
If you’ve ever opened a brand-new planner, stared at the blank pages, and thought, “Where do I even start?”—you’re not alone. A fresh planner is exciting, but it can also feel overwhelming. How do you set it up so that you actually use it consistently instead of abandoning it halfway through the year?
In this post, I’m breaking down exactly how to set up your new planner step by step, making sure it fits into your routine and works with your life (not against it). Whether your planner is packed with extra pages or super simple, I’ll show you how to create a planner system that keeps you organized all year long.
Table of Contents
Step 1: Start with the Yearly Overview
Your yearly pages give you a big-picture view of the year ahead. These are great for:
- ✅ Marking important dates – Birthdays, anniversaries, vacations, school breaks.
- ✅ Setting annual goals – Keep it simple, 3-5 main goals for the year.
- ✅ Choosing a word of the year – Pick a theme to set the tone for the year (ex: Balance, Growth, Joy).
💡 Pro Tip: Use color coding to separate categories (work, family, finances, health) so you can quickly glance at your year and know what’s happening.
Step 2: Set Up Your Monthly Pages
Now, let’s zoom in and focus on monthly planning. This is where we create a structure that supports your goals while keeping everything manageable.
How to set up your monthly spread:
- 1. Monthly Inbox (Brain Dump) – Instead of random sticky notes everywhere, use the notes pages between each month as a place to dump all tasks, ideas, and reminders.
- 2. Categorize Tasks – Once your brain dump is done, label or highlight each task by category (work, home, health, personal).
- 3. Add to Your Monthly Calendar – Transfer important dates, deadlines, and appointments from your yearly overview.
- 4. Set Monthly Goals – Pick 2-3 focus goals for the month to keep it realistic.
- 5. Habit & Routine Tracking – If your planner has a habit tracker, use it! If not, I’ll show you how to create your own in the notes section.
💡 Bonus Tip: Use sticky notes for flexible plans—this way, if things change, you can easily move them instead of crossing them out!
Step 3: Weekly & Daily Planning for Consistency
This is where the real magic happens! Weekly and daily planning keep you on track, ensuring that your goals and tasks don’t just sit on a list but actually get done.
Weekly Planning:
- Start by reviewing your monthly inbox (brain dump) page.
- Decide what tasks need to be done this week and assign them to specific days.
- Use your color-coded system to keep tasks organized by category.
Daily Planning:
- Pick your Top 3 priorities for the day—don’t overload yourself!
- Time-block your schedule if needed.
- Leave space for quick notes, gratitude, or reflections
Step 4: Making the Most of Notes Pages
Most people don’t use their notes pages, but they’re gold for staying organized. Here’s how to maximize them:
- 📖 Monthly Inbox: Use the notes page before each month for a brain dump.
- 🎨 Creative Space: Mind maps, doodles, vision boards—make it fun!
- 📌 Project Planning: Break down big goals into smaller tasks.
- 📚 Lists Galore: Books to read, movies to watch, gift ideas, and more.
Step 5: How to Stay Consistent with Your Planner
Setting up a planner is one thing—actually using it is another! Here’s the system I use to make planning a habit:
1️⃣ Inbox → Process → Action
- 📥 Inbox: Capture everything in your notes pages before each month.
- 📝 Processing: Weekly, review your inbox and categorize tasks.
- ✅ Action: Assign tasks to your weekly or daily pages.
2️⃣ Categorization
- Use highlighters, colored pens, or sticky flags to visually separate tasks.
- Keep a color key at the front of your planner for quick reference.
3️⃣ Routine Check-ins
- Schedule a weekly planning session (Sunday afternoons are perfect!).
- Do a monthly review to adjust goals and reset your planner.
Final Thoughts: Your Planner, Your Way
There you have it—your new planner is fully set up and ready to work for you! Remember, it’s not about perfection—it’s about progress. If you miss a day (or a week), don’t stress—just pick up where you left off.
🎥 Want to see these tips in action? Watch my full video on YouTube here: https://youtu.be/bFD6yZPRUKY
I’d love to hear how you set up your planner! Drop a comment below and let me know your favorite planner hack.
Happy planning! ✨