Introduction: Beginning to Plan your Year Intentionally
Have you ever sat at your kitchen table, drowning in sticky notes and to-do lists, wondering how life got so chaotic? As a professional organizer, I believe every month—and every season—is an opportunity to reset and refocus on what truly matters.
This planner isn’t just about writing things down; it’s about aligning your actions with your values. Or as Goethe wisely said:
"The greatest thing in this world is not so much where we stand as in what direction we are moving."
Do you start the year with good intentions, only to fizzle out by February?
If that sounds familiar, let me share a confession: I used to be the queen of sticky notes, crowned the Scatter Queen of my household.
Take Rachel, for example. She thought her scattered system worked—until it didn’t.
Note: The client examples shared in this post, such as Rachel's story, are composites based on real-life situations I've encountered as a professional organizer. They are created for illustrative purposes to protect client privacy.
Meet Rachel: From Chaos to Clarity
Rachel’s planning style might sound familiar:
Grocery lists on the fridge.
Work deadlines on scraps of paper.
Appointments on sticky notes “somewhere safe.”
Digital reminders battling for space with her handwritten calendar.
She laughed when she realized:
"I thought I was organized because I wrote everything down—but really, I was just tracking chaos!"
Does this sound like you? Congratulations! You already have the drive to keep track of your life—you just need a system to harness it.
This guide is your roadmap to turning that scattered energy into focused, intentional action. It all begins with three simple steps.
How to Plan Intentionally: A step-by-step Guide
Step 1: Gather Your Chaos
Why It Works
You can’t fix what you don’t see. Gathering all your notes and reminders into one place gives you the full picture of your commitments.
Action Plan
1. Set a Timer (30 minutes): Gather every sticky note, scrap of paper, and digital reminder.
2. Create a Command Centre: Choose one notebook, planner, or app where everything will live moving forward.
3. No Judgment Zone: Don't organize yet—just collect it all in one place.
Step 2: Find Your Flow
Why It Works
Starting small and observing your habits prevents overwhelm and builds confidence.
Action Plan
1. Keep Your Sticky Notes: For one week, transfer any new notes into your chosen command centre.
2. Observe Patterns: Do you write tasks as they pop up or plan in bursts? What’s working, and what’s not?
3. Identify a Focus Area: Choose one category (e.g., work tasks, family schedules) to
refine.
Step 3: Build Your System
Why It Works
Focusing on one area at a time ensures long-term success without burnout.
Action Plan
1. Transition Gradually: Move one category of tasks (like home to-dos) into your planner.
2. Celebrate Wins: Each small success builds momentum—acknowledge them!
3. Adjust as Needed: This is your system; it should evolve with you.
A Quick Reminder: Learn How to Master the Planner
If you're eager to dive deeper into the step-by-step process of maximizing your Intentional Planner, don't miss my detailed guide: Intentional Living Yearly Planner Blueprint: All You Need to Know to Plan Your Year!
In this post, I break down every aspect of creating yearly, monthly, weekly, and daily goals—making it an invaluable resource for intentional living enthusiasts. Whether you're new to planning or want to fine-tune your process, this guide is the perfect companion to kickstart your organized journey.
Your Intentional Planning Blueprint
The Foundation: Weekly Brain Dumps
Let’s learn from Lisa, a busy mom of three who transformed her Sundays with a simple ritual: the brain dump.
Lisa’s Strategy:
Create Your Space:
Find a quiet corner.
Gather your materials (planner, notebook, pens).
Pour your favourite drink and set a timer for 30 minutes.
Write Everything Down:
Appointments, to-dos, and deadlines.
Dreams and aspirations (even the wild ones).
Nagging thoughts you can’t shake.
Project ideas you’ve been procrastinating on.
Lisa swears this ritual clears her mental clutter and gives her a sense of control over the week ahead.
Building Your Intentional Planning Framework
Yearly Goals: Schedule Your Priorities
As Stephen Covey said:
"The key is not to prioritize your schedule but to schedule your priorities."
Here’s how planning champions like Amanda, Tom, and Maria do it:
Amanda’s Wealth Goals:
Emergency fund: $5,000 to $12,000.
Quarterly “money dates” to review progress.
A beautiful expense tracker to stay motivated.
Tom’s Health Journey:
Morning yoga (even if it’s just touching his toes).
10-minute meditation sessions.
A wellness log decorated with cheerful stickers.
Maria’s Home Projects:
Decluttering one room at a time.
Taking before-and-after photos.
Celebrating each completed space with small rewards.
Monthly and Weekly Planning Systems
Monthly Layered Approach (Lisa’s Method):
Key Dates: birthdays, holidays, medical appointments.
Recurring Tasks: Cleaning schedules, grocery shopping.
Goal Activities: Financial milestones, skill-building sessions.
Weekly Planning Success (Sarah’s Strategy):
Top 3 priorities: identify what matters most.
Calendar Review: Block time for essentials.
Task Breakdown: Schedule to-dos into manageable chunks.
When you forget to plan: Recovery Strategies
Missed a week?
Life happens. Forgive yourself and try this simple plan:
Day One: Open your planner without judgment. Write down the essentials.
Day Two: Review urgent items and tackle one priority.
Day Three: Celebrate your progress with something you enjoy.
Conclusion: Your Journey to Intentional Living
Planning isn’t about perfection—it’s about creating a system that works for you. Whether you’re colour-coding like a pro or jotting notes on scraps of paper, every step you take matters.
As Maria says:
"I’m finally living my life instead of just reacting to it."
Ready to take charge of your days, weeks, and months? Grab your planner, join our community, and let’s create a year that truly reflects your values—one intentional step at a time.
Ready to Simplify Your Life? Call Brad Today!
Take the first step toward an organized, intentional life. Whether you need help decluttering, creating systems, or simply making your space work for you, Brad at 416-859-0518 is here to help.
Schedule your free 30-minute consultation and start creating a home that supports your goals!
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