When you start making a planning system one of the first decisions to make is whether to create an analog, digital, or hybrid system. An analog system is based on paper, index cards, or other sized paper. A digital system is based on a computer, tablet, phone, or the web.
Analog System
Analog systems usually take the shape of a planner, stack of index cards or a notebook of varying sizes. A planner binder or a loose-leaf paper binder both make excellent planner systems. A notebook or on a stack of index cards also are used to great effect in being productive.
Planner Binder
There are planner forms for many binder sizes. Most of these pages are available in stores, but at least one that I know of, the http://www.diyplanner.com system is free, but you have to prepare them yourself.
Index Cards
Index Cards are a great planning tool. In fact there is a system known as the hPDA, or Hipster. The hPDA in its simplest form is a stack of index cards with a binder clip holding the cards together. It is very customizable, and its size means it can fit in a shirt pocket. There are also http://www.diyplanner.com forms in this format, as well as other forms on the internet.
Notebook
A notebook, like the ones sold by Moleskine, or others, is easily converted into a planning system. There are a set number of pages in the notebook, so make sure you have enough space for your calendar pages, any projects you have and any notes you want to include.
Digital Systems
Digital systems for planning are relatively easy to set up, but a few considerations need to be taken:
- Decide on how you will interact with the system. Is it a Device, Computer or Web based system.
- Decide if you need to sync across multiple computers, or devices.
- Create a syncing and backup plan.
Consider using your smart phone or tablet for this system. Both of these types of devices can sync with Google for mail, calendar, contacts, and notes. Yahoo also provides a good syncing tool. Syncing to Google or Yahoo is also a good off site backup option. Google and Yahoo can also be used to create a web based system.
Hybrid System
A hybrid system is part paper, and part digital. An example would be using Google Contacts for managing your contacts, but keeping a paper calendar projects, and notes. Some information may be better handled in digital form, like repeating appointments on your calendar. Some, like most projects and goals may be easily managed on paper. The goal of a hybrid system is to find a way to take advantage of technology, while also taking advantage of the advantages of paper and writing. The danger in a hybrid system is that they can bring in the disadvantages of both digital and analog systems.
In the end your system should fit you. I do not believe that any planner refill will fit everyone. Take some time and decide whether you want to go digital, analog, or somewhere between. I believe that the advantages of paper are:
- Simple, a paper system can usually be created quickly and is simple to use.
- You are not tied to electricity and Internet.
- You can change your system quickly.
The advantages of a digital system are:
- Repeating calendar items can be setup easily
- Duplicates are easy to find and remove.
- You can use a web-based system anywhere there is internet
The disadvantages of an analog system are:
- You have to enter every repeating calendar item yourself.
- If you lose your system you have to start over.
The disadvantages of a digital system are:
- They are always more complex than an analog system.
- Your syncing scheme can get very complex.
- Devices get lost, or their memory get wiped, and if you do not have a backup then you start over.