I decided to try #onebookjuly2015 this year.  Since I’ve been evaluating what it is I really need in planning, I thought this would be perfect to minimize my system to my needs (with awareness of my wants).  I decided to give up my Filofax Malden for July, which I whined about for a good two weeks.  Now, I am learning to live in one book, at least for planning (at home).

So my Malden sat on my shelf and I am using a pocket traveler’s notebook (Field Notes, Moleskine Pocket, 3.5×5.5″ inserts). The beautiful thing about the pocket size is I do use it as a wallet and it is my every day carry (EDC).

This is a 12 pocket card insert that I use for my wallet.

I have four notebooks in my traveler’s notebook (TN) and a 12 pocket card insert.  The first book is my lists book.  This is a more permanent book of lists and references I want to carry with me.  My second book is my monthly book.  I make one book for each month, which includes a day per page (DO1P) and pages at the front for special events to occur that month, month goals, and notes pertaining to that specific month.  My third insert is a Field Notes (FN) notebook that I change out each month too.  This book I use for the listersgottalist (www.listersgottalist.com) and journaling.  My final notebook is an 18 month calendar I made using the monthly calendar from BohoCottage on Etsy.  The front of the calendar I tipped in my month lists that I made and a three year calendar from DIYfish (www.diyfishblogs.com)  The back of the 18 month calendar I tipped in the DIYfish monthly chart.

Hobonichi Style insert that I made

Card pocket attached to inside cover

Monthly Calendar using BohoCottage printable inserts from Etsy

Monthly Lists

I’ve given up my Malden and been using my EDC as my main planner.  So how do I feel about this with July sliding into a close?  This has forced me to look at what I need to see to keep my brain organized and the info I need on paper instead of in my head.  I use two versions of a monthly calendar, a weekly calendar, and a daily calendar.  I hate repetition, which is why I considered #onebookjuly2015 in the first place.  The monthly list I use as a glance at what life will look like for the year (what are busy times and what are slow times).  The months are necessary because when I plan call or events, I need to see what days work best.  The weekly calendar I use to see my week at a time. The daily calendar isn’t to plan, but to record what I want to accomplish, what I have to do, and how the day actually happens.  I was able to incorporate what I was missing from my Malden into my EDC, so I am able to do everything in one book.  The Malden will now become more of a reference book that stays at home rather than planning.  While my inserts stay mostly the same, I do change the cover of my EDC based on mood or circumstances.

Chic Sparrow Creme Brûlée

Chic Sparrow Mr. Darcy

A while back I wrote a post about the paper monster in my life. I wrote about the filing system I purchased (http://www.amazon.com/FreedomFiler-Home-Filing-Kit-Size/dp/B00F5VUJIC/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1437317693&sr=8-1&keywords=freedom+filer+filing+system). Well, I’ve used this system for three years now and it has allowed me to get the paper under control. 

So, if paper makes such significant clutter for me, it is interesting that all my hobbies include paper (reading, journals, scrapbooking, planning, doodling, etc.). After accepting the fact that my Erin Condren Life Planner was too large for me, I’ve been on a search for the perfect system for this point in my life. Ring-bound planners have worked for me for years, but I didn’t want to return to the A5 size as that is still too big for me to carry. For a planner to really work, it has to be carried at all times. So, I got the personal size planner from three manufacturers. For my journaling I also purchased multiple traveler’s notebooks in a variety of sizes and leathers this year. Messing up my home system wasn’t enough, I also changed my work system. I am also participating in #onebookjuly2015. All of this chaos in my planning has allowed me to learn exactly what I love. I’ve been forced to examine my style and the way I think and I think the dividends will be huge. 

I now have my paper foe under control and learning to make paper a good friend. This is the start of many blog posts sharing all I’ve learned.