advantages of printables

Advantages of printable planners: The Top Three

Did you know that printables can be your planner’s best friend?  Do you know what the key advantages of printable planners are? Whether you prefer daily, weekly, or monthly planning, read on to find out the top three reasons why you should consider printable pages for your planner even if you already have another system in place!

advantages of printable planners
advantages of printable planners

Advantage #1: Perfectly Personalized

Imagine walking into a store and picking each individual page for your planner, and then putting it all together just for yourself.  And being able to go back to the store year after year and duplicate the planner at no additional charge.  If you decide you need a random weekly planner page in addition to your regular monthly pages, or you want to add a second gift tracker when the holidays come around, simply being able to add individual pages as you need them. Want to try out new mood trackers? Go ahead!

I even keep my travel printables right in the month of the trip. I simply print one out for each trip when we’ve locked in the dates and start making my notes right there.

Being able to add any page you want (I admit that I have several fun coloring pages in mine), and not being “stuck” with pages you don’t need.  Like a beautiful eyeshadow palette with that one weird shade.  Who wants that in a planner that you are going to use every day for an entire year? No one!

Planners are so personal because they are truly your life on paper.  And why shouldn’t it work for you instead of the other way around?  If you mess up a page, no need for whiteout, simple re-print and replace. Personally, I love this particular feature!

Advantage #2: Completely Customizable

Individual printable pages allow you to customize the layout and combination in your planner itself.  But in addition to the individual printables that are available, you can also find beautiful blank templates.  These templates are terrific because you can add your own colors and pictures, or even type in special dates to remember directly into the calendar.

For example, the gift tracker that I use has everyone’s birthdays printed right onto the page. It’s so handy not to have to recreate that every year (since rarely do people’s birthdays change, ha!) Not to mention the templates are yours forever so you can update and reprint year after year.  Or if you need to add or change something, make the edits and reprint just that page!

Advantage #3: Entirely Economical

I mentioned it above, but I wanted to highlight the fact that printables are actually very economical.  That is the world of printable planner pages!  Being able to pay upfront just once, and print as many as you like!  There is the initial cost for the files or templates, however after that purchase, you own those digital files and can re-print as many pages as you like.

Need 5 gift trackers?  Go ahead and print them all out!  Made a mistake on the week of April 9th?  Reprint and replace it! Wait, do you need to insert more Notes pages in June? Do it!

No matter whose system you use or where you find your printables or templates, they are a great economical option for a truly personalized and customized planner that’s all about you!


Frequently Asked Questions

What are printable planners?

Simply put, printable planners are digital pages and files that you create or buy, and then physically print out to put in a holder such as a binder or a discbound system. You can buy individual pages or entire planners, whichever you are looking for.

What can I do with a printable planner?

Anything you want! It is yours to personalize and customize any way you see fit. And you can change it as you go through your year. Do you currently have a spiral for this year? No worries, if you want to start testing the waters with printables, go ahead! When I started my first bullet journal, I found some lovely printable trackers I wanted to use. I made my purchase, printed it out, and then glued it into the pages. You can start today!

Why are paper planners better?

I’ve really tried to get into some of the electronic planners but they just aren’t the same. I like my paper planners because I like the tactile aspects of putting pen to paper. I like using my colored pens and pencils, I like doodling in the margins, and I love my stickers. My current planner is a discbound system, full of so many wonderful printables, and I love the fact that I can truly make it my own. I’ve added spreadsheets, calendars, schedules and more.

Do paper planners even still matter?

Just ask Erin Condren whether paper planners still matter! I think there is something special about a beautiful paper planner. Think of it as the difference between a Happy Birthday email or a Happy Birthday card in the mail. Which would you prefer to receive? The card of course, that has a loved one’s handwritten note and signature.

I also like the fact that even if I don’t hole punch a page and insert it, I can stick things into the discbound holder such as bills that need to be paid or cards that need to be mailed. If you’re planning only in electronic formats, where do you keep those things???

inspiration and motivation for your planner

Inspiration and Motivation for your Planner

When you think about your planner, what inspires you in your designs and decorations? How do you find your inspiration? What motivates you to keep it accurate and up-to-date? Whether you use a pre-printed planner, a plain dot-grid journal, or a collection of printables — we all add our own mark to our planner system!

Where do you look for your planner inspiration?

When you sit down, how do you decide on the month’s theme or layout?  Do you base your designs and decorations on the season?  On the holiday of month?  On a personal event happening in that month?  If you’re like me, it’s all over the map depending on what I have planned for the month.

  • A lot of the time mine is based on the time of year – floral for spring, beautiful leaves for autumn.  But if I have a particularly big event in a month, I might switch it up.  In April of this year, I have a family wedding to attend so the design might include doves or wedding bells.
  • While electronic organization has it’s advantages, I almost always circle back to organizing in paper.  If for no other reason than I love my stickers and washi tapes!
  • I’ve even mixed up the mood trackers based on the overall design on the month.  If you aren’t integrating a mood tracker, you should give it a try!

How do you stay motivated to use your planner?

When life gets busy, productivity and habits can start to fall by the wayside.  How do you stay on track with using your planner?

  • When I started my first bullet journal, I actually put “bujo” as one of the habits in my habit tracker!  It helped me build the habit that is now instilled in me (for the most part).
  • Having all your journaling habits and supplies in place makes it so much easier to accomplish your planner goals.
  • For a little help or inspiration, check out these planner habit suggestions to cement it as part of your daily life.

A collection of ideas and designs – check them out!

This post may contain affiliate links and I may earn a small commission when you click the links but at no additional cost to you.

Here are just a few products to give you some ideas and inspiration for your journaling.  Some of them are brand-new products and some of them are just my favorite products!


Erin Condren Ettavee Ultimate Planny Pack


Erin Condren Layers Planner Folio


Coco and Opal Design Sticker Club


SMART goals defined

How are your SMART goals defined?

What can I say about goal setting?  We have all been there with work-related goal setting when it comes to our performance reviews.  That dreaded process of setting goals to discuss with your manager for the next year, most of which are just words to fill the page and complete the task. Every year, asking yourself how are my SMART goals defined this time?

I’m not talking about that kind of goal!

I’m talking about the ones you actually want to set for yourself and want to accomplish!  The goal or goals can be related to your job, to your family, to your health, to anything.  Personally, I want to focus on some of the health changes that I have been having, as well as balancing my regular job and my business here.

SMART goals defined

Let’s look at
SMART goals defined!

* Specific
* Measurable
* Achievable
* Relevant
* Time-bound

S — I want to clean out my closet so that I can see my clothing more easily.

M — I want to eliminate 20 items from my stuff that I no longer need or use.

A — I will need to gather my supplies and set aside the time to get it done.

R — This will help streamline my morning and get me out the door faster.

T — I want to accomplish this within the next 30 days.

It also helps to envision the final result.  Right now, you’re on Island A and you want to be on Island B.

  • Island A is the state of your closet right now.  Shoes that you bought 10 years ago that you haven’t worn in 8 years; a bridesmaid’s dress you wore once in a wedding you can barely remember; and let’s not forget those Christmas bows.  How did they get in there anyway?
  • Island B is the land of color coordinated coat hangers and perfectly aligned pairs of shoes and a shelf display of handbags.  (Okay, maybe that’s an exaggeration).  But Island B could realistically be the clothing you wear regularly hanging up nicely and no more digging through those bridesmaids’ dresses to find the sweater you need for work this morning.

When you imagine living on Island B, what does it look like?  What does it feel like?  Are your mornings a little easier?  Do you have a better idea what to add to your wardrobe when you go shopping?  Can you breathe just a little easier when you walk into that closet?

Once you’ve defined your SMART goals, you can keep that image to motivate you to get the goal accomplished!


Frequently Asked Questions

What is the meaning of SMART goals?

The general meaning of SMART goals is to set realistic goals that can be defined, measured, and accomplished. When goals are too vague, they tend to get lost. But when you outline the terms of the goal, it becomes more real and more achievable.

What are the 5 parts of SMART?

  1. Smart
  2. Measurable
  3. Achievable
  4. Relevant
  5. Time-bound

How do you write a SMART goal?

  • Smart – The who, what, when, where, why, and which of the goal you are setting.
  • Measurable – What type of metrics will you use to measure your progress and your completion?
  • Achievable – How will you accomplish your goal? Will you need a new skill? Will you need help?
  • Relevant – How does this individual goal line up with your overall ideas and objectives?
  • Time-bound – Set a realistic time limit. If it’s a large goal, make sure to break it down into milestones.

What are some SMART goal examples?

  1. S – I want to earn a promotion at work.
  2. M – I will seek new projects and certifications.
  3. A – My boss already mentioned a possibility.
  4. R – I want to keep my career moving upward.
  5. T – I will complete the project and the certification and apply within 4 months.
  1. S – I want to lose 25 pounds.
  2. M – I’ll track of my food, exercise, and weight.
  3. A – I am in good health to start this regimen.
  4. R – I want to have more energy for activities.
  5. T – I have already RSVP-ed for my class reunion in 6 months.

Get your worksheet today!

Subscribe to get our latest content by email.

    We respect your privacy. Unsubscribe at any time.
    holiday planner gifts

    Holiday gifts for the planner in everyone!

    This post may contain affiliate links and I may earn a small commission when you click the links but at no additional cost to you.

    Do you have a fun community of fellow planners and bullet journal lovers?  Or do you know someone who is just getting started with their planner journey?  This wonderful list of planner-themed gifts is full of fun ideas!  There are also a few beautiful ideas for anyone and subscription ideas for the gift that gives all year long.



    Paper Me Pretty offers a beautiful selection of printable stationery as well as other monthly treats like productivity tips and items for the kiddos!



    Erin Condren puts out some of the most beautiful planners and accessories.  They have also been branching out to more lifestyle items which is terrific. (P.S. Some of these are on my own Christmas list!)

    This EttaVee Butterflies LifePlanner just lights up my face, but almost anything butterfly-themed will do that!

    Erin Condren Ettavee Butterflies Personalized Academic Planner 7

    I already have this Flora Magnolia Pocket Planner and can’t wait to use it next year!

    Erin Condren Flora Magnolia Pocket Planner

    I am completely in love with my own Flora Sticker Book!

    Erin Condren Flora Assorted Life Planner Sticker Pack

    Oh my gosh, this Gray Canvas Crossbody Tote is so sleek and stylish. I think it would work for school, work, or even travel.

    Flora Desk Calendar
    with Acrylic Stand

    Erin Condren Flora Desk Calendar With Acrylic Stand


    I am a huge fan of subscription gifts for my friends and family. I like that it is a surprise package all year round, and I may have been known to get myself one or two at the holidays! CrateJoy is a wonderful way to support small businesses!

    Coco and Opal Design Sticker Club

    Coco and Opal Design Sticker Club

    Washi Stickers Subscription

    Washi Stickers Subscription

    Sticker Guru Monthly Subscription

    Sticker Guru

    The Fabulous Planner Subscription

    The Fabulous Planner
    year in review

    Year in Review

    This post may contain affiliate links and I may earn a small commission when you click the links but at no additional cost to you.

    Wow, what a year it’s been.  Personally, I can hardly believe it’s already the beginning of November.  It really seems that the days go slow and the weeks go fast.  And it gets more and more true the older I get.  I wanted to run through some of the highlights from the year in a quick summary in case something slipped past you earlier!

    Holiday Summary

    Holiday Cheat Sheet

    Truly, the holidays are almost upon us!  If you are still looking for tips about organizing all the parts of the holiday season:

    Etsy printables

    2022planning Etsy code

    Have you been looking for the right printables and planners?  Look no further (and don’t forget your discount code “2022PLANNING”!)

    Finances

    Get your financial workbook today!
    Get your financial workbook today!

    Balancing the in-come and the out-go can be a tightrope but with a little planning and organization, it can all come together.

    5-Step Organization Plan

    If you don’t have access to the library for these free printable guides, sign up below!