If you’ve ever bought a planner or calendar with the best intentions, only to have it collect dust a few weeks later - you’re not alone. In fact, one of the biggest roadblocks for people who want to get organised is simply sticking with it.
Life is busy. Routines get interrupted. We forget. Or we feel guilty when we miss a few days and give up altogether. But here’s the thing: your planner or calendar isn’t about perfection. It’s about giving yourself a tool that helps reduce stress, bring calm to your days, and make sure the important things don’t get lost in the chaos.
If staying on track putting pen to paper has been hard for you, here are some gentle, practical tips to help you build the habit and actually enjoy the process.
1. Keep Your Planner Where You’ll See It
Out of sight, out of mind. If your planner lives at the bottom of a bag or in a drawer, it’s easy to forget. Instead, keep it somewhere visible, on your desk, your bedside table, or the kitchen counter, where it becomes a natural part of your day. Hang your calendar in a high traffic area of your home or workspace as a constant reminder.
2. Make It Part of an Existing Routine
The easiest way to form a habit is to link it to one you already have. Maybe you check your planner over a cup of coffee or tea in the morning, or review it at night before bed. By pairing it with something you already do daily, it becomes second nature.
3. Start Small
You don’t need to write a novel in your planner. Start with the basics: today’s appointments, one or two priorities, maybe a quick to-do list. As it becomes a habit, you can layer in more detail.
4. Plan Weekly, Not Just Daily
Take 10-15 minutes once a week to map out your week. Sunday works well for us as it sets up the week and you can really hit the ground running on Mondays with less overwhelm. This can help give you a big-picture view and helps you use your daily pages more effectively.
5. Embrace Flexibility
Some days you’ll use your planner religiously. Other days you might skip it. That’s okay. Don’t throw in the towel because of missed pages. Simply turn the page and start fresh. It’s not about what you missed, but what you do next. No matter how many days left in the year.
6. Celebrate the Wins
Your planner is more than a tool. It’s a record of everything you did get done too. Look back at completed weeks and give yourself credit. Progress, not perfection, is the goal.
7. Make It Personal
Use coloured pens, doodles, stickers, or highlighters - whatever makes the process enjoyable for you. The more your planner feels like “yours,” the more likely you’ll want to keep using it.
Final Thoughts!
Staying on track with a planner isn’t about discipline. It’s about creating a rhythm that works for you. Think of it as a companion to help you focus, stay grounded, and find calm in the daily chaos. And if you do fall off track? Don’t worry. Your planner is always waiting for you. No guilt, just a fresh page ready for what’s next.
As founders we are always so thrilled to hear and see returning customers say how much their planners and calendars get them through their busy weeks. We hope these tips help you stay on track to achieving all you want, in gracious calmness right throughout the year. Most importantly for us - we are so honoured that our products will help you achieve all that you want in your life.
Meet our 2026 Planners + Calendars.
From 2026 daily planners to weekly planners, to home, work and family calendars we have your planning tools covered in our thoughtfully designed page layouts. Quality is also so important to the function and our beautiful linen planners will not only last the year being by your side but look fantastic all year round.
Shop My Organised Chaos here today!
