“If you fail to plan, you plan to fail”
What is Executive Functioning and why does it Matter in Planning?
According to the Harvard Center for Child Development, executive functioning is a set of skills. These skills underlie the capacity to plan ahead and meet goals, display self-control, follow multiple step directions even when interrupted, and stay focused despite distractions among others. In the work-world these are critical skills regardless of the type of work you do. This is why many schools as young as 3rd grade introduce planners and planning skills to children. In preparation for #adulting.
“No one is born with executive functioning skills, but nearly everyone can learn them”
7 Reasons to Use a Planner
One of the leading planner companies Erin Condren dives deep into reasons why using a planner can improve your executive functioning skills. Here are the 7 that resonated most with me:
- Planning helps you declutter your ideas, tasks, goals, and schedule
- Planning helps reduce stress by using a proactive planning vs passive living approach
- Planning promotes mindfulness
- By planning your days, you become more aware of how you spend your time, fostering a mindful approach to daily activities
- Whether you’re working on professional projects or personal ambitions, having a well-organized plan significantly increases your chances of success.
- A planner can serve as a visual reminder of your commitment to health, making it easier to establish and maintain positive habits.
- If you want more information I dive deeper on meal planning in this blog post.
- Planning helps me to center myself on defined intentions
- There’s something calming and centering about the feel of paper and the act of writing down your intentions, goals, daily priorities, even journaling
- Planning can help you reduce anxiety
- Sometimes writing our the problem in your planner can take the power away from the issue. It doesn’t seem so scary when on paper.
- I talk more about using journaling to support your emotional health in this blog post.
In 2023 I wrote a post of work planner recommendations. Over the years I’ve experimented with planners, bullet journaling and a host of others way to track my time, tasks and projects. It garnered a good amount of discussion and some really great gift ideas!
Let’s Ask An Expert! Meet Ms. Camisha
Camisha is a Provider Liaison, a Licensed Practical Nurse And Life Coach! She has a passion to teach planning, budgeting and self-management. Our paths crossed through work, but we bonded over quick planner discussions during my African Heritage classes at the Teaching Kitchen. We follow similar brands and have a planner stack (you know if you know)…
As always, take what’s meant for you and leave what’s meant for someone else.
Judith: I’ve been so excited for this chat? In preparation for our chat, I shared the Whispers template with you as a reflection “jumping off” point. Any initial thoughts?
Camisha: This tool is similar to a goal system I use called the Moxy Life Goal Life Notebook. Moxy life is a must have in my planning system. I review all areas of the life system and set goals to improve the following year. Not every area is perfect, but I’m working on each one to take it to the next level.
Judith: Tell us how you discovered planning and why is it a passion for you?
Camisha: When I was in school for public health I had to come up with a way to keep up with all the tests and assignments organized. The first planner I purchased was a cheap planner from Victoria Secrets just to start somewhere. I then began to find social networks online who were also using planners. I was particularly excited when I found a group of black women who create. Finding community with people who look like me has been most rewarding. Since 2016 I’ve been growing and learning in my planning system and community.
Judith: Do you use a planner specifically for work? What are the benefits?
Camisha: I started frankenplanning years ago. “Frankenplanning” refers to using multiple categories and inserts in a single planner cover or book. It’s derived from the term “Frankenstien”. You make sections for each area you want in your planner. This is usually done using rings or discs according to your wants and needs. You may have categories such as
- Home
- Tasks
- Calendar
- Budget
- Work
- Health
- School
Judith: In Chapter 22 of the 7 Whispers from my Heart to Yours Book I reference a Gallop poll that states 7 in 10 people will set a goal, but only 49% will develop a plan. Do you think a planner helps you achieve goals?
Camisha: Yes, absolutely. Planners help establish systems, integrate yearly goals with weekly tasks. Seeing things constantly helps to remind you to stay on task. It is also very important to reflect on your planning process, goals and what you achieved. Some people miss this important step.
Judith: What Should We put in our Work Planners?
Judith: This question was submitted to me through my social channels. It was a really good question after last years post given I submitted the planner recommendations, but did not talk about what we should actually place inside them. While prepping for this blog I did a bit of research and here seems to be the consensus for general components of a work planner:
- Table of contents
- Work to do list
- List of projects
- Important dates and events
- Important links
- Some people even go as far as creating QR codes for easy reference
- Frequently contacted people and details
- List of goals
- List of Training and learnings
- List of Motivational quotes
- List of Ideas
- Meeting Notes
Is there anything missing from this list you would add?
Camisha: Yes, I would add:
- A reflection section
- An Inbox
- Place you can quickly add sticky notes or quick messages for later processing
Ms. Camisha’s 2025 Planner Stack:
Judith: So this is our favorite part of the interview! Are you ready to reveal what you planner stack will be for 2025?
Camisha: Yes, but know it could change lol
- Moxy Life goal setting system
- Hobonicci cousin for carry-all
- Budget Mom Planner
- Cloth and Paper Work planner
- Belvie Faith planner
Judith’s Planner Stacks!?!?!?!
- Judith’s Planner Stack for 2025
- Trello — Digital project management and collaboration
- Apple iNotes- Blog Planning
- A Clockwork Reading Journal
- A Notebook! I plan to build a work planner from scratch in a notebook
- Personal Size Rings Planner for Daily Agenda
- Using mostly May Paper Co Inserts
- The Organized Money Planner (Whispers Business Planner)
- Archer & Olive Creative Journal
- Hobonicci Techo Health Tracker and Journal
Judith: Please finish this sentence…. I want every woman to be…
Camisha: Successful… Sounds normal but I love to cheer woman on!!
Chatting with Camisha was a true delight. I hope you love got a few new ideas to take on 2025 and make it your year of ABUNDANCE!!
P.S… Are you ready for a change in 2025?
Be prepared to make this book messy! Seventeen months into my personal wellness journey, a lightbulb hit. The 7 dimensions of health model, is an ongoing journey, not a destination. So, I chose to create the journal I wish I had. Elevating your health helps everyone in your life. This journal is filled with “quick read” nuggets and easy to follow templates that will help you swag and sway between each health dimension attuned to personal harmony.
When we don’t, that’s when the body keeps score.
Some of these lessons were hard fought, many laughter was involved. Take a walk with me and listen to the Whispers!
In peace,
J