In conversation with Organized Jen

In preparation for a new year, we chatted with the lovely Organized Jen about all things organisation, stationery and, of course, Planners.

1. We know Planner use is such a personal thing, but we love seeing how different customers personalise theirs. How would you describe your personal customising style?

While I admire the creativity in using washi, stickers, stamps, and drawings that I see others in the planner community execute so well, I generally take a fairly streamlined approach to personalizing my planner. I like using different pens to color code both my personal calendar and posting schedule. I’m also very fond of sticky notes for larger to-do lists or extra tasks. I have recently started incorporating bullet journal style lists into my to-dos, as well. I like my planner to be colorful, but also uncluttered and easy to follow.

2. Planners can be used for so much more than keeping tabs on your appointments – what are your favourite sections and/or uses of a Planner?

I like using my planner for goal setting and project brainstorming. Having these notes right by my schedule helps me remember to incorporate them into my planning process.

3. If you were to give someone 5 top tips or tricks for using a Planner to its best potential, what would they be?

• Experiment with different kinds of calendar layouts to see what works best for you. There are monthly, weekly, and daily spreads available across many different planner insert providers. Taking some time to try out each kind if you are unsure will help you figure out the best layout for you. For some people, that might mean using more than one type of layout.

• Watch videos and/or read blogs from others in the Planner Community for inspiration. There are so many talented and creative people sharing on the internet. Learning from others can help you discover your own preferences.

• Don’t be discouraged if you find that you aren’t getting into a routine with your planner. If this is the case, it probably means that the system you are currently using is not working for you and you should try a different approach. You’ll know that something is working when you naturally want to use it.

• Consider what sections other than calendars are important for you to have in your planner. Have an address section but never use it? If it’s taking up valuable real estate in your planner and not serving a useful purpose for you, it’s ok to take it out. Just because a section came with your planner doesn’t mean you have to use it.

• Your planner does not even have to include a traditional calendar if that doesn’t suit your needs. Some people use their planners very effectively as creative outlets, journals or records of special events or everyday occurrences, list makers, project planners, etc. The sky is the limit! If you let your planner be whatever you truly want it to be for you, it can become a treasure and a joy to keep.

4. What made you happy today?

Spending time in the sunshine with my loved ones.

5. What’s your guilty pleasure?

Ice cream! I love it even though it does not love me.

6. What inspires you?

In terms of planners, I find so much inspiration by following other Planner Enthusiasts on Instagram. People can be so creative! In general, kindness, optimism, and the beauty of the natural world inspire me. Also, I am a firm believer in the “it’s the little things” way of thinking. There is so much joy to be found in small moments.

7. Finally, (apart from your Planners) what’s a stationery item you couldn’t live without?

I absolutely love my journals and couldn’t imagine navigating through the ups and downs of life without putting pen to paper in this way. While my planner helps me to feel like I am on top of things and using my time well, my journals help me express myself and discover more about who I am and my place in the world around me.

Visit Organized Jen’s website here and shop kikki.K Planners here.