Wherever I go, people comment on my planner.
My dentist laughs at me for carrying something so big when I already have a smart phone. Sales clerks notice my receipt/finance tracking. Moms at our Retreats ask if they can just look through it for a few minutes so they can see how it works.
There isn’t one “right way” to implement M.O.M., but if you’re a paper-planner girl, and if you’d like to see how I personally use my FranklinCovey planner to run my own family and The Power of Moms, I’ve put together a video where I basically open my planner (and a little bit of my heart) to the world.
If FranklinCovey had a cheerleading team, I would be the first to sign up. In fact, I got so excited talking about my planner that this video got a little long, so I’ve included some time codes below to help you out:
0:00 – 2:25 Intro: Why I made this video, my history with FranklinCovey Planners, and my thoughts on digital vs. paper.
2:25 – 4:30 Front Section: How I use my planner as a wallet, where to put loose papers, what I do with the opaque zipper pouch, and where I keep my insurance cards, business cards, etc.
4:30 – 6:40 Monthly Calendar and Master Task List: I keep the calendar pretty simple, with details written in the “notes” section on the right-hand side of the page.
6:40 – 7:30 Spending Record: I track all receipts/discretionary spending on the page right after my monthly calendar.
7:30 – 12:10 Daily Two-Page Planner Pages: Daily task list is on the left (divided into quiet time, “with children”, and errands) and space for notes is on the right (photos below).
12:10 – 14:45 Compass Card/Pouch = Immediate Next Actions List: I label this card with home/phone/errands/agendas/computer, and then I write my very top-priority action items within the appropriate contexts.
14:45 – 21:00 Back Tabs: This is where I keep my Current Projects Lists and Important Next Actions Lists.
21:00 – Description of Cozi.com–how I use my smart phone for shopping lists.
22:00 – More on the Back Tabs: These hold agenda items for conversations with my husband, social engagements, Someday Lists, writing/podcast ideas, and quick journal keywords.
25:50 – Routines and Responsibilities: I have a spreadsheet (I shrunk it to fit my planner) that outlines daily, weekly, monthly, quarterly, and yearly routines–plus the housework routines I’d ideally like to use.
26:45 – 31:00 Finances and Project Support Materials: I’ll show you my expense envelopes and how I track my children’s money. I’ll also talk about how I outline large projects within the back tabs and track key agenda items for The Power of Moms.
31:00 – Closing/How Your Planner Choice can Evolve: I used to use a Pocket-sized planner, and now I use Classic. I’ll show you the Storage Binder that you can purchase to go along with your regular planner.
If you would like to see a couple of close-up shots of my daily page, here you go!
This is my daily task list.
I consider this to be an extension of my calendar. Each morning, I look at my monthly calendar, and then I flip to my daily page to see which things need to be done on that specific day.
Things on the top are “Quiet Time Work.” On this day described above, I was looking into becoming an affiliate with eMeals and FranklinCovey, preparing a lesson for church, looking for a location for a M.O.M. Workshop, sending out our Power of Moms newsletter and our Bloom mid-week reminder, checking into some PayPal codes, researching Google + hangouts, and trying to locate visual aides for the M.O.M. Seminar during one of our Retreats.
You’ll notice that I do have a couple of arrows there (doing my monthly planning and researching coconut oil for my mom). Those things were moved to the next day. I try to never rewrite tasks, but I always end up doing so.
The two middle items were to decorate our wall downstairs for my nine-year-old son’s birthday and to get a sitter for my four-year-old. Those are things that didn’t require quite as much “think work.” I call this my “With Children” list.
The bottom list is errands. If I need to note a few extra items to pick up at the grocery store, I jot it down here. Then I use these reminders to help me write up my full grocery list. (Still working on refining the grocery-shopping process.) I also needed to run to the post office to buy stamps/mail a card, buy some candy for my son at Sprouts, buy a birthday gift, etc.
And now, here’s what’s on the right-hand side of the page:
As you can see, I just jot down a bunch of random notes here–and then I index anything really important that I think I might need later. Above, I wrote down a few things I wanted to remember to pack for our Power of Moms Retreat, tasks I needed to complete before I left (ironing, etc.), things I needed to remember to take to my mom on the way to the airport, things to do on the plane, and the location of Saren’s car that she left for me at the airport (since I was getting in so late).
This is a comparison of a Pocket verses a Classic planner:
The Pocket one is ideal if you have a diaper bag. You can keep it thin, use it as your wallet, and have all your lists right at your fingertips. It’s really small if you like to write a lot, though. The Classic one is mammoth in size, but I just love it. They do have a Compact, which is in the middle, and a Monarch, which is ginormous.
Here are the products I recommend:
- There are lots of other beautiful daily ones–Blooms is another one of my favorites. (You pick your size and start date. Sometimes they vary on what’s available mid-year, etc.).
- Be sure you get a Master Pack. It has the page finder and cards for your Immediate Next Actions List.
- I use a leather binder with a zipper (but there are so many colors and styles to choose from). It just depends on what you like.
- At minimum, though, if you have a sturdy binder, a daily planner refill (not wirebound or simplicity–make sure it’s like the ones I linked to above), and a Master Pack, you’ll be all set.
I haven’t set up our FranklinCovey affiliate links yet, so I’m not being compensated for anything you buy. But either way, I’m honestly promoting these products as my FAVORITES.
Okay, that’s all for now. Please let me know if you have any other questions or if you have suggestions for others who are using a paper planner to do M.O.M.
And enjoy your planning!
sueandkids says
Loved the video! I have also used Franklin Covey planners for years. I’ve tried to go digital but I like to write and I love paper. And if my phone dies forever all is lost! I’m curious: what kind of pens do you use? Just yesterday someone was incredulous that I write in my planner in pen. I like it better because it doesn’t wear away and it’s more visible.
Sue
April Perry says
Thanks Sue! I love writing in pen, as well. It’s so tricky finding the right pen, though! The one I use right now is my ideal–it’s “inky” and smooth, and I actually got it at our Dollar Store. (50 cents each :)) However, it does take a few seconds to dry, so I’ve smeared it several times, but I still love it. It’s a blue .7 mm R-2 Inc. Rollerball. Here’s the link: http://www.dollartree.com/inc-R-2-Rollerball-Cap-Pens-2-ct-Packs/p299614/index.pro
Becky Edwards says
April and Sue,
I am a pen connoisseur. My favorite for my planner is the four color pen, because I color code my calendar items. http://www.amazon.com/Ballpoint-Retractable-Orange-BICFM11-Category/dp/B0006SVBNQ/ref=sr_1_6?ie=UTF8&qid=1420172943&sr=8-6&keywords=four+color+pens+fine+point
My favorite for scriptures and journaling has been Zebra fine point pens for years. http://www.amazon.com/Zebra-Ballpoint-Pen-Retractable-11169/dp/B002JP1AH6/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1420172997&sr=8-1&keywords=zebra+pen+f-301
Recently my friend loaned me a pen she received from Elaine Dalton. (Lucky her!) Elaine and my friend fell in love with them. They are fine point (although they probably come in several widths). My friend bought me a pack and they are nice! Pilot G-TEC-C4. I can’t decide which one I like better – these or Zebra.
http://www.amazon.com/Pilot-G-Tec-C-Rolling-3-Pack-35483/dp/B0058NNAG0/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1420173039&sr=8-2&keywords=pen+Pilot+G-TEC-C4
lorimc says
April,
I feel like I have found a new best friend!!! I too, have loved FRanklin planners for years and I could talk about mine for hours. I thought I was the only one in the world. Thank you for making this video. I love your web site, it is really life changing for me! I cannot say enough about how much I love your work and your spirit! Keep it coming!
Blessings,
Lori McMahan
April Perry says
Thanks Lori! So glad to have found a kindred spirit. Someday we (and our planners) need to meet. Have a wonderful day!
lorimc says
April,
Just curious. What kind of bag/purse do you carry for your planner to be able to fit in it? For me I carry a pretty big purse but then I carry another bag JUST for my planner! I have never thought of using my planner as an actual wallet! Very good idea. Post a picture of your purse with your planner in it! I would love to see it.
Thanks,
Lori McMahan
April Perry says
Basically, I just take my planner with me to Ross, and then I stick it in every purse I like until I find a match. Then the only other things I keep in my purse are coins, keys, lipstick, tissues, and mints/suckers for when my son is cranky. I am SO not fashionable, so I don’t think my purse photos would impress anyone, but it makes it really simple for me. When we do a day trip, I have a tiny purse that can hold my phone, keys, credit cards, cash, etc. I’ll try to do a little video/photo tour of that sometime soon. Good luck!
Bestmommyigot says
I am new to the power of moms, but wanted to add that I had just bought a Vera Bradley small backpack for my new purse last week (It was on sale and my chosen mothers day gift 😉 It helps alleviate back pain from lugging around a traditional purse on one shoulder or the other. I have been struggling with organization and last night found myself googling for a solution. I found your video and knew that the Franklin Covey planner was for me! So today I ran to the Office Depot that carried it in stock and bought it. It fits PERFECTLY in the Vera backpack. I could not be more happy with these 2 purchases. Looking forward to using GTD to be more intentional with my parenting and be able to quickly finish projects I started (since I have no memory to speak of – lol). Thanks for posting the video, I plan on watching it again as I get everything in order.
April Perry says
Thanks so much for sharing! I’ll have to check out those small backpacks. Excited for you to get your system totally up and running!!
milisa says
Thank you for sharing, April! Can I ask where / if you list your housework routines? Also, this is a silly question but do you take or feel you need much ‘down time’?
April Perry says
I need a TON of down time! I am a very good napper, and I spend a lot of time just talking with, enjoying my family or reading in the bathtub. But I don’t feel guilty about downtime because I’m really productive during my “on” hours. It’s a constant balance, and some days are busier than others. But yes–absolutely. I take lots of breaks. The housework routines are in the MOM program–go to the right-hand side of the homepage, and you can see “Cleaning the House with M.O.M.” You can download my spreadsheet there and edit it to make it personal to you. Good luck!
Inca says
I think you must have changed your Home Page because I do not see the “Cleaning the House with M.O.M.” on the right-hand side with a downloadable spreadsheet
April Perry says
Sorry for the confusion! I had the title a little mixed up. Here’s the link: http://powerofmoms.com/2011/07/keeping-a-clean-house-with-m-o-m/
milisa says
Just looking at your codes – my first question will be answered when I finish the video tour 🙂
sable747 says
April,
It took me several tries to watch this because I kept getting interrupted by stuff at home! My hubby took my daughter on a trip to the pet store and I loved watching this video. I love your passion for life! Tons of ideas in here! I’m also a huge FC nerd. I’ve had one since hs as well. Although, I hate even carrying around my compact size one. I’ve really wanted to try a spiral notebook, but just the other day I was at the doctors office and needed medical information. Sure enough, I had jotted info from 2008 down on a little medical form that came with my binder! I might need to try to turn it into a wallet combo or try the smaller size you mentioned (still carrying diaper bag)! Chrystal
April Perry says
Thank you, Chrystal! Honestly, the Pocket size with the wallet-combo worked perfectly when I had a diaper bag. You have to write small, but it can keep your mind together. Then you can switch it up later, if you’d like. Good luck!!
beth says
Great Ideas! I started with the FlyLady “Control Journal” and still use that for Routines& Responsibilities but have switched to the MOM system. I love my planner but have only recently had Franklin Covey and I have the wire-bound…I know what’s on my Christmas list now! The rings look so much easier and have so many more options. I can’t get the link to work of your favorite planner…I’d love to see what it is you recommend! Beth
April Perry says
Thanks for your thoughts, Beth! Sorry that link wasn’t working. I fixed it. Here’s the 7 Habits Planner I love: http://store.franklinplanner.com/store/category/prod420035/US-FranklinCovey-Exclusives-Planners-%26-Refills/7-Habits-Ring-bound-Daily-Planner-Refill?skuId=40050
Take care!
Marissa_Overson says
I loved the video and all of your articles. I usually don’t have the time to post comments, but I want you to know how much I appreciate all of your work. M.O.M has made a difference in my life, a positive impact on my family and improved the efficiency of my home. Thank you.
April Perry says
Thanks, Marissa! SO happy to hear that!!
lorimc says
April,
I find myself constantly coming back to your planner tour video and watch and restart my inspiration!
I still would love to see your purse with your planner in it! I love the fact that you make your planner your wallet also. I take a big purse AND a planner bag with me. I am trying to think how nice it would be to have one bag with my planner with me at all times.
Thanks,
Lori Mc
lorimc says
April,
I have used different sizes of the Franklin Covey Planner but have never used the compact size. Have you ever tried that size? I LOVE the idea of using it as my wallet too but not sure if I could make it work with my classic size. I suppose I could try. Let me know your thoughts. Also, do you think it is easier to carry one bag with your planner or a purse and a bag for your planner?
Signed curious and Lori McMahan
lorimc says
April and friends,
After using my big classic size planner, I have just switched to the compact size. The pocket is too small, and even though I love the classic size, I am excited to give the compact a good try. Just makes it so much easier to carry with me. I will let you guys know how it works for me….ha, this is such a big deal to me!
Thanks,
Lori Mc
April Perry says
Yay! Congrats on the new planner, Lori. I used the Compact for several years, and it worked beautifully. Can’t wait to hear how it goes.
kellibp says
April, I am looking forward to purchasing my first high tech planner, rather than just a calendar system. While I was out looking at all the options I came across the Getting Things Done planner. I think it just came out this year. Just wondered if you have seen it and what you think of it. Thanks!
Kelli
crystaldever says
Hi April. I can’t thank you enough for everything – really. Wondering your thoughts on my situation, which I’m sure is not unique. I’ve always been a paper planner girl, until last few recent years when I tried to go digital because I just hated re-writing birthdays, repeating events, etc. over and over and over… I love that on my digital calendar I can put an event in once and have it repeat monthly, weekly, yearly, etc. and use it ALL THE TIME… such as FHE, church, birthdays, bunco monthly, kids classes, minimum days, etc. I also love that I can so easily ‘invite’ my husband or mom to events and it will automatically go onto their calendars as well – its been priceless for my husband and I getting on the same page. I also love a few other things about digital such as my grocery list which syncs online, my notes ap in which I can take notes, record cute things the kids say, etc. and its fully searchable… awesomeness. But I’ve tried to go totally digital and I’m really finding that it just doesnt work for me – I end up ignoring my to do list ap, like you said, etc. So I think I’m kind of a hybrid planner user…. so my question is do you have any tips/ideas for us hybrid people? I’m having a hard time keeping some stuff in one place, some stuff in another and I’m feeling so disorganized and out of control. Thanks for any insight you can give.
Crystal
krdtgrt says
I am getting ready to buy a FraklinCovey planner. I’ve never bought one before. I am getting the “Blooms daily planner refill”. In order to have the Next action pages and all that beyond the calendar and daily to do, do I need to order any other pages? I want to have my planner set up similar to your and just want to make sure I order everything I need. Also I could not tell if the inserts for the immediate next action page finder was included in the “master plan” starter pack? Do you have to cut those down?
Thank you!
April Perry says
Yay! Congratulations on your first planner! You’ll love Blooms–they’re beautiful. The “Master Plan” starter pack should have everything you need. The “Pouch Pagefinder” and “Compass Cards” are what I use for my immediate next actions list. Those should be listed within the contents of what you’re ordering. I would also order one package of additional paper (called lined pages). They cost around $4, and that’s what you’ll use for your Current Projects lists, etc. behind your back tabs. Can’t wait to hear how it goes!
krdtgrt says
April thank you SO much for your help. I ordered all the stuff I needed and its working great! I have been using it for about a month now and LOVE my planner.
Thank you for helping do this. I will never regret going paper. I know that you are so so busy and I just can’t thank you enough. Y’all are doing amazing things with this power of moms!
April Perry says
So happy to hear that! Good luck with your organization!
closegirl81 says
Hi April
Finally watching this video (have been pregnant and super sick since we last spoke) and it is wonderful; I really enjoyed seeing/hearing it all was a fabulous extension to the notes. The vimeo worked fine this time- no idea about what happened when I tried watching it last time. Hope you are well and will email you when our baby is born : )
Love Georgina xo
senorasunny1 says
Are the items on your immediate next action list duplicated on your daily task list? I recently implemented the M.O.M. system and one challenge I’ve had is what to do with things that need to be done on a certain day (i.e., wash whites so my husband has clean socks) but that don’t have a set time. If I put them on my immediate next actions list I usually miss them, but I felt like I was duplicating my efforts to have a separate daily task list. Can you give a little bit more detail about how your daily task list works in conjunction with your immediate next actions list? Thanks!
April Perry says
Great question. Things like laundry are on my Routines and Responsibilities list, so they never make it to the Immediate Next Actions list. (We do laundry every Tuesday…)
If there was a certain week where my husband somehow used all of his white socks, and I needed to do an unexpected load of laundry, that would go directly onto my calendar page for the day it needed to be done. You’re absolutely right. You don’t want to be rewriting anything, if possible.
Wishing you the best!!
Suelynn Jacobus says
I have been all over the place over the last few years which is more then likely why I’m so scattered and unorganized. I carried a planner starting in 10th grade and I always seem to end up back there. I think I was trying to put too much on calendar pages though and of course I was overwhelmed and my life never fit on the pages. I didn’t get most of what I wrote on the pages done so then I felt like a failure. I appreciate greatly stepping back and reevaluating through this program. My planner is all set up and it feels good to be back in order again.
April Perry says
Congratulations!!! So excited for you, and thrilled you are with us. 🙂