There are many terrific solutions out there for calendars, both simple and complex, to tackle everything from goals to recipes, or your draft of the next great American novel. Despite all of the advanced technology that’s available, I still love my paper calendar.
I am a busy lady with a lot of moving parts in my life: baseball, Cub Scouts, karate, driver’s ed, church, and work; lots and lots of work. All of these obligations have crafted what I look for in a wall calendar. The following are the non-negotiable:
• Size. It’s no fun to try and cram your handwriting into a teeny, tiny square. I want wide, open spaces that can legibly display several appointments in a format that will easily fit in my handbag.
• Single-page months with pages for daily details. This gives me the flexibility to add a lot of details or just a few. I can record my work appointments on the daily pages and family commitments, or even what we are planning for dinner each night, on the monthly view.
• A place for my pencil. There was a time when I color-coded all of the entries on my calendar depending on which family member the entry referred. I have now simplified my process considerably. I use a single Zebra mechanical pencil and use single letter initials to know who is practicing ball or playing a game. My pencil should live comfortably in my calendar without falling out or otherwise getting lost.
Why I love paper calendars
Unlike their digital counterparts, paper calendars require no learning curve, are compatible with all my other hardware (pens and eyes), never “go down,” and simply work. They’re the very picture of reliability for my needs. More importantly, I do not have to put anyone on speaker phone to make an appointment!
Whatever calendar you choose, make sure it works for your personal style and preferences. My advice is to spend some money on your calendar and you will be more inclined to use it. I personally like the Erin Condren Life Planner, the Passion Planner, Get to Work book, and Kate Spade planners. If you love it, you will use it!
Neatly,
Jennifer Snyder, Certified Professional Organizer
Neat as a Pin Organizing Experts
