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DNF

Chandra White

• 3 min read
DNF

A couple of years ago, I read a post in my Black Girls who Reading Facebook group that tackled the topic of forcing yourself to finish a book.

Crazy, prior to reading that post, I did just that. No matter how terrible the book, or how much I didn't enjoy reading it, I would force myself to finish. And why?

Reading is for my enjoyment, I love getting lost in a good story, getting to live in a new fantasy world; why am I holding myself hostage, tied to a book that's not giving me just that? Especially when it doesn't matter to anyone but me?!

Your planner is the exact same thing.

Don't force yourself to use pages that do not work with you or for you. Using your planner and journaling are tools to help improve your life, help cut down the anxiety, up your productivity, organize your thoughts, improve your focus; if your planner isn't doing that for you, DO NOT FINISH.

You are not a tree, you can move!

Whatever isn't working for you change it, adjust it, improve it.

A couple of tips:

1. Get a disc bound or six hole planner. This will allow you to add or take out pages. A spiral planner is a more permanent, not a great choice especially if you are just starting and don't have a good idea of what will or will not work for you. I posted a few pictures below to show an example of disc bound, spiral, and a six hole planners. This makes it easier to switch out what's not working, you get planner refill pages, inserts, or even printable page from Etsy. These are all less expensive options, so you don't feel bad walking away from them.

2. Custom planners. They can be a little more expensive, but if you don't want to deal with the hassle of printing your own or if you want a specific look, custom planners are a great starting point. Check out Pinterest or Instagram for vendors. Undeniably_TK_Designs is where I went, she will working with you to find out which type of layout works best for your brain (find her on Instagram).

3. Take your time. There is no rush in finding what you like. Doesn't matter if it is a $5 Aldi planner or a $60 Plum Paper Planner, it will be worthless if it does not work for you. So take your time and find exactly what you need.

4. Let it go. It happens, you get it and six months later its causing more problems than it is solving - let it go. Think of your planner as your assistant, they may have interviewed very well, but now they can do what you need them to - do you keep them? Or are they fired?

Your planner may go through several different phrases before you get it just right, but that's okay. Life happens, things change, we grow and develop and adjust; your planner should too.

My current planner. This is A5 six hole set up. Its about the size of half sheet of paper and the rings open and close like a binder. This is my first time using this size and type so we will what happens.
Disc Bound Planner. Classic Happy Planner. You can find these everywhere, you can also create one with just the disc and a cover. There are several different type of page inserts that you can get to really customize this planner.
Leather bound. No room to customize at all. Wouldn't recommend this as a starting point unless you just absolute love the layouts.
Spiral Planner. This one is semi-permanent. Adding pages can be done, but it will won't be easy. Tasha Kinney at Undeniably_TK_Designs (Instagram) made this custom for me, and the paper she used, is the best in the world.