If you are in search of a new planner, I may have a great suggestion for you!

I have used planners for a very long time (10+ years) so I know what to look for when I need a new one. A few requirements include:

• A glimpse of the entire calendar year
• A glimpse of every month
• A weekly view for each month
• A few blank pages for notes, inspiration, affirmations, goals, etc.
• And it must be pretty (and preferably pink)

I have yet to find a planner that combines the above PLUS extra pages for weekly affirmations and goals. Last year, I religiously completed a journal my sister gave me and I LOVED it. This journal forced me to complete it on a weekly and monthly basis. I would write my monthly goals, weekly affirmations and goals, and then I would assess and reflect at the end of each month. But because it was a journal, I still had to complete my regular academic planner. I think it would be ideal to find a planner that combines aspects of journaling…but that’s just me.

During my search of a new planner for 2020 – 2021, I came across one (by May Designs) that does contain a section for quarterly goals, celebrations, and notes. It’s the first planner I find that has a section dedicated to those things! I am excited to say the least! I designed the cover and customized it by adding my favorite quote to the front cover, “The state of your life is nothing more than a reflection of the state of mind” by Dr. Wayne Dyer.

If this sounds like a planner you’d like to try as well, you’ll have the option to:

• Pick a planner size – I picked the largest one.
• Design the cover by:
  1. Picking a design – there are SO many (100+) pretty designs to choose from!
  2. Adding text for an extra $5 – add your logo, name, favorite quote, initials, etc.
  3. Choosing the shape design where the text will go
  4. Selecting the fill color of the shape
  5. Picking a font for the text
  6. Picking a color for the text

• Choose the planner layout/format – I chose the 2020 – 2021 Academic Agenda. They have a preview for each layout so you can determine what best suits your needs: Agenda, Standard, Appointment Book, or Teacher Planner.

The only thing I found a bit disappointing was finding out the cover is made from soft canvas material, not a hardcover. My planners go through it all so I hope this material is resistant. By the way, this was my fault for not paying attention to the description.

And holy smokes, I just checked their website and their entire site is 40% off! Perfect timing, if you ask me. I paid $31 (not including tax) so you’ll pay around $18 (plus tax). Not too shabby! By the way, they sell more than planners. They have cute tumblers, phone cases, and more things that make cute gifts. (And no, this isn’t a sponsored post 😉 I am just sharing what keeps my life on check since questions about productivity came up in my DMs earlier this week.) Planners are a must in my life and find them very useful to keep life organized. Not to mention, I use mine to write down my daily critical tasks.

Speaking of critical tasks, if you are searching for tips on how to stay focused while working from home, check out this blog post. My little sister and I shared tips on how we manage to stay focused when we are outside of our normal working space. I also shared the Ivy Lee Method on this blog post earlier this year. To date, it is my preferred method to conquer the day.

Last but not least, if you think this planner isn’t for you, check out the following brands: Cambridge, Blue Sky, and Sugar Paper Essentials. I went ahead and scouted my faves!