I discovered Filofax, and planners in general, such a long time ago I forget what a transformative effect they can have on people's lives. Over the years whenever I encounter someone who doesn't use a planning system at all, or maybe just puts appointments into their phone (when they remember), I'm always surprised. I cannot function without my planner.
Many people seem to think they should be able to hold everything in their mind, and then get frustrated when they forget or double book appointments, fail to plan ahead and prepare for mealtimes, events, maintenance, or simple day to day things. I think a lot of frustrations could be avoided with some simple planning.
For decades I've tried to optimise my planning system. Recently I had an epiphany: most planning systems are designed for people who have never used one. In this case, even a simple planning framework can make a massive difference. Something as basic as writing a prioritised to-do list can bring a big shift in organisation.
I know that a Filofax or any planner isn't a magic wand; no matter what system you use, you have to continuously update it with new information, look at it, and take action. No planner is going to do your actions for you. But even a little planning is better than none.
I've seen so many people try to go all-in with a new planning system, only to get bogged down and quit because it feels like too much work.
Some advice for anyone trying a new planner system: start with the simplest, easiest thing first. Add to your system as you discover new needs.
A Filofax is easy to adapt as you need it, with the flexibility to change pages at any moment. For example when you discover you could use a place to write notes about a particular topic, or want some trackers, or cleaning schedules, or monthly reminders for bills, or whatever, your Filofax is there for you. You can try something for awhile to see how it works, and change it as needed.
How did you discover Filofax? What need were you trying to fulfill that brought you to ring organisers, or planning in general?
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