Teatime With Morrigan: How I changed my "To Do's" into "Done!"

Earlier this year/late last year, when making resolutions, I decided I wanted to be more organized. Who doesn’t make that goal at least once in their life? I’m a semi organized person already, but when it came to getting stuff done, over the past few months, I’ve fallen short. This doesn’t mean that I didn’t accomplish ANYTHING, but I wasn’t doing the things I had been meaning, or wanting, to do. Coincidentally, earlier this year, I was suddenly introduced to the world of planners. A youtuber/blogger was the first person to introduce it to me. Her name is Elle Fowler (you can read her blog here ). She had an unfortunate event in autumn that left her with a broken back and LOTS of time of bed rest. If you have ever been stuck in bed, you’ll know how quickly it can get old. Being an organized girl, she decided to re-kindle her love of planners, stickers, etc. She posted and commented on others who shared a similar interest. I had no idea how much there was to it!

When I was in school, you mostly wrote your assignments and had your parent or teacher sign to make sure you did them. They were dull things. Things you stuffed in your backpack and, come June, didn’t know what to do with. But seeing pictures like these, some of my favourite things piqued my interest. Before I knew it, I was actually watching videos about how others decorated their planner, planned out their day, etc. Now, please understand, I rarely jump on the bandwagon. But this time, I did. However, not having bundles of money to throw out at a new trend was not something I could do; especially since I wasn’t even sure I’d like it, or gain anything from it. So I bought a nice, basic planner.

Immediately, I didn’t know where to start. I began thinking ‘what have I gotten myself into? I don’t DO that much, so why did I get a PLANNER, for goodness sake?’. I didn’t have many appointments; I didn’t have many social engagements (not being a party girl myself). And even if I did, I thought, I don’t have all these cool planner stickers or more “professional” planner (seriously, what does that even MEAN?) My sad little planner looked blank.

I shared my “woes” with a friend of mine, who, upon hearing that I didn’t have anything to PUT in the planner said, “Why don’t you write goals for the day? Something you want to do or accomplish?” These words were so simple, yet they struck me as genius! I love lists! I love goals! I love putting little “checks” on the things I do! So, I set to work.
Friday nights, my family is pretty busy, but I am usually hold up in my room with my dog. Instead of browsing the web, and letting myself get bored, I started decorating my planner. I used washi tape, and some simple stickers that my mum had gotten for cheap. I also happen to have a large sticker collection of my own. Before I knew it, my formerly dull planner was alive with colour!

Next, I wrote in goals. Usually, I am the kind of person to put down a lot of goals, and then get upset if I don’t get them ALL done. This time, however, I only set up a few small goals throughout the week. I also added a bookmark to help me keep up to date.

I got through most of them, and felt proud of myself. I did neglect one, because I was tired and just wasn’t in the mood. Instead of agonizing about it, I simply crossed it off neatly, and moved on.

It’s only been a couple of weeks, but I’m finding this method works for me.
Here are some of my tips for how you can make your own planner more pretty and (hopefully) more encouraging for you to get stuff done:

Pens! Lots of pens (make sure they don't bleed!). of all shapes and sizes, and all different colours. You can choose to colour coordinate based on the event, or whatever you'd like. Stickers are also a big plus! You don't have to go buy "grown up" stickers. Old stickers, cheap, dollar store stickers, or any that you think are pretty will work. As you can see, I love stickers. Also Washi Tape. You can see how I've used it, and you can also do a quick search online on other ways to jazz up your book. Be careful, though! Washi Tape is addictive!