You've tried bullet journals, digital planners, wall calendars, and at least three different apps. Each time, the system works brilliantly for about two weeks before quietly being abandoned. Sound familiar?
The issue isn't that you're bad at planning. It's that you haven't found a system that matches how your brain naturally works.
The Three Planning Personalities
After working with hundreds of clients, I've identified three distinct planning personalities. Understanding yours is the first step to finding a system that sticks.
The Visual Planner
You think in pictures and spatial arrangements. You need to see your entire week at a glance. Physical planners, wall calendars, and colour-coded systems work well for you. Digital-only systems feel invisible.
The List Maker
You think sequentially and love the satisfaction of crossing things off. You need clear, prioritized lists with a defined order. Simple to-do lists with a "top 3" focus work better than complex project management tools.
The Flow Worker
You resist rigid schedules and prefer to respond to energy and inspiration. You need flexible time blocks rather than hour-by-hour plans. A loose daily framework with themed days serves you better than detailed scheduling.
Quick Self-Assessment
Ask yourself: when you need to remember something important, do you (a) picture it in your mind, (b) write it on a list, or (c) set a reminder and trust you'll handle it when the time comes? Your answer hints at your planning personality.
The Five Common Mistakes
1. Over-planning
If your planning session takes longer than 15 minutes, your system is too complex. Planning should save time, not consume it.
2. No Weekly Review
Without a weekly check-in, tasks accumulate and priorities drift. A 20-minute weekly review is the single most important planning habit.
3. Mixing Tools
Having tasks in three different apps and a paper notebook means nothing has a reliable home. Choose one primary system and use it for everything.
4. Ignoring Energy Levels
Scheduling creative work after lunch when your energy dips, or admin tasks during your morning peak, works against your biology.
5. No Buffer Time
Every day should have at least 30 minutes of unscheduled time. Life is unpredictable, and a packed schedule has no room for the unexpected.
Building Your System
Start with just three components:
- A capture tool — one place where every thought, task, and idea goes immediately
- A daily plan — your top 3 priorities for today, decided the night before or first thing in the morning
- A weekly review — 20 minutes each week to reflect, adjust, and plan ahead
That's it. No complex categories, no elaborate tagging systems, no weekly, monthly, and quarterly goal hierarchies. Just capture, plan, review.
Once these three habits are automatic (usually 4-6 weeks), you can add complexity if you genuinely need it. Most people find they don't.