Top 20 Planning Tips from Erin Condren Experts

Let's talk about what really matters when it comes to planning and staying organized—it's not just about pretty planner layouts and color-coded schedules (though we absolutely love those too!). It's about creating space in our busy lives for what truly matters.

After years of working with passionate planners and organization enthusiasts, we've gathered the strategies that actually work in real life, not just in theory. Whether you're juggling multiple projects at work, managing a bustling family calendar, or simply trying to find more balance in your daily routine, these tried-and-true planning techniques will help you take control of your time with intention and purpose.

Because here's what we've learned: effective planning isn't about squeezing more into each day—it's about making purposeful choices that align with your authentic goals and values (and realistic bandwidth).

Top 20 Planning Tips

1. Begin Each Planning Session by Visualizing Your Goals.

Don't be afraid to dream big! Start by envisioning your long-term aspirations and letting them guide your daily choices. Your planner isn't just a calendar—it's your personal vision board and roadmap to turning today's actions to tomorrow's achievements. Don’t forget to write down your goals (doing so makes you more likely to accomplish them)!

Learn more with How to Set Goals Step by Step: A Roadmap for Success.

2. Implement a Five-Phase Planning System for Major Goals.

Transform your planning approach by incorporating the five essential planning phases: assessment (where are you now?), goal-setting (where do you want to be?), strategy development (how will you get there?), action planning (what specific steps will you take?), and progress monitoring (how will you track success?).

Use dedicated pages in your agenda to document each phase, creating a comprehensive roadmap for significant objectives.

3. Identify Your Top Three Daily Priorities.

Start each morning by identifying your three most important tasks. Write them in your priority box—these are your non-negotiables for the day! This focused approach helps maintain clarity and ensures meaningful progress toward your goals, even on busy days.

4. Create a Color-Coding System that Enhances Clarity.

Transform your organizer into an easy-to-follow visual map by assigning specific colors to different areas of your life. This systematic approach helps you understand your schedule at a glance and brings a delightful aesthetic to your planning practice. Consider using different colors for categories like work/school, personal, health, and family to create instant visual recognition.

5. Schedule Your Days using Time-Blocking Techniques.

Maximize productivity by designating specific time blocks for different activities. This method helps you visualize exactly how you'll spend each precious moment and ensures important tasks receive dedicated focus time. Consider using 90-minute focused work sessions followed by short breaks for optimal performance.

6. Establish a Weekly Planning Ritual.

Schedule a dedicated weekly planning session every Sunday evening. This sacred time allows you to reflect, reset, and prepare for the week ahead with intention and purpose. Use this hour to review your goals, celebrate achievements, and map out the coming week's priorities.

Related: How to Set Weekly Goals + 23 Examples to Get You Started

7. Break Down Large Projects into Manageable Steps.

Turn overwhelming tasks into achievable milestones using monthly, weekly, and daily layouts. Each step becomes a satisfying checkbox waiting to be marked complete. This method prevents overwhelm and creates a clear path to project completion through systematic progress tracking.

8. Master the Monthly Overview Strategy.

Your monthly spread (or calendar view) serves as command central for big-picture planning. Mark important dates, deadlines, and recurring events here first before diving into weekly details. This bird's-eye view helps identify potential conflicts and opportunities for better time management.

9. Develop a Robust Habit Tracking System.

Transform your goals into daily habits using dedicated tracking systems. Whether it's water intake, exercise, or meditation, monitoring these small daily actions reveals patterns and reinforces positive behaviors. Consider using habit stacking techniques to build sustainable routines.

10. Schedule Regular Self-Care Activities.

Add self-care appointments to your calendar just like any other important commitment. Prioritizing your wellbeing ensures you maintain the energy and focus needed to pursue your goals. Include both daily micro-breaks and longer rejuvenation sessions.

Learn more with Best Self-Care Tools and Tips + How to Create an Ideal Self-Care Routine.

11. Incorporate Daily Reflection Practices.

Use dedicated space to journal about your progress, gratitude, and lessons learned. This mindful practice helps you stay connected to your goals and celebrate small wins while identifying areas for growth and adjustment.

12. Design Your Ideal Morning Routine.

Create a powerful morning sequence that sets you up for daily success. Map out each component in your schedule book, from meditation and movement to planning and preparation. A strong start creates momentum for a productive and positive day.

13. Establish Distinct Planning Zones in Your Planner.

Designate specific areas in your organizer for different aspects of life—work, family, personal projects, and goals. This organization system helps maintain work-life harmony and ensures every important area receives adequate attention and resources.

14. Utilize Forward Planning Techniques Effectively.

Capture future events, ideas, and goals in dedicated forward-planning sections. This prevents overwhelm and ensures nothing falls through the cracks while maintaining a clear vision of upcoming commitments and opportunities.

15. Master the Two-Minute Efficiency Rule.

Complete tasks immediately if they take less than two minutes rather than planning them for later. Note these quick wins in your daily accomplishments section to build momentum and maintain a sense of progress.

16. Maintain a Comprehensive Task Management System.

Keep an ongoing master task list in the notes section of your planner. This brain dump helps clear mental clutter and ensures every important task has its place. Review and update this list weekly during your planning sessions.

17. Build Flexibility into Your Planning Approach.

Leave white space in your planning spreads for unexpected opportunities or challenges. Life happens, and your day planner should adapt with you! This buffer time prevents stress when unexpected situations arise.

18. Schedule Quarterly Planning Reviews.

Set aside time every three months for comprehensive planning review sessions. Use these moments to assess your progress, adjust strategies, and ensure your daily actions align with your long-term vision.

19. Harmonize Digital and Paper Planning Methods.

Use your paper planner in conjunction with digital tools, leveraging the strengths of each medium. Paper planners excel at providing creative space and tactile experience, while digital tools offer automation and accessibility.

20. Align Your Planning System with Strategic Objectives.

Structure your life planner to address all three planning horizons: strategic (annual goals and life vision), tactical (monthly and quarterly objectives), and operational (daily and weekly tasks).

Dedicate specific sections to each timeframe, ensuring your daily actions support your bigger dreams while maintaining practical progress through immediate task management.

Top 20 Planning Guides

Put these planning tips into action with our most popular planning guides. Each one focuses on a specific type of planning need and will guide you, step by step, to help you plan smarter (not harder). Each planning guide is designed to help you streamline your time, reach your goals, and live a more joyful, organized life.

1. Planner Ideas for Beginners
2. How to Start Planning
3. Daily vs. Weekly Planner: Find Your Perfect Match
4. Different Planner Types
5. Best Planners for Every Goal, Schedule, and Style
6. How to Plan in an Hourly LifePlanner™
7. >How to Use a Daily Planner
8. How to Use a Weekly Planner: Time Management Made Easy
9. How to Use a Monthly Planner
10. How to Organize Your Planner
11. How to Use Digital and Paper Planners
12. Spiral Planners, Softbound Planners, and Ring Agenda Planners
13. Daily, Weekly, Monthly Planning Tips
14. Choosing the Best Planner for an ADHD Brain
15. Best Planners for Working Moms
16. Homeschool Planning Made Easy
17. Academic Planner 101: How to Use a Planner for School
18. How to Use a Teacher Lesson Planner
19. How to Plan a Vacation with Your LifePlanner™
20. 5-Minute Planner Check-Ins + Prompts

Remember, planning isn't just about getting things done—it's about creating a life you love, one beautifully organized day at a time. The key to successful planning lies in finding systems that resonate with your personal style while supporting your goals and values. As you implement these strategies, focus on progress over perfection, adjusting and refining your approach until you discover the perfect planning rhythm for your unique lifestyle.

Customize your perfect planner for effortless planning that makes each day a little more manageable and joyful.