Philofaxy: January 2020

31 January 2020

Free For All Friday - No. 586 by Anita

I must admit that I've been struggling to find some inspiration for today's post as winter is not my favourite season, so January always feels like a long and tough month. Consequently I try not to schedule any bigger personal projects to work on and instead focus on self care and decluttering. I've been doing a month of daily yoga and meditation, and have been slowly decluttering files on my computer and generally tidying up around our home. I'm still using my simplified set up (since 2018) and haven't felt the need to make any changes as it just works. As we progress into spring in the UK, I will then start looking at what else I'd like to get done during the year and then maybe consider making any required tweaks to my set up.

Do you do something similar with either your calendar or set up in the winter months?

And as always, please feel free to discuss anything Filofax or ringbound organiser related.

Have a great weekend.

30 January 2020

PlannerCon Europe 2021

There have been lots of questions about when is the next PlannerCon Europe...

Some news hot off the press:

Third PCE mini Q&A:

Is a third event happening? YES
Do we have a date in mind? YES, but to be confirmed by location
Will there be super early bird 99 Euro tickets again? NO
Will there be a special alumni ticket? YES
Will the third PCE be bigger? YES
Will the third PCE be better? WE THINK SO YES

Look out for future announcements and ticket news here:

And on Philofaxy as well of course!

29 January 2020

Video Web Finds - Wednesday 29 January 2020

So I hope you have had a good weekend.

So now it is time to enjoy a great collection of videos from around the internet.

Here are a selection of the latest Filofax videos for your enjoyment.

For tips on how to improve your videos, please see this post. Also this video too Webfinds
Your Filofax/Organiser Videos could appear in this list, just contact philofaxy at gmail dot com to be added to our monitoring list.

You might also be interested in Planner Spread Love on Facebook.

Enjoy

28 January 2020

Free For All Tuesday - No. 469

So what questions or discussion points have you got for us today?

It doesn't matter if you are a beginner or a more experienced user of organisers, we want to hear your thoughts, questions, opinions etc.

We are here to answer your questions.

Make today the one day you post a comment or a question.

It is Tuesday after all so fire away with any questions and comments.

27 January 2020

Organiser Sections

What sections/dividers do you use?

I based my divider sections on an old article by David Allen of GTD fame. The free article is no longer available on his website, it has been replaced with a paid for article, which goes in to more detail than the previous one.

You can find the current 'Setup Guide' here.

I have been using the following sections for nearly 10 years

Notes In - This is a simple section with a few pages of lined paper for immediate notes to capture things on the move.

Planner - This is my Enhanced TM Week per View for all my future and daily planning requirements.

Blog Planner - I use a Month on One Page adapted to the routine schedule of the blog posts.

To-Do - I use these sheets for long term goals, so I have a 'House' sheet, 'Personal' sheet etc, on those I just list the headings and some details of things I hope to get done in the coming year.

Notes - Stuff I jot down for projects, Philofaxy posts, random websites to record them somewhere before I file them some where more appropriate.

Information - This is where I store my maps and reference information.

Address A-Z- All of my contact sheets printed off from a Word document that I merge from my Apple Contacts application.

I tend not to carry lots of spare sheets if I can help it. Overall this keeps the weight and bulk of the organiser within sensible constraints.

When I go on my 'travels' I break out the first three sections in a compact A5 along with any specific pages from the Notes and Information sections.

I treated myself to a new set of dividers, the old ones were looking a little 'tired' after many years of service!

What sections/dividers do you use?

26 January 2020

Silent Sunday

It is almost that time of year again......

25 January 2020

Web Finds - Saturday 25 January 2020

So I hope you have had a good week

So now it is time to enjoy a few blog posts from around the internet, so grab a drink and make yourself comfortable for our weekly round-up.

Here are some Philofaxy posts you might have missed this week:

So here are the latest Filofax and other brand blog posts from around the Internet. Don't forget to leave a comment on the posts you enjoyed reading, all bloggers enjoy getting comments.

We monitor over 400 blogs and sites, your Filofax/Organiser blog posts could appear in this list, just contact philofaxy at gmail dot com to be added to our monitoring list.
We can not guarantee people will read your posts, but we know there is a higher chance of people reading your posts and returning to read other posts if you make them interesting with pictures and good hints and tips. Do not forget to give your posts a title...
Your Filofax/Organiser posts could appear in this list, just contact philofaxy at gmail dot com to be added to our monitoring list.
For some general tips on Filofax Blogging, please see this post
Consider joining our Facebook group - Filofax for Philofaxy fans

Enjoy

24 January 2020

Free For All Friday - No. 585

January the 25th marks the annual celebration of Scotland's national poet Robert Burns. I was wondering if any of our Scottish readers will be celebrating Burns Night? Maybe you could have some of the poems ready for a recital at supper printed in your Filofax...

And as it's Friday, please feel free to discuss anything Filofax or ring bound organiser related.

23 January 2020

The Hitchhikers Guide to the Plannerverse - Episode 97

How To Get Out Of Stuck.

Changes in our lives or our circumstances can often throw ourselves out of balance. At times like these it is increasingly important to use your planner to the full.

We discuss how your planner can help you get out of these sticky situations.

Thank you to all our Patreon supporters in helping bringing you this episode.

Thank you to Maria Clelia Talò for the topic suggestion.
If you have ideas for future episodes, please send them to podcast at philofaxy dot com

Show Notes (timings approximate)
00:00 - Introductions.
01:50 - Article - Challenging Success via Failure by Carlin Flora.
04:00 - Everything appears to be under control... or is it!
05:30 - Keeping life/work flowing whilst coping with unexpected events.
08:00 - Reducing your stress levels.
09:30 - Always write it down, do not attempt to memorise everything.
11:00 - Helping you get out of stuck.
16:00 - Defining the indicators to confirm your success.
17:30 - Reach out to the planner community to help your planner issues.
19:30 - Using other resources.
22:00 - Suggested Instagram hash tag #stevesmessyplanner
24:00 - Small changes can help you see your way out of stuck.
26:00 - Why are you doing this?
29:30 - Become a Patron and take a look at the Patreon page.

Please support the podcast via Patreon by doing so you will be helping us with the making of these advert free podcasts. By being a Patreon supporter you will gain early access to each podcast episode and be able to download the show notes.

You can listen to this and past episodes on Mixcloud using their app or your normal web browser.

A direct download is also available here: Episode97.mp3

Presenters - Karine Tovmassian and Steve Morton
Editing and production - Steve Morton

Our Websites:
Karine: Plannerology, Throat Punch Resumes, IG: Karine Tovmassian
Steve: Philofaxy, Travellers Notebook Times, IG: Mr Philofaxy, Steve Morton

Naturally we would love to hear your feedback on the podcast. If you use iTunes please gives us your rating or reviews of the podcast.

If you want a quick link to all the podcasts remember: https://philofaxy.com/podcast/

Remember if you have liked this podcast, don't forget to like it, subscribe to it and share the podcast.

Previous Episodes:

2019

96 - Minimalist Planning.
95 - How to take your planning to the next level.
94 - Mission and Vision Statements
93 - How to plan your year in advance
92 - Workflows
91 - How to plan in a week that is already a busy one.
90 - Avoiding mistakes in planning
89 - Refocus
88 - When Your Plans or Goals Don't Work Out
87 - Decluttering Your Life - A5 docx pdf  Personal docx pdf
86 - Accessories for your Planner - A5 docx pdf  Personal docx pdf
85 - Journaling - A5 docx pdf  Personal docx pdf
84 - Workflows - A5 docx pdf  Personal docx pdf

2018

83 - Routines - A5 docx pdf  Personal docx pdf
82 - Productivity 201 - A5 docx pdf  Personal docx pdf
81 - Planner Sizes - A5 docx pdf  Personal docx pdf
80 - Do you have too many planners? - A5 docx pdf  Personal docx pdf
79 - Improving Your Planning Productivity - A5 docx pdf  Personal docx pdf
78 - Ten reasons why you have stopped planning - A5 docx pdf  Personal docx pdf
77 - Letting Your Planner Take The Strain - A5 docx pdf  Personal docx pdf
76 - The Franken Flex - A5 docx pdf  Personal docx pdf
75 - Decluttering - A5 docx pdf  Personal docx pdf
74 - Engagement - A5 docx pdf  Personal docx pdf
73 - Reflection and Review - A5 docx pdf  Personal docx pdf
72 - Organisation - A5 docx pdf  Personal docx pdf
71 - Clarification - A5 docx pdf  Personal docx pdf
70 - Capture - A5 docx pdf  Personal docx pdf
69 - How to do nothing - A5 docx pdf  Personal docx pdf
68 - Changes - A5 docx pdf  Personal docx pdf
67 - Tones versus Pulses - A5 docx pdf  Personal docx pdf

2017

66 - Planning and Execution - A5 docx pdf  Personal docx pdf
65 - The Power of Habit - A5 docx pdf  Personal docx pdf
64 - Planning for the end of the year - A5 docx pdf  Personal docx pdf
63 - Planning For Unexpected Life Events - A5 docx pdf  Personal docx pdf
62 - Staying in two sizes of planner - A5 docx pdf  Personal docx pdf
61 - Staying in one size of planner. - A5 docx pdf  Personal docx pdf
60 - Functional Planning - Macro and Micro Planning - A5 docx pdf  Personal docx pdf
59 - PlannerCon Europe - A5 docx pdf  Personal docx pdf
58 - Speeding up by slowing down - A5 docx pdf  Personal docx pdf
57 - To Do Lists and Diary Pages - A5 docx pdf  Personal docx pdf
56 - Hints and Tips on making planner videos - A5 docx pdf  Personal docx pdf
55 - Keeping up to date - A5 docx pdf  Personal docx pdf
54 - Interview with Jennifer Powell at PlannerCon - A5 docx pdf  Personal docx pdf
53 - Conferences and Meet Ups - A5 docx pdf  Personal docx pdf
52 - The Magic of Contextualising Your Life - A5 docx pdf  Personal docx pdf
51 - Guest Interview - Rose Orchard - A5 docx pdf  Personal docx pdf
50 - Organising your significant other - A5 docx pdf  Personal docx pdf
49 - Creating the ultimate planner - A5 docx pdf  Personal docx pdf
48 - Getting past New Years resolutions - A5 docx pdf  Personal docx pdf
47 - How to understand being a planner newbie - A5 docx pdf  Personal docx pdf
46 - Buying and Selling 101 - A5 docx pdf Personal docx pdf
45 - A5 or A6 - A5 docx pdf  Personal docx pdf
44 - End of Year - A5 docx pdf  Personal docx pdf

2016

43 - Digital Planning vs Analogue Planning - A5 docx pdf  Personal docx pdf
42 - Planning vs Organising - A5 docx pdf  Personal docx pdf
41 - Short and Long Term Planning - A5 docx pdf  Personal docx pdf
40 - Good and Bad Planner Habits - A5 docx pdf  Personal docx pdf
39 - Tackling Planner Size Change - A5 docx pdf  Personal docx pdf
38 - Self-Improvement or Personal Development - A5 docx pdf  Personal docx pdf
37 - What is productivity anyway - A5 docx pdf  Personal docx pdf
36 - The Planner Community - A5 docx pdf  Personal docx pdf
35 - Wellness Planner - A5 docx pdf  Personal docx pdf
34 - Listeners Question - A5 docx pdf  Personal docx pdf
33 - Pens and other writing instruments - A5 docx pdf  Personal docx pdf
32 - Proper storage, care and shipping of planners, rings etc - A5 docx pdf Personal docx pdf
31 - Guest Interview - Louise Umeki - Plannercon 2017 - A5 docx pdf  Personal docx pdf
30 - Form Following Function - A5 docx pdf  Personal docx pdf
29 - Seasonal To Do Lists - A5 docx pdf  Personal docx pdf
28 - Making and keeping annual goals - A5 docx pdf  Personal docx pdf
27 - Organising the family - A5 docx pdf  Personal docx pdf
26 - Guest interview - Theresa Hall - A5 docx pdf  Personal docx pdf
25 - Guest interview - Ray Blake - A5 docx pdf  Personal docx pdf
24 - Defining the important things from the urgent things - A5 docx pdf  Personal docx pdf
23 - Guest interview with Rita Sedani - A5 docx pdf  Personal docx pdf
22 - Printing your own inserts - A5 docx pdf  Personal docx pdf
21 - How to derail your planning system by over thinking - A5 docx pdf  Personal docx pdf
20 - Digital devices/services and your analogue planner - A5 docx pdf  Personal docx pdf
19 - What To Keep In Your 'Others' Tab - A5 docx pdf  Personal docx pdf
18 - Zombie Apocalypse Preparation - A5 docx pdf  Personal docx pdf
17 - Managing Finances In Your Planner - A5 docx pdf  Personal docx pdf
16 - Planning for those of us who actually can't live without planning, with guest co-host Carie Harling - A5 docx pdf  Personal docx pdf
15 - Automation Nirvana - A5 docx pdf  Personal docx pdf
14 - Work Life Balance and Your Planner - A5 docx pdf  Personal docx pdf
13 - GTD Productivity And Using Your Paper Planner - A5 docx pdf  Personal docx pdf
12 - Job Seeking and Keeping - A5 docx pdf  Personal docx pdf
11 - Planner Fail - A5 docx pdf Personal docx pdf
10 - Planner Hacks - A5 docx pdf  Personal docx pdf
9 - Planner Planning - A5 docx pdf  Personal docx pdf
8 - Choosing Inserts - A5 docx pdf  Personal docx pdf
7 - How do you carry your planner - A5 docx pdf  Personal docx pdf
6 - Planners on the go - A5 docx pdf  Personal docx pdf
5 - Why would you pay more than the price of a Filofax? - A5 docx pdf Personal docx pdf
4 - Using Your Planner To Create Permanent Habit Changes - A5 docx pdf Personal docx pdf
3 - Getting on with two or more planners - A5 docx pdf Personal docx pdf
2 - Where to start your planning journey and why - A5 docx pdf Personal docx pdf
1 - What size and why.... - A5 docx pdf Personal docx pdf

22 January 2020

Video Web Finds - Wednesday 22 January 2020

So I hope you have had a good weekend.

So now it is time to enjoy a great collection of videos from around the internet.

Here are a selection of the latest Filofax videos for your enjoyment.

For tips on how to improve your videos, please see this post. Also this video too Webfinds
Your Filofax/Organiser Videos could appear in this list, just contact philofaxy at gmail dot com to be added to our monitoring list.

You might also be interested in Planner Spread Love on Facebook.

Enjoy

21 January 2020

[UpDated] Diary Inserts - Issue with the latest version of Word

[UpDate] Microsoft acknowledged this issue and the latest up date to version 16.35 for Mac has solved the issue.

If you are using an Apple Mac and you have recently updated MS Word to version 16.33 you might be seeing some odd things if you try to edit any of the Philofaxy diary inserts.

Version 16.33 seems to not take notice of the merge field codes, so instead of day date month you get the full date three times e.g. 112020 112020 112020 instead of Wednesday 1 January or on some inserts instead of the date it inserts ####

I noticed this on two different Macs both running 16.33.

However, open the same files on my Windows 10 Mini PC also running MS Office the files looked perfect.

I haven't checked all of the inserts to see what the impact is on each one, with well over 100 in the collection it would have taken quite a bit of time!

I have reported this issue to Microsoft, but no response yet. In the meantime with the help of my Time Machine backup I have rolled Word back to version 16.32 from about December 2019 the update to 16.33 was earlier this month.

I've also turned off Auto Updates where it was automatically checking for an update, downloading and installing the update.

Once the next version of Word comes out I will retest it with the files and let you know if the issue has been fixed or not.

Free For All Tuesday - No 468

20 January 2020

Old vs New

Do you ever get people commenting about you 'still using an old Filofax' ??

I am sure we have all had some form of similar comment, and we all have our own replies!

Well today instead of using my all singing all dancing super powerful, mega expensive Apple iMac computer to create this post, I'm using my oldest internet connected machine in the house.... at just over 20 years old, a lot has changed in the world of computing, yet in the Apple world it is also familiar, much like your Filofax of say 100 years old!

The machine is an Apple PowerMac G4 with a 350 MHz (not GHz) processor and just 896 Mb of RAM memory!! Yes it's quite slow compared to modern standards, but it works quite nicely. But I got the question from Alison 'Why are you using that old machine!'

Unlike my Filofax though I had to refer to a book to discover how to do a few things! But it's quite a special book, in the acknowledgements there is thanks to our own Nan Barber!

19 January 2020

Silent Sunday

Crimson personal Malden and 'helping' with photos again

18 January 2020

Web Finds - Saturday 18 January 2020

Web Finds - Saturday 11 January 2020
Silent Sunday
Reader Review? <-- We still have not heard from who ever it was.
The Return of the Filofax Mini?
Free For All Tuesday - No. 467
Video Web Finds - Wednesday 15 January 2020
The Podcast
Free For All Friday - No 584 by Steve

So here are the latest Filofax and other brand blog posts from around the Internet. Don't forget to leave a comment on the posts you enjoyed reading, all bloggers enjoy getting comments.

We monitor over 400 blogs and sites, your Filofax/Organiser blog posts could appear in this list, just contact philofaxy at gmail dot com to be added to our monitoring list.
We can not guarantee people will read your posts, but we know there is a higher chance of people reading your posts and returning to read other posts if you make them interesting with pictures and good hints and tips. Do not forget to give your posts a title...
Your Filofax/Organiser posts could appear in this list, just contact philofaxy at gmail dot com to be added to our monitoring list.
For some general tips on Filofax Blogging, please see this post
Consider joining our Facebook group - Filofax for Philofaxy fans

Enjoy

17 January 2020

Free For All Friday - No 584 by Steve

Our first daffodil came in to flower this week... Daffodils in January always seems a little mad to me. But that is one of the side effects of living a bit further south than we used to I guess.

Do you record the weather and other events that happened in your garden so you can compare one year to the next?

Of course it is Friday so feel free to discuss anything organiser related.

16 January 2020

The Podcast

Today you should have been able to listen to the next episode of the podcast, but when I was doing the final edit of the audio files yesterday I noticed a problem with my side of the audio, which I have not been able to correct. So we will have to re-record that episode. Sadly this happens from time to time.

Instead I thought I would give you a bit of an update on where we are with the podcast.

What am I talking about? "The Hitchhikers Guide to the Plannerverse" podcast, yes it's a bit of a take on 'The Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy' by the late great Douglas Adams.

I mentioned the idea of the name to Karine one day and it has stuck because we haven't thought of anything better!

We have been 'broadcasting' since February 2016, with 96 episodes published already and a few more in the pipeline to be recorded in the coming weeks as time allows.

If you haven't discovered the Podcast yet, you can listen on line to each one using a variety of methods, each one holds all of the previous episodes:

You don't have to go back to the first one, we have tried to make each one a complete episode and we attempt to avoid mentioning when it was recorded, so you can dip in to and listen to them in any order and listen to just the episodes that interest you.

Become a Patron!

We have a Patreon page for people to be able to donate a small amount of money or more if they wish. The money helps to support the podcast team (Karine and Steve) and the money is used to pay for services we use to publish the podcast episodes as well as equipment and service updates to keep the quality of the podcast as high as possible.

We are giving Patrons some exclusive content and the ability to listen to new episodes a few days earlier than others. We will always keep them free to listen to generally. But the subscription income helps us to keep the podcast 'advert free' without advert breaks and annoying 'plugs' for non-relevant companies.

If you have any ideas for future episodes even if it is a topic we might have previously discussed please email podcast at philofaxy dot com and the email will find its way to Karine and Steve.

Thank you everyone for your continued support.