2021 Planner System

Remember me posting about finding planner peace back in 2017? Well, it’s been a couple of years and I had a few changes. Planner peace my a**. Haha!

To be fair, I did keep that system for a while. I didn’t update much because it stayed the same for a few years. I was happy and content but why the change? Here’s a couple of things.

Traveler’s Notebook

Did not enjoy using it. Using the TN did not click for me and only used it for a few months. I still have some of my inserts kept unused. Been trying to find a good way to re-purpose it to not waste the leather. Adding rings? Still not sure but for now, it’s in storage.

Hobonichi

The only reason I haven’t used the Hobonichi is that I’ve been experimenting yet again. Between then and now, I’ve used the Jibun Techo then the Nolty then ring-hobonichi-combo. I even went back and forth with sizes – a6/bible/a5.

What I learned is that as much as I like the layout of the Jibun Techo, I didn’t have much going on in my life to justify using it. Same with the Nolty – it’s a functional planner but there’s not much going on daily. Felt like it was such a waste of paper (and money) that I ended up with my Filofax again.

I know for a fact that IF I decide to add a Hobonichi next year, it will still be the weeks. That’s the only size I’ve been loyal to. If only they made a plain notebook in this size I would hoard.

Disc-bound (Atoma)

Also ditched the disc-bound system and used plain rings instead. As much as I love the idea, a ring planner is more widely available. Cheaper too!

Bought this in Shopee for PHP90

So what now?

I’m not declaring anything but I’d most probably use my Filofax or Ashford next year as I do this year. I did mention prior that the rings were too difficult for my lefthandedness. What I figured was adding a bunch of of inserts to at least even it out solves this. I added around 200 sheets in mine or as many paper to “cover” the rings but not hinder flipping a page or closing. It’s quite chunky. Another thing I do is use it horizontally. Works like a charm.

I also discovered I hate decorating. Haha! How ironic given how many washi, sticker and ephemera I have stashed. I try to use supplies here and there to use them up but I enjoyed my minimal layout. I’m too lazy with no artistic bone to even bother.

2021 planner system

Filofax for monthly, daily to-do’s and notes. Using a week on 2 pages which I layout weekly. Minimal to no decorations.

Filofax Finsbury Open — I try to decorate but meeh!

Filofax Finsbury Weekly View — I try to decorate but meeh!

Ohhh on another note, I wanted to share my Ashford Life Organizer which I discovered last year. This is quite popular in the Japanese planner community. It’s by Ashford and this size costs around 9000 JPY. They have different sizes – micro5 to HB X WA5.

Haven’t used it this year but this is how it looks.

Ashford Life Organizer A6 spread — The habit tracking notebook is a Nolty 1111. Notes is a Hobonichi plain notebook.

You have rings on one side and options on the other. You can insert a notebook (2 actually) or a notebook and another set of rings. Veryyyyy interesting and handy especially for busy bee who likes a single unit.

Ashford micro5 for financial planning. Anything money-related and quick to-do’s when I’m out and about goes here. This also works as my extended wallet. This has been with me for a couple of years and I’m looking at replacing it but for now, it stays.