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How Planning Tools Can Transform Your Year

Planning tools aren’t just for organization enthusiasts; they’re essential for anyone who wants to stay on track and achieve their goals. Whether you prefer digital planners, templates, or physical notebooks, the right tools can make all the difference.


My Experience with Planning Tools: Man, oh man, can I tell you about any planner you can think of! (Maybe a bit dramatic, but trust me, I have tested TONS). I’ve tried everything from highly structured planners to minimalist notebooks. While I’ve made strides moving from paper to digital, I’ve learned one important lesson: sometimes, you shouldn’t fix what isn’t broken. It’s all about working WITH your personality, not against it.




That being said, challenging yourself to grow is equally important. For example, while I’m a paper gal at heart, I’ve embraced digital calendars to avoid double (and triple—true story!) bookings, delegate tasks to my team, and communicate seamlessly with clients. Without those adjustments, I’d be so limited compared to where I am now, both personally and professionally.


Why Planning Tools Matter:


  1. Provide Structure: Break big goals into smaller, actionable steps.


  2. Track Progress: Keep tabs on your achievements and areas for improvement.


  3. Reduce Stress: Eliminate the guesswork from your daily tasks.


My Recommendations: If you’re a high achiever, let’s be real: you’re NOT doing it alone. Anyone who claims they are is either lying to you or lying to themselves.


Here are some tools that have been game-changers for me:


  • Digital Tools:

    • Monday.com: Fantastic for project management and team collaboration.

    • Asana: A user-friendly platform for task tracking and workflow organization.

    • iPhone Notes App: Perfect for quick ideas and lists on the go.

    • Calendars App: Essential for managing my six (yes, SIX) calendars! Seriously worth the $26/year to prevent losing 10's of thousands a year!


  • Paper Tools:

    • I’m still old-school when it comes to brainstorming and daily planning. My go-to? Good ol’ paper and pen. I make lists, color-code them by business, and organize tasks visually. While I’ve tried dozens of planners, I keep coming back to this simple system. (That said, I’m still on the hunt for THE perfect planner—open to recommendations!)



How to Choose the Right Tools:

  • Assess your needs (e.g., daily tasks vs. long-term projects).

  • Test digital and physical options to find what works best.

  • Stick with tools that align with your workflow and challenge you to grow.


Closing Thoughts: With the right planning tools, you’ll feel more in control and better prepared to tackle your goals. It’s not about finding the "perfect" tool; it’s about discovering what works for you and evolving with it.


Ready to gear up for success in 2025? Start planning today—and don’t forget to share your recommendations with me!

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