I still have my important to dos with me. You can also set alarms to alert you to look at your planner so you'll remember to jot things down.
I'm assuming that you don't use your filofax for work then? I find that the busier I am at work and the longer hours that I work the more I use my filofax and the more page space I need each day.
You might want to start using your planner for work. Who knows, by engaging in planning you may be able to whittle down a 50 hour work week to 40 hours. In my experience, a little planning goes a long way to making for a more efficient work day.
You can do a little journaling. Write a sentence about how your day went or something interesting that happened. Try to write something every day.
If all you're doing is working, maybe you need to try to schedule some fun! Your Filofax can help you with that.
You can also use it for your goals. Is there something you're working on? You can track your progress in your Filofax.
And maybe this is just a really busy time and you don't need to write much. Don't give up on your Filofax, though, because things will change and then you'll need it. Is it possible you're just in an adjustment period? Sounds like you've had a lot of big changes! Graduating from college and going to work full-time. That's big. It will just take time to adjust to your new life.
Sorry, on second reading I think my above response sounds patronizing. I didn't mean it to sound this way at all. I do feel that using a filofax at work has drastically improved my work performance and efficiency.
Hi Lindsey, I went through a similar experience in my A5 - I was so busy that almost an entire year was left blank!
Could you use your FF to write down the Most Important Task that day? You know, the one task that if you didn't get it done, you'd be in hot soup. Or for me, the one task I keep putting off and carrying forward to the next day! I use this technique to make sure I complete my MIT amongst all the other plethora of daily tasks. If nothing else, it makes me feel that I've achieved something!
Now sounds like a good time to start a list (in your planner, of course) of maybe/someday projects.
When you lend things out, note followups in your planner.
When you hear about a book or movie you want to read/see, make a list.
Also, I have a capture page right at the beginning of my planner, before everything else. I keep it with me all the time. Anything I want to remember but can;t do right this second goes that. Right now, it includes a note to check the weather for tomorrow, to pack swimsuits for tomorrow, to post on Facebook a joke cake on my friend's Wall, and a couple of blog ideas. This page is ever-evolving, but forces me to use my planner.
It's a really smart question, because if you don't use your planner daily, you will miss something important!
I haven't been through it personally, but there is also a large community of Philofaxy people on Facebook and they talk about this all the time. If you are on Facebook, just search Philofaxy and enjoy!! Good Luck
I've had a couple of reader questions in by email.
The first one.. is anyone organising a Mid West USA meet up in the future? Please leave a comment or get in contact with me at philofaxy at gmail dot com
There was a new one on UK eBay which didn't get any bids and has now been relisted: - http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Filofax-Domino-Snake-A5-Personal-Organiser-brown-New-/111083515216?
If I knew the Euromillions numbers, I would be preaparing a bid to buy Filofax (they can keep the Letts bit) with a manifesto of bringing all production back to the UK, re-introducing the Westminster in an array of sizes/ colours (purple, pink, aqua etc. plus tan and black for the guys) and offering substantial discount for Philofaxy readers, of course!
With odds of 116531800 to 1 and me too frugal to buy a ticket, I reckon it might not happen this week though!
Linsey, Sounds like you need a creative re- vamp!! Set aside a weekend morning or afternoon to get creative with your filofax and to have a re- think about your set up. Not only will it be relaxing, but it will be of a help in your scheduling of tasks for the following week, as working a full on week needs some recuperation time.Taking this time will save you time too.Important to plan that relaxation in just as much as the work elements.Make it something you love and which replenishes you genuinely.... not just another "Health and Fitness" to do, or I must go to an evening class to do!!! Noooo, a genuine pleasure and piece of replenishing straight away into that Filofax Lindsey.... so that it is something to plan and look forward to too.
Please help! My 13-year old Personal Piccadilly is showing its age. I'm thinking of replacing it - but with what? I love its padded cover, soft leather. I want something that lies flat out-of-the-box and that comes in a gorgeous color (aqua? periwinkle? royal blue?) In other words, I want another Piccadilly! Since I can't have that, what would you suggest from the current line?
Bleufrancais- It sounds like you love blue!! How about the new Aqua Malden that will be coming out soon? :) Check out this video! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gg8jOZJxvAE
Just starting my search for a filofax in the US. How do I get my hands on one? I love the A5 size and I think it would be perfect for me. I love that I can print off sheets from Philofaxy. Any suggestions?
Vivian - try Filofax usa - but to get a bit of a discount - try Pens & Leather (pens&leather.com) Also Goldspot and of course ebay! Oh and sometimes Amazon (US) has Filo's but right now they are a little sparse until the newer range starts appearing here. Any particular one you are looking for?
Pens & Leather is definitely my go to place for Filofax! They offer good prices with discounts and the customer service can't be beat! I highly recommend them. I have also purchased from Goldspot and Ebay~
Thanks for all the helpful advice! I definitely plan on trying all of your ideas! T-na- I think you are right. If I just took the time to open my filofax I would definitely write something in it. It is the fact that I don't think I feel like anything I've been doing is noteworthy enough. (But that is saying a lot because I write EVERYTHING in my filofax, to when I woke up to what I ate that day.) DrPMDiva1- I definitely think I could use my filofax to keep track of chores are my apartment. Josh- I am required by my job to work 50 hours a week so trying to work done to a 40 hour week isn't possible haha. But thanks. I will try to use my filofax for work notes. Homemakerdaily.com- that is a good idea also. I have always kinda used my filofax as a dairy/journal and a to-do list. Rebecca- I will definitely be checking that out! Thanks! Butanben- I definitely think I could use a creative revamp. Maybe I need a trip to Staples.
I appreciate all of the advice and I would love to hear more ideas. I think a big reason I don't write in my filofax as much is because when I was in school I would write in my filofax while I was in class. I will try to use my filofax for work but so far my job doesn't really seem like the kind of job you'd use a filofax for. I am currently in a management position for Taco Bell. I plan on going back to school to get my masters once my husband graduates and gets a job. I'll figure this out....I hope. I love my filofax dearly. I miss it.
I don’t use my FF as a planner really. More like a diary or log of my day. I don’t use it for work stuff and I don’t have appointments very often. So I use various sections for ToDo and other lists, notes, etc. But the calendars I use to keep track of what went on in my day. Boring stuff, usually. But stuff I need to know. Like my daily weight, if it rained (so I don’t have to water the lawn), workout, water that I drink, housecleaning, pick up the dog poop in the yard. All of those little things we do every day. It gives me a sense of accomplishment and is motivating me to do more (like for exercising). While at work, I pull my FF out at lunchtime to see if there is anything that I did pre-plan, like bills to pay or deposit a check. I do those at lunchtime, if I can, then check ‘em off. I look at my Weekly ToDo list to see if there is something there that I can (and want) to do after work. Today I am going grocery shopping. (I know, it's an exciting life I lead!:)) Now I don’t plan ahead and write grocery shopping, etc. on my calendar because I may not feel like doing it on a certain day, then I have to move it. So I post-plan, I guess. When I get home, I pull my phone out of my handbag along with my FF and leave it in a place where I see it every time I walk by. At some point during the evening, I whip it open and make note of all these little things that I did during the day. So I am using it every day. And instead of trying to figure out if it rained last Wednesday or was it the Wednesday before? I just look in my FF and my grass doesn’t die. I think you have to try different ways to use it until you find the way that works for you. HTH (Aimless Allee AKA Chicabooda)
I have narrowed it down to the A5 size, but nothing else. I love some recommendations. I tried the ARC system and not big enough, so I just handed it over to my daughter. Your help is greatly appreciated!
That *is* gorgeous, but so much of the page is taken up by colour! I much prefer a plainer insert that affords me more writing/decorating space. Plus, my colour-coding system would be totally useless on pages like those!
I have been using my Filofax for 6 months now. I use it yo keep track of appointments, due dates, and personal diary information as well. However, I graduated from college three weeks ago and ever since I have had a hard time writing in my filofax. I am working 50hrs a week and don't have much time to write in my filofax nor do I have much that I can write in it.
ReplyDeleteI'm sad to admit to being in such a rut with my filofax. Normally I find myself writing too much in it! I believe the fact that I don't have much that I can write down makes it less appealing to me.
I still want to keep my filofax and use it daily. Please help! If anyone has any advice or has been through this themselves I would love to hear what you have to say. Thanks in advance.
Lindsey, that happens to me often --- too busy but nothing that requires keeping appointments or much planning. And the FF stayed untouched. I tried to pretty things up to make me want to use it but that did not work for long. Finally what worked was just making it a habit to at least just OPEN my planner everyday and just write something in it -- even if I did not think it was anything important.
DeleteSo every morning, I note in the corner of my calendar if it was sunny that day (a little drawing of the sun) or the temperature. At the end of the day, I note the hours I worked that day. Even if it's mundane, it got me into the HABIT of writing in my planner. Try not to think "do I have something important enough to write in the planner?" -- just write something in it everyday. Then soon, you will be used to opening it daily and that's when it becomes natural to have your lists and stuff in there --- because you instinctively trust that you will see the reminders as you automatically check your planner everyday.
Sounds silly but at one point, I even had a daily task "Open planner" that I get to check off everyday. So even on days that I wrote nothing, I at least try to open my planner to check that task off :)
i know it can be challenging to find the time to work in your Filofax. My best time is on Sunday evenings, preparing my tasks for the week. Then I leave it open on my desk so I can view it from time to time to make sure I've covered those tasks. I am a part time faculty member at university, and full time IT project manager, and of course I consider my house another full time job :) so a lot of things to manage. Don't think of it as "another thing to do". Think of it as a tool used to jot your thoughts down so you don't have them stuck in your head whirring around and wind up dropping important to dos. I also coordinate my planner with my phone calendar. That way if I don't have the planner with me, I still have my important to dos with me. You can also set alarms to alert you to look at your planner so you'll remember to jot things down.
DeleteLindsey,
DeleteI'm assuming that you don't use your filofax for work then? I find that the busier I am at work and the longer hours that I work the more I use my filofax and the more page space I need each day.
You might want to start using your planner for work. Who knows, by engaging in planning you may be able to whittle down a 50 hour work week to 40 hours. In my experience, a little planning goes a long way to making for a more efficient work day.
You can do a little journaling. Write a sentence about how your day went or something interesting that happened. Try to write something every day.
DeleteIf all you're doing is working, maybe you need to try to schedule some fun! Your Filofax can help you with that.
You can also use it for your goals. Is there something you're working on? You can track your progress in your Filofax.
And maybe this is just a really busy time and you don't need to write much. Don't give up on your Filofax, though, because things will change and then you'll need it. Is it possible you're just in an adjustment period? Sounds like you've had a lot of big changes! Graduating from college and going to work full-time. That's big. It will just take time to adjust to your new life.
Sorry, on second reading I think my above response sounds patronizing. I didn't mean it to sound this way at all. I do feel that using a filofax at work has drastically improved my work performance and efficiency.
DeleteHi Lindsey, I went through a similar experience in my A5 - I was so busy that almost an entire year was left blank!
DeleteCould you use your FF to write down the Most Important Task that day? You know, the one task that if you didn't get it done, you'd be in hot soup. Or for me, the one task I keep putting off and carrying forward to the next day! I use this technique to make sure I complete my MIT amongst all the other plethora of daily tasks. If nothing else, it makes me feel that I've achieved something!
Lindsey,
DeleteNow sounds like a good time to start a list (in your planner, of course) of maybe/someday projects.
When you lend things out, note followups in your planner.
When you hear about a book or movie you want to read/see, make a list.
Also, I have a capture page right at the beginning of my planner, before everything else. I keep it with me all the time. Anything I want to remember but can;t do right this second goes that. Right now, it includes a note to check the weather for tomorrow, to pack swimsuits for tomorrow, to post on Facebook a joke cake on my friend's Wall, and a couple of blog ideas. This page is ever-evolving, but forces me to use my planner.
It's a really smart question, because if you don't use your planner daily, you will miss something important!
I haven't been through it personally, but there is also a large community of Philofaxy people on Facebook and they talk about this all the time. If you are on Facebook, just search Philofaxy and enjoy!! Good Luck
ReplyDeleteI've had a couple of reader questions in by email.
ReplyDeleteThe first one.. is anyone organising a Mid West USA meet up in the future? Please leave a comment or get in contact with me at philofaxy at gmail dot com
And the second reader question.
ReplyDeleteA5 Domino Snake, anyone know where they might be able to purchase this still?
There was a new one on UK eBay which didn't get any bids and has now been relisted: -
Deletehttp://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Filofax-Domino-Snake-A5-Personal-Organiser-brown-New-/111083515216?
Thank you Tim... next question.. do you have the winning numbers for Euromillions this coming weekend? !!!
DeleteProbably not
DeleteIf I knew the Euromillions numbers, I would be preaparing a bid to buy Filofax (they can keep the Letts bit) with a manifesto of bringing all production back to the UK, re-introducing the Westminster in an array of sizes/ colours (purple, pink, aqua etc. plus tan and black for the guys) and offering substantial discount for Philofaxy readers, of course!
DeleteWith odds of 116531800 to 1 and me too frugal to buy a ticket, I reckon it might not happen this week though!
There's that one on Adspot unless it's sold? It's in France though.
DeleteLinsey, Sounds like you need a creative re- vamp!! Set aside a weekend morning or afternoon to get creative with your filofax and to have a re- think about your set up. Not only will it be relaxing, but it will be of a help in your scheduling of tasks for the following week, as working a full on week needs some recuperation time.Taking this time will save you time too.Important to plan that relaxation in just as much as the work elements.Make it something you love and which replenishes you genuinely.... not just another "Health and Fitness" to do, or I must go to an evening class to do!!! Noooo, a genuine pleasure and piece of replenishing straight away into that Filofax Lindsey.... so that it is something to plan and look forward to too.
ReplyDeletePlease help! My 13-year old Personal Piccadilly is showing its age. I'm thinking of replacing it - but with what? I love its padded cover, soft leather. I want something that lies flat out-of-the-box and that comes in a gorgeous color (aqua? periwinkle? royal blue?) In other words, I want another Piccadilly! Since I can't have that, what would you suggest from the current line?
ReplyDeleteBleufrancais- It sounds like you love blue!! How about the new Aqua Malden that will be coming out soon? :) Check out this video! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gg8jOZJxvAE
DeleteThanks! That looks like a possibility. I'll put a note in my Filo to check in July.
DeleteJust starting my search for a filofax in the US. How do I get my hands on one? I love the A5 size and I think it would be perfect for me. I love that I can print off sheets from Philofaxy. Any suggestions?
ReplyDeleteVivian - try Filofax usa - but to get a bit of a discount - try Pens & Leather (pens&leather.com) Also Goldspot and of course ebay! Oh and sometimes Amazon (US) has Filo's but right now they are a little sparse until the newer range starts appearing here. Any particular one you are looking for?
ReplyDeletePens & Leather is definitely my go to place for Filofax! They offer good prices with discounts and the customer service can't be beat! I highly recommend them. I have also purchased from Goldspot and Ebay~
DeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteThanks for all the helpful advice! I definitely plan on trying all of your ideas!
ReplyDeleteT-na- I think you are right. If I just took the time to open my filofax I would definitely write something in it. It is the fact that I don't think I feel like anything I've been doing is noteworthy enough. (But that is saying a lot because I write EVERYTHING in my filofax, to when I woke up to what I ate that day.)
DrPMDiva1- I definitely think I could use my filofax to keep track of chores are my apartment.
Josh- I am required by my job to work 50 hours a week so trying to work done to a 40 hour week isn't possible haha. But thanks. I will try to use my filofax for work notes.
Homemakerdaily.com- that is a good idea also. I have always kinda used my filofax as a dairy/journal and a to-do list.
Rebecca- I will definitely be checking that out! Thanks!
Butanben- I definitely think I could use a creative revamp. Maybe I need a trip to Staples.
I appreciate all of the advice and I would love to hear more ideas.
I think a big reason I don't write in my filofax as much is because when I was in school I would write in my filofax while I was in class. I will try to use my filofax for work but so far my job doesn't really seem like the kind of job you'd use a filofax for. I am currently in a management position for Taco Bell. I plan on going back to school to get my masters once my husband graduates and gets a job.
I'll figure this out....I hope. I love my filofax dearly. I miss it.
I don’t use my FF as a planner really. More like a diary or log of my day. I don’t use it for work stuff and I don’t have appointments very often. So I use various sections for ToDo and other lists, notes, etc. But the calendars I use to keep track of what went on in my day. Boring stuff, usually. But stuff I need to know. Like my daily weight, if it rained (so I don’t have to water the lawn), workout, water that I drink, housecleaning, pick up the dog poop in the yard. All of those little things we do every day. It gives me a sense of accomplishment and is motivating me to do more (like for exercising).
ReplyDeleteWhile at work, I pull my FF out at lunchtime to see if there is anything that I did pre-plan, like bills to pay or deposit a check. I do those at lunchtime, if I can, then check ‘em off. I look at my Weekly ToDo list to see if there is something there that I can (and want) to do after work. Today I am going grocery shopping. (I know, it's an exciting life I lead!:)) Now I don’t plan ahead and write grocery shopping, etc. on my calendar because I may not feel like doing it on a certain day, then I have to move it. So I post-plan, I guess.
When I get home, I pull my phone out of my handbag along with my FF and leave it in a place where I see it every time I walk by. At some point during the evening, I whip it open and make note of all these little things that I did during the day. So I am using it every day. And instead of trying to figure out if it rained last Wednesday or was it the Wednesday before? I just look in my FF and my grass doesn’t die.
I think you have to try different ways to use it until you find the way that works for you. HTH (Aimless Allee AKA Chicabooda)
I have narrowed it down to the A5 size, but nothing else. I love some recommendations.
ReplyDeleteI tried the ARC system and not big enough, so I just handed it over to my daughter.
Your help is greatly appreciated!
Vivian - I have a classic A5 in pink that I'm trying to sell. Would you be interested?
DeleteYes. I would! Can I contact you or you me!!!
ReplyDeletevnlindsay@comcast.net
DeleteI've e-mailed you :)
DeleteLoving the colours on the new FP Retro planner refill!!!
ReplyDeletehttp://franklinplanner.fcorgp.com/store/category/prod1960002/US-All-Planners-%26-Refills/Retro-Pop-Ring-bound-Daily-Planner-Refill?skuId=60351
That *is* gorgeous, but so much of the page is taken up by colour! I much prefer a plainer insert that affords me more writing/decorating space. Plus, my colour-coding system would be totally useless on pages like those!
DeleteA couple questions if it's not too late... :)
ReplyDelete1) Did they ever make an A5 Swift Sage?
2) Seems like the US store has nothing to choose from - when do they add new ones or have big sales?
Thank you :)