How to Start a Simple Planning Routine (Even If You’re Not a “Planner Person”)
Have you ever scrolled through Instagram or Pinterest and seen those beautiful planner spreads? They’re really pretty, but if you’ve ever thought, “That’s just not me,” you’re not alone. I’ve always been more of a random notes, half-finished lists, and “whatever works today” kind of planner. And as a work-from-home mom, my days rarely unfold the way I plan for them to.
Here’s the truth: planning doesn’t have to be perfect to be helpful. It’s not about a picture-perfect spread or ten color-coordinated pens. It’s about giving yourself just enough structure to carry what’s on your plate a little more easily.
If you’ve been wanting to start a planning routine, or maybe restart one after falling off track (been there!), here’s a simple guide to help you ease in. No rigid rules, just practical planner tips for beginners that support your real life.
1. Choose Your Planning Home Base
Your “planner” can be whatever works for you right now—paper, digital, or both. Don’t overthink it. Start with something simple (even a freebie planner or a one-page template) before investing in something fancier and more expensive. The key is having one central place to put all the thoughts swirling in your head.
2. Keep Goals Realistic
Instead of setting a hundred intentions, pick your top three—or even just one if that’s what feels manageable. Ask yourself:
What would make the biggest difference this week?
What would help life feel a little lighter?
Write those down first. The rest can wait.
3. Map Out Your Week
A weekly planner view gives you a big-picture snapshot without overwhelming you. Use it to jot down:
Appointments
Work blocks
External commitments
Time for yourself
Think of it as a flexible guide rather than a rigid plan.
4. Focus on Today
Each morning, set your top priorities. Some people thrive on 1–3 priorities, but I’ve found that my energy fluctuates (thanks, baby & toddler sleep regressions). Some days I can tackle more, other days it’s just one. And that’s okay.
A realistic daily plan could look like:
Finish one work project
Plan three dinners
Get your kid to dance practice
That’s enough.
5. Stay Flexible
Life happens. Kids get sick (then you get sick), naps get skipped, meetings run long. A good planner isn’t about keeping a perfect schedule; it’s about giving you a system you can return to whenever you need to reset.
6. Reflect and Reset
At the end of the week, look back and ask:
What worked?
What didn’t?
What can I change next week?
Remember: planning is a practice, not a performance. Progress counts more than perfection.
A Planner That Doesn’t Add Pressure
If you’ve been craving a way to get things out of your head and into a system that feels simple, I created the Imperfect Weekly Planner for exactly that. It’s flexible, simple, and built to support the kind of weeks that don’t go exactly as planned.
You can grab your copy here.
Final Word
Planning is about creating just enough structure to make life feel lighter. If you do what works for you (and let go of the rest), you’ll make space for what matters most, even if it’s imperfect. <3
