There are any number of reasons for changing your system. Maybe your life is changing in some way, and you need a larger (or smaller!) paper size or ring size. Sometimes your system of inserts and planning methods isn't working out and you're looking for something that meets your needs better. Everything is a learning experience, right?
But what if your system is working just fine...but you've almost completely stopped using it and you're not sure why? You just want to change. I believe there's such a thing as system fatigue. Every now and then we need to freshen things up with new colors and new designs.
So you change things up...and you're using your organizer with enthusiasm again! I've recently changed my system—both my approach and my format—and now I'm doing tasks I've been putting off for weeks.
How about you? As always on Friday, feel free to discuss anything related to your ring-bound organizers!
I think with me it isn't system fatigue but self sabotage. I have a cupboard with Filofaxes from 10, 15, 20 years ago filled with the planning approach from those points in time. I had such successes with systems I put together, becoming wildly more productive with each and taking on more work as a result which resulted in topping out on my system of use. Then I would sit down and reinvent my approach. Such a shame. But I still keep the memorials to periods of past success.
ReplyDeleteThe biggest problem is when a company stops their system, increases the price exponentially or discontinues certain refills. I have been burnt by buying into an complete organisation system for a year and then not being able to continue it the next. Very annoying.
ReplyDeleteOuch. That would hurt.
DeleteI was wondering how much people would be willing to pay for fully customized inserts. However, that would increase the price. But on the other hand, you could get exactly what you want.
DeleteOnce you have all the tools, anyting is possible: Choice of paper, paper size, corner rounding radius, hole spacing, hole diameter, edge distance. It just takes some time.
For the layout, you need an approriate form, and a way to insert custom data. You can spend days for this, but once you have a base layout, adjustments are easy.
The only problem is how to create custom time-resistant prints. I once made double-sided color laser printed inserts and realized that the sheets "bake" together where printed areas meet when stored tightly.
I'm switching to a different Filofax next year. I've been using a Personal Garden Dusk so far, and I love it. I wouldn't change it, but it can't hold any more sheets, it's so full. Because of the larger ring size, I chose the Norfolk Green, in Personal size. That ring size should be enough. My bag is already so full that I wouldn't be able to carry a larger Filofax with me. :)
ReplyDeleteTotally not related, but I just want to ask if you are the same Maryanne Moll who wrote At Merienda?
ReplyDeleteMy brain recently did this. My system does work. BUT my brain now wants my planner in one book and my catchall random notes/brain dump stuff in a separate book. So I'm pulling the notebook part out of my planner next month.
ReplyDeleteTotally agree with system fatigue, and I don't think there's anything wrong with jumping into something new if it still serves your needs
ReplyDeleteI found that changing from a working life to retirement took a few goes at the redesign of dividers and their contents. Now I have fewer divisions but probably more content in some than others! Perhaps I still need another rethink.
ReplyDelete