The Hidden Cognitive Cost of Dual or Multiple Systems
Continuing with my theme of exploring planner theory, and since it is July (of "One Book July" for some of us) I got to thinking about planner systems using more than one book. And I'm talking about for planning here, not having separate books for journaling or art or whatever.
I wonder whether some folks are drawn to dual or even multi planner systems not because they are truly needed, but because they give us a perfectly reasonable excuse to use more than one planner.
And honestly, it's me. I am some folks. I completely understand the appeal!
One planner can be the polished desk planner. Another can be the portable everyday carry. One can hold the big picture, while the other handles the daily details. On paper, it sounds incredibly sophisticated and intentional and sometimes it genuinely is helpful for those who have found a dual or multi planner system that legit works for their lives.
On the other hand, in some cases I also think dual or multi planner systems can create a surprising amount of mental overhead behind the scenes. Not necessarily because the system itself is bad, but because your brain now has to constantly keep track of where things live.
Did I write that down in the daily planner or the weekly one? Which planner has the shopping list? Did I already transfer that task over? Do I need to carry both today?
Individually, these are tiny things. But over time they can add up and add stress.
I confess there have been times when I convinced myself I “needed” multiple planners, when really I just wanted the enjoyment of using multiple planners, or the excuse to buy more (I am a fool for a good dopamine hit after all!).
I tell myself that this is a perfectly valid hobby impulse. The trouble starts when the hobby side begins to complicate the functional side. Because the best planning system is not necessarily the most elaborate one. Sometimes it’s simply the one that lets your brain relax because everything lives in one trusted place.
Do you function better with one planner or multiple planners? If the answer is multiple, have you ever given any thought to whether or not you really need them all, or mostly just wanted an excuse to use them all?
As always on a Friday, feel free to discuss anything ring planner related, and have a great weekend everyone!
I've always been a single planner guy, precisely because of the cognitive overload you describe. I became convinced of this in the 1980s and haven't deviated from it.
ReplyDeleteAlthough the single olanner has varied often - perhaps too often - the one- planner principle has always remained constant.
With Davd P on this one although I have for short periods run duplicate systems trying to decide to choose.
ReplyDeleteI wish I could keep it all in one place. But I have to keep shopping/ meal-planning separate because one book would be too bulky to toss into my smaller quick-jaunt bag, unless I'm willing to have two books a year. And I'm not.
ReplyDeleteI think it is important to distinguish between multiple planners for similar or same purpose, and having multiple planners for different topics.
DeleteBut there would be a few options to have modular systems where you can swap blocks of pages between planners of different size. Another option could be to slide a smaller planner by its backcover into the backpocket of a larger planner, but then the large planner has to offer that space.
So lets sum it up:
* Multi-fit of pages, e.g. two mini pages in a regular A5 planner, or two Rhodia Mini sideways inside a Personal or narrow A6 format
* Smaller pages in larger planner, i.e. Personal spaced A5 and regular Personal format; Mini or Pocket pages inside A6 formats (1½" / 38mm center spacing)
* Planner inside planner, e.g. 8mm slim Personal inside large ring A5
* Or have full and reduced page set inside large ring and small rings of same size planners, e.g. 35mm A5 and 15mm A5; similar for smaller formats
Hans
I use two. My big A5 Malden which is my “all-in-one” that keeps life sane. I have a pocket one I use as a wallet but keeps the grocery list and a monthly calendar overview so when I’m out and about if I need to know when I’m free or not. I also jot notes in it for updating my A5. I use to do “one book July” since Carrie Harling and co-hosts started it. It really helped get me all in my A5. As I evolved the system of having a small wallet size planner became obvious. This two book system has been working for me for years.
ReplyDeleteRecently I was on an extended trip home to Canada. I had some estate business to take care of. I had been keeping all the info on this in a section in my A5 Malden. This is where my love of rings comes in. I popped the section in a Clipbook which lightened the load considerably and used my pocket planner for the rest of the trip essentials and a wallet. It’s a vintage pocket Malden.
The friction of having many planners has totally stressed me in the past. “One book July” is an excellent reckoning of this.
A5 for work. Personal for me. I consolidate all my to do lists in the personal including work lists. I consolidate project plans, meeting notes, and milestones for work in my A5. I track overlap / conflicts for dates in my personal.
ReplyDeleteThere is overlap and copying between but so far I have not found a better way.
I have multiple planners, (three) because i don't want my work information in my personal planner for security reasons. I also have a 'family filofax' where things like trades contact details, pet infomraiton for vet visits, and a calender for our appointments (hair, Dr, dentist, vet,) go, my journal is a combo personal planner and stash book.
ReplyDelete