I'm in my mid 60's. 40yrs. ago I was using those calendars from Hallmark to keep track of appointments, and work schedules. About 5 yrs ago I found youtube videos about planning and felt like I NEEDED a Foxy Fix. Well, there is no such thing as "planner peace". You are so right about social media and trying to fit in. Let's do us and not pay attention to the ones who hype up their system.
Me too! I’m in my mid 60s. I used to use a calendar in high school and college. I also used the freebie little calendars from Hallmark. I loved those. Then when I started working professionally I discovered Filofax and Franklin planners. I’ve been planning for many many many years. I couldn’t believe it when I saw the planning community explode the way it did 10 to 12 years ago. I was getting ready to Retire at that time. I hopped on the bandwagon for quite a while. I still switch my planters around but I always come back to Franklin Covey. I’ve spent/wasted a lot of time and money on both buying things and social media binge watching. It’s kind of a hobby but it also gets kind of annoying. Now I just do my own thing. I still like to watch because I am a visual person and I enjoy seeing other peoples planner set ups and journals especially when they’re artistic. But I’m becoming less and less influence into buying those things. Life‘s too short!
So I will play Devil's advocate here: I agree that things in social media have gotten totally ridiculous re all material things, hobbies, cars, clothing, housing, etc. We can pick just about anything in the world and Google it or find RUclips videos about it. And I believe it is up to us, as individuals, to know our limits, to know how much social media we can handle without it causing problems. We have been looking at possibly building a new house soon. I can go to all different kinds of social media and find all different kinds of house plans. Some of the house plans are within my budget, some of them are not. Some of them are for multi-million-dollar houses, but if I want, I can still look at these plans and get some good information from them even if I cannot use the whole plan. On the other hand, if I only looked at multi-million-dollar house plans and never looked at affordable (to me) house plans, it might be depression, aggravating, etc. So after awhile I quit looking at house plans. Re planners, I choose to spend more money than lots of people do on planners, pens, etc., but I also spend LESS money than other people spend. Sometimes, I will decide to quit looking/watching social media that is focused on planners and all the "goodies," because I realize that, for myself, I have reached a limit with what I want or need to see. Sometimes watching social media can give us FOMO (Fear Of Missing Out :) ), so at those times I will purposely cut down on what I watch or read about new planners (or new whatever thing it is). I believe that, as consumers, it is up to each of us to decide what is too much. It's the same thing we all teach our kids: What comes in your brain comes out your brain. If I watch a ton of planner videos all the time, there is a much higher likelihood of me wanting more than what I have, being dissatisfied with something that had totally made me satisfied just the week before I watched these videos/read the article. If I watch a ton of boating videos, there is a higher chance that I will want to go buy a boat, even though buying a boat is not somethingi my husband and I are choosing to do with our money at this time. It's sort of funny to me that the "blame" is being put on us having too many choices. Having "too many choices" should be a BLESSING, in my opinion, especially when we are discussing planners, sometime than can basically be done by grabbing a sheet of paper and a pen and taking it with me out the door. It's more important to you than grabbing a piece of paper -- I get that. But I think that sometimes we all (including myself in this) can lose perspective, whether we're talking about planners, designer clothes, new cars, houses, etc. Sometimes we need to focus on being thankful for so many choices in our lives rather than blaming those choices, rather than ourselves. Hope that my comment is taken with kindness, as it was intended to be said. :)
I think it's important to have a balance. Yes, you don't want to be a spoilt brat who doesn't appreciate what you've got. On the other hand, you don't want to feel that you can't be honest with anyone for fear of seeming ungrateful, about the fact that the avalanche of gifts that keep coming into your one bedroom apartment on the birth of your new baby seem great in theory but in reality, it's like living in an Amazon warehouse.
I agree that we all need to take responsibility for our choices. But I also think it's important to remember that social media can be very addictive for a lot of people. For them, it may not be so easy to disengage or just walk away. I'm not making excuses for them, but I do think it's important to remember that social media is designed to be addictive.
I find watching other people's videos and Instagram posts actually helps me decide which planner to go with. So in some ways, it saves me money! I understand the decision fatigue, but we can use the planning community for research, and I find this helps you land on the perfect planner for you.
I agree! The community does share a lot of really good ideas! I was focusing on the struggles because I’ve seen SO MANY planners share this year specifically that they can’t find a solid footing.
Hey Sam! I am a 54 old year stationary lover. In my stage of life I have found what works for me. Yes I follow social media for inspiration in what I am using. But that is it. Like you having grown up in the 70s and 80s thankfully we didn’t have social media. Because it can bring on a host of emotions. I stand back from interactions, attending conferences etc for the rejection and negativity that is out there. And I am happy with that. And it doesn’t help that people are being paid to be on social media. I could go on. But you are correct we all just need to do and use what works for us and our mental health. Have a great night
I am 51, and love stationery too ❤. Funny, there was a time where I thought a planner conference might be fun, but in reality, I think it’s more like a cliquey, mean girl get together and I don’t need to pay a lot of money to have strangers ignore me 😂
@@lkessler1 I went to a few planner conferences and for me the saving grace was meeting a couple of other people from my area ahead of time who were also attending. I’m pretty sure I wouldn’t have gone to more than one if I’d attended the first one solo. I am not great at walking into a room full of strangers and making friends.
I am a 52 old year stationary lover. I agree with you @susanpilchard5417 we got to have the loves of the stationary without the rejection of not having this or that. I think we need to go back to that type of time and just have enjoyment of our love of paper and pens. My fav. shop at the mall (remember those buildings lol) is where my love of paper, envelopes in every color with matching pencils and stickers. I have found what has worked for me. I used to try to keep up with the "Jones" of the community and then I saw how everyone would get it and then everyone layouts look the same. No thank you for that stress. I wanted my journals look like what I create not all the Jone's looks like. I then realized I am too old for this and went on my own road and use what I want and when I want. High 5 @samplans for sharing this. I might have to do a "this is how I feel" video too.
@@lkessler1 haha I love you for saying this. Same reason I’ve never gone to one. And I’m a huge conference geek. I went to every conference I could talk to my boss into letting me go when I was working. Now that I’m retired and in my 60s I just can’t do the competitive planner conference thingy. I thought I wanted to go and I thought I had FOMO over it but I’ve seen some things that I’ve heard some and yeah not for me. Lol
I just want to say thank you for this video. I consider myself one of the OG‘s of the planner community when it started, and I could go on all day, but it literally took me down mentally and emotionally and financially. And I see it today, if you don’t have the right planner or the right brand or the right ephemera or the right inserts or the right pocket notebook, you’re not in the loop. And from my personal experience, it got nasty on social media. I was so overwhelmed that I literally got everything with the help of my husband and my children and put it in a box and dumped it a huge box. Lol. I couldn’t take it anymore. I literally went into a depression. I came to the realization that all I needed was just a notebook and a few stickers from the dollar store if I wanted. And this is just my personal opinion, when I see these planner videos, why do they have to name every sticker , planner and notebook shop or company that they purchase from?? I now follow certain people on social media who post about the writing or their planning but they refuse to tag or even comment on where they purchased anything from because they don’t want to take away from what’s important . Thank you for this video.
I just uploaded a video talking about how much of a state I am in with my planners and how I’m not happy now. Some of my subscribers told me to watch this video and omg I am so glad I did. It is like you are in my head. I 100% agree with everything you said in this video and I think more people need to be talking about this. Thank you so much for your honesty
I can so relate to this. I have spent so much money just because of influences on social media. I think I’ve found what works for me after years of struggling.
Social Media is toxic in many ways. When the planner community started on social media a decade ago it was very different. People were more encouraging, uplifting and open minded. I quit uploading to my RUclips channel (many people would know my channel if I wanted to mention it's name) but popularity is not important and was just one reason I quit. I was no longer happy trying to stay "trendy" or do what others expected. Making everyone happy is not possible there will always be "haters". So when your hobby becomes stressful and full of negativity it's time to pause and really evaluate what is important to YOU. I will always love planners, stationery, pens, stickers etc. My planner peace is letting go of "perfectionism" and letting me do me. I didn't grow up with social media so maybe it was easier for me to just turn it all off when I need to refresh my mind and emotions. Negative comments and judgment from so many people really does hurt! I hope we can all remember the golden rule of "treat others how you would like to be treated" and "if you don't have something nice to say don't say it". Kindness can change the world! :-) Thank you Sam for sharing your video on this topic and opening a discussion. I hope everyone can plan in peace!
THIS! This is brilliant!! I couldn’t have said it better myself. I’m a huge stationary geek but when I started watching videos about planning I thought I wasn’t doing it “right”. I didn’t have all the stickers and the “trendy” covers. I can’t tell you how much I spent trying to “keep up with the Jones’” and it just causes me more stress and anxiety because everyone else’s spreads looked better than mine or my handwriting was crap. THANK YOU! Thank you for saying what has been in my head!!
I'm also a planner and have been part of the planner community on social media for almost 10 years now. I have always used Instagram mainly as a source of inspiration for my own planning. I never felt that I had to do this or that just because others were doing it. I used the Hobonichi Weeks as a work planner for two years just because I was curious about it and because I was pretty sure it could work well as a work planner, not because I wanted to be "cool" or anything. You complain so much about the stuff you see on social media and how you feel like you have to do what everyone else is doing and how you are constantly tempted and overwhelmed by it. And it looks like a lot of people feel the same way, scrolling through the comments here. But honestly, to me it feels like you really need a break from consuming social media / Instagram or limiting the accounts you follow to only what is good for you or what helps with your own planner system. I just checked, you follow over 900 people on Instagram. No wonder you feel overwhelmed by everything you see. I think I would feel pretty much the same way. But in my opinion, it's really nobody's fault. In the end, only you can control how you use social media and what you get out of it. If you feel it's not working for you, try taking a step back. Side note: In this video and in one of your last videos, you also complained about people unfollowing you if you don't use the planner they're interested in. I honestly do the same thing, because like I said, I follow people to get inspiration for my own planner system. Looking at a Hobonichi Weeks or a super decorative planner style or whatever just does not inspire me. That doesn't mean I'm going to unfollow someone who shows a Hobo from time to time. But it's just not interesting to me. And I don't want to waste my time scrolling through stuff that doesn't make me happy. It's really nothing personal. And as a content creator myself, I would not worry too much about fluctuating likes and mean comments (as long as you do this for fun and not for a living). I know, it's easier said than done, unfortunately. I don't intend to hate or anything, I just felt like I had to write this from my own perspective. In many of your videos you sound quite frustrated or even bitter regarding trends in the planner community. I wish you all the best! I'll definitely keep following you on RUclips because I really like to watch your planner journey :)
I agree. And I follow 1,800 accounts. 😂 I like art, planners, stationery, fountain pens - I think it’s ALL fun, so I don’t really feel too overwhelmed. I don’t take it too seriously. I’m just having fun and playing in my journals and planners!
I appreciate your thoughts. I’m regards to some of what you have said, I do follow quite a few accounts, but I follow back for the sake of community, because that really is what I’m after. Mentioning that I notice a decrease in views or follows when posting about rings for example isn’t complaining so much as it is stating a fact. I know less people will likely view it, and I’m just reinforcing that I want to share what is working for me at any given moment, despite what others think. I appreciate the conversation.
Sometimes I DO need to tell myself it isn’t that serious. My planners are like my stress reducer though, so if they aren’t working, I get a little (or a lot) anxious about it. Everyone has a something.
One thing I have noticed over the years Sam is how thoughtful you are with your planning system. Really trying to find what it is that works for you and your needs. When I first started in the planning community around 2012 or 2013 there were not as many options. Things were difficult to get and expensive. Not like much of that has changed only shipping fees are quite expensive now. I bought my first traveler's notebook in passport and standard size, they really were the only two sizes, kind of hard to believe now that if you can think of it, it can be made I to a notebook or planner. What I did, as Midori/Traveler's Factory calendars were difficult to come by I decided to make my own. I'm still using my own I serts to this day. But I'm reminded by a quote by author David Foster Wallace "You'll stop worrying so much what other people think of you when you realize how seldom they do."
Thank you, John. I’m glad that in my chaos of the last year especially, my intentions are clear. I’d love to make my own inserts, but so far fear of failure has stopped me. That quote.
@@samplans If your fear of failure is the thought of creating pages for the consumption of others, I get it. But I hope you’re not talking about pages for your own use. I get great satisfaction in making my own pages tailored to my needs, and tweaking them as I see where improvements can be made. Granted, I don’t have a channel, I don’t post on instagram, so I can understand where sharing personal creations adds a kind of pressure (contemplated pros and cons, and decided it’s not for me). But if it’s for you, then I’d be interested in hearing about your process. Thanks for sharing your POV - I found I agree with much of what you say, and I appreciated hearing it.
Thank you so much. The fear of failure is learning something new or failure in trying to create something and just not figuring it out. I guess we shall see what happens.
Some people actually make plan with me videos on their mock planners, and say so. They say, “I’m doing this on my mock planner.” Which makes me scratch my head. Why? For the likes on social media? It’s baffling to me. Thanks so much for making this video. Miss Vicky Bee made a video years ago asking where is the planning on decorated planners (because she wanted to see the planning in the context of the decorating), and she got a lot of hate on it. She was only asking where the planning was, but people didn’t even answer that. They were so defensive. Not hating on people who decorate their planners. If it works for them, that’s fine. And I never say bad things about the planning systems of others. But sometimes we just sincerely want to understand more about what they’re doing, but they deflect the question. So to my mind, that might mean that their system isn’t working for them after all but they can’t admit it because of the pressures of social media?
A lot of the “ Planner Girls“ are here to satisfy the crowds. Why! Money 💴 💵 MONEY! RUclips , of course you know this, pays for every click, comment, Like etc. So playing to the masses helps get the person more money. That’s what they’re really interested in.
You make a lot of great points. I did not know she made a video like that, but I can just imagine the backlash. For the way I plan I agree with her. I like just a little bit of pretty with a sticker or deco here or there, but do not allow it to overtake my actual planning. The mob mentality brought on by social media any time someone disagrees with something is absolutely insane.
I JUST started a series on my channel - "Planner Review Plan with Me's"; I LOVE getting planners to review and try out but then I feel bad when they sit on a shelf. I try to gift a lot of them. But I also had this thought that it wasn't really fair to the companies to send me a planner to review (just one video) on my channel and be done with it. I have so many thoughts on this!
@@susanwright134 I will say I can clearly see through the bullcrap of a lot of content creators lately - when it's so clearly about the money (often the ones that talk about how it's NOT about the money so frequently) and it's been irritating to me. I want to call them out, but a lot of them have HUGE followings and I know I'd get blasted the second I commented.
Consumerism. That's the issue. We're so used to thinking the problem's either with us or we just need that one more planner/bag/blazer/home decor item that will change our life and magically fix everything. But it doesn't work that way. I come from an emerging county and when I was a teen, I remember having one pair or warm shoes and one pair of lighter shoes every 1-2 years. And we made it work! Same with planners, I picked one at the beginning of the school year and never even considered buying another just because I got bored with it or because my friends had different ones. I'm not saying stay in a planner that doesn't work for you. But maybe changing your layout or the way you use it or shopping your stash are also options to consider. 😉 I enjoy watching people do no or low buys because their videos become really creative. I love finding new uses for the old stuff I have and love seeing what others come up with. It's making us believe we need the next new shiny thing that's making us dissatisfied with what we have all the time. Whenever I want to buy a new notebook/planner, I put it in my cart and then dig up sg similar I have, set it up the same way and force myself to use it for a week or two. I've managed to get a reality check on 5-6 planner crushes so far and I'm glad I don't have those in my planner graveyard now.
This! I’ve stopped following people that constantly do hauls or have ridiculous amounts of high priced things because they don’t really speak to me. Quite frankly, after so many “well, I guess it’ll grow on me” after opening each high priced package after another gets sad to me and a little gross. That’s my opinion. I don’t diss them or feel the need to pass judgement, I move on to other things that fulfill me.
I am under the impression that there is no “wrong” way to plan! Whatever works for you is the best system for you, and if you feel bored and want to change it up at any point, then go with it! Its a personal decision and there is NO right or wrong! Im with you on this point and dont let what other people are doing affect me in how I plan. Do I enjoy watching videos of other peoples planning systems? Yes! Of course I do! But I would never consider berating them or criticizing them for the way they are doing it! Thank you for this video, too many people are all about the drama and thinking what they are doing is the best! Its may be the best for you, but not for me! I always enjoy your videos no matter which planner you are using! ❤❤❤
I started out, in high school, with those free square hallmark calendars! A few years ago, I was cleaning my basement, and found one of my old ones. EVERY. SINGLE. SQUARE. was filled in that little monthly layout. I loved those. They fit perfectly in the wallet I had back in the day. Lolol
Oh I LOVED those little square calendars! I had a small collection of them and hated to let go of them. It was SUCH a sad day when I found out they weren't giving them out any more... 😢😢
"Comparison is the thief of joy." You laid down some TRUTH!!! See, I'm more like you. I'm primarily a functional planner. There are places in my planner where I put stuff I think is pretty. Stuff that is meaningful to me and makes me happy. But the workhorse part of my planner is just that, and it's NOT "pretty." And it took me FOREVER to realize that that's OKAY!!! It's MINE! It's COMFY! Just like me. And I, too, dislike the profusion of mean girls showing up in comment sections.
I rarely see a planner flip full of function, most usually decor. Those are fine too, they would just overwhelm me. I’m glad you are happy being in your system and not worrying about it!
@martabessler, I wish I could take credit for that quote, but I can't. And I've forgotten who originally said it. Theodore Roosevelt, possibly. It affected me the same way it did you, and it's been very freeing for me! I try to remember it in everything I do because perfectionism will derail me every time if I let it. And I don't know about you, but I've watched Sam Plans for a couple of years for inspiration. I really enjoy her, and I really like Amy from Plans Meet Paper, too. Her layouts are very functional as well. Ganchi Plans is another. Brandy Michelle Plans is another.. I watched a girl I'd never watched the other night, and her name escapes me, but her planner was a lot like mine. It had papers falling out of it, sticky notes everywhere, stuff from her kids, etc...And I was like, YES!!! THAT is a working, well loved planner! 😍 Well, anyway, I'm just prattling away. Thank you for your kind words. I hope your day is blessed!
@@teresajohnson7727 If you can rember the last planner girl you mentioned, , she sounds interesting and a lot like many of us, it would be good to watch her too ,please 😊
Sam I felt your discussion with all my soul! Which is why I have an absurd amount of planners I’m trying to find uses for. Social media is the good and bad in my planner life.
I have always been a stationary nerd. I'm the pen lady at school! Because I am a teacher, Monday starts do NOT work for me. I can't make the two work together in my brain since my class calendar and all the school calendars are Sunday start. I am left-handed and do not get along with rings. I am a big fan of undated, bound planners. I have a specific form of planning that I have easily transferred into multiple sizes. That way, when I want to switch back to a certain size, it is easy to pick up where I left off in the undated planner. I am currently blissfully content in a SFD Weekly Diary. It has everything I need to match my style. MY biggest downfall is leather covers. I can not afford all the beautiful covers I see and wish to own. HOWEVER, leather by itself is cheaper, so I taught myself how to make my own. This led to a hobby I greatly enjoy, so a win! If I want to try a size, I make it! I enjoy looking at planners on Instagram, but I have to be strong in my resolve to be happy being me. Sorry for rambling! 🤦♀️
Bring on the ramble! I slit my planner pages so I can plan out of the rings, but I get it. I have found out what works best for me overall and I just replicate it in whatever system I’m in. Rings is so helpful for being able to adapt on a switch of an insert though, so it seems to be winning.
Just watched your Video and I was so impressed with what you were saying. You hit so many nails on the head. I have purchased so many THIS IS THEONE!! and realized they don't work for me. I've tried the Bullet Journal method and felt like I couldn't keep up the all the layouts and decorating. And people say sit down for an hour a day - Morning routine and an evening routine. Then on weekends spend time building the full week. You need to build a month. When you don't have all this time, the insecurities start setting in. Then - I'm not a good planner.
It’s important for brands to have different options, because people have different needs! I know my own needs so I can make an educated choice of what will work for me despite the fact that all these options are out there and I can see other planner girls using different types and still stick to what works for me! Regardless of what you use to plan, be yourself and don’t compare yourself to others! Plain and simple! Also, just because there’s options it doesn’t mean I have to try it all!!
I don't share much about planning on my social media, however I do still do it and I follow planner people on social media. I have always thought of planners like people. Everyone is unique, every planner is unique, no one is perfect, no planner is perfect. I don't get the hateful comments or mindsets. I think that the differences in people and what they like, what planners they use, are what makes a community so interesting. The comparison trap or the grass is greener situation goes deeper that just notebooks, I am afraid. And people work through that differently and that is not something I like to put my opinion on. What I will put my opinion on is planner peace... planner peace is a mindset not a notebook. As an artist, I don't make art for others. I make art for me, I am just lucky that there are others that enjoy it! Never do something to make someone else happy, do it because it makes you happy! I hope that you can set aside social media and plan the way that makes you happy.
When I was a part of the social media planning community I literally didn’t even plan. Everything was staged for the gram. And I now have a literal wall with a cubby shelf full of crap I don’t need and didn’t really even want in the first place. Now that I don’t have a planning account for social media I actually plan, I buy stuff I will actually use and I’m much happier.
The planner community has been a good journey for me- I started a business, made friends, and discovered new things! This past few months I have started to think I need a break because of the FOMO and constant questioning my own system. I definitely relate to a lot of this!
@@eggbunni Thank you- that’s very sweet! Sometimes I feel like I need to step away for a little bit to rediscover why I started. Overall, the planning community has been so good to me. ❤️
The main reason why I made this video was because I saw confusion all around me. I know our struggles are also personal, but I just thought there was more to it. I’m used to being a mess, but this year has been a flood of indecision in all of my feeds. I wish your shop was still open! Maybe one day!
I’m so glad you put it all out there for us all to see Ty. Social media planning community had almost bankrupted me and made me feel inadequate because I can’t do pretties. I quit planning for a few years. I came back to the weeks craze and hated it. So I blindly followed my own heart and fell in love with pocket moleskine and it’s my happy place. I’m not going to feel bad about using the same planner year after year. I’m happy. I hope you are happy too.
What's the best planner? The one that you USE. Period. I fell into the FOMO trap in the planner community and spent SO MUCH MONEY. I am simplifying my life, including my planning life. Thanks for an honest video.
Agreed. I have used a Franklin Planner, Classic size, original forms since the late 90s. I have intermittently purchased other planners because of the cost of the Franklin, but although it’s not perfect, it’s the best planner for me. Then I went down a RUclips planner community rabbit hole. I got all wrapped up in the cray-cray for a few months, and then thankfully stepped on the brakes. Your video popped up on my “homepage” today, so I decided to watch. Thanks for the insight into your thinking.
Big tumbs up for sharing this! Planning stress is real! I feal overwhelmed by all the planning things and I'm angious to start because I want to do it right the first time. Thanks for being honest and mentioning this, it's a relieve. Love from The Netherlands, Ingrid
Hi, I saw your video shared and I wanted to add some genuine questions that I pondered while hearing your thoughts. Please note that some of these are responses to some comments I read as well, so these are just discussion points and not to be taken as personal questions! Do you not believe in personal accountability? Are others to blame when YOU switched planners a million times or bought something? Is it others fault for just doing their thing & posting it, or should you take the responsibility to remove yourself from social media if you cannot control the urge to switch or shop? Follow up to the above: what do you propose? A community in which we all use the same planner and never switch? People never spend their own money on stuff and if they do, they don’t share it? That’s not feasible, which is why people need to be responsible and remove themselves from the internet - OR follow people who fit what they’re looking for, not expect the community to change to suit them and their budget. Consumerism is certainly a thing, but it’s everywhere, not just our community. We cannot avoid ads on TV or even out in the world, but we CAN control what we see on social media - we choose to log on. Another follow up: if someone buys Portland leather because you promoted it, is that not influencing? Do you not do the same? Why do you feel that people who use deco or whatever are “mean girls”? Has anyone ACTUALLY treated you badly for the way you plan? Or is it an assumption? Perhaps you see others and feel a certain way, as all humans do. But projecting that idea is a disservice to people who are simply trying to enjoy their hobby the way they want to and don’t care what you do or how you plan. All types of planners and styles are accepted equally and that’s what makes the community so great. Whether you follow a trend or not, plan functional or deco, there are different people who will like and follow different things. I feel that people who say “if you don’t plan like ___ you aren’t cool” are believing that in their head, but it doesn’t actually reflect how people act. Unless there’s some group of high school bullies out there I’m unaware of (which is possible, not sarcasm). Why do you assume people who have “decorated planners” are simply doing it for likes and followers? Maybe some are, but it’s an unfair generalization. Personally, I would be planning the exact same whether I shared it or not because the way I plan/journal is my genuine personality - but I can’t speak for everyone. However, maybe people plan in mock planners because they enjoy the relaxing activity of putting down stickers? I don’t do that myself, but I saw a comment referencing mock planners. Why are there so many assumptions on peoples motivations? There should be no shame if someone plans for real or plans for fun. Who cares? My planner is pen only and functional but I have journals where I like to collage because it’s enjoyable and relaxing. All of this also comes off as shaming others based off of 50% assumptions while at the same time asking not to be shamed, and taking zero accountability for personal choices. I don’t know you and have absolutely nothing against you, so I hope you don’t take this comment in the wrong way! It’s just adding to the discussion with some personal opinions. The comments reflect a lot of echoing sentiments but I’ve seen opinions like mine on other places of the internet, so I figured I’d just make my comment here instead of elsewhere to further a productive discussion. *Any use of ‘YOU’ stated above is meaning anyone, not you specifically.
I appreciate your thoughts. I DO believe in personal accountability. This video is about how constant possibilities can be confusing, overwhelming, and frustrating at times. I have seen an uptick in mocking others for choices, not pointed at me, but people in general. Some people are really good at being settled and avoiding FOMO. Some people drown in possibilities. I think decorated planners are very pretty, but if I’m focusing on that more than the planning and missing the planning aspect, it isn’t especially helpful to me. I love seeing all sorts of planning styles and planners in general. But sometimes I think it’s also good to take a more kind look at ourselves if we are struggling in a sea of possibilities.
@@samplans And I appreciate your response! I appreciate the kind discussion, truly :) you are absolutely right about constant possibilities and I fall victim to it a LOT too - but when it happens to me, blaming the community for constant options, FOMO, etc. would never cross my mind, and I guess that’s what I’m saying. They are my choices and my responsibility, and if I needed to go on a no spend or clear my head the first thing I would do is take an IG break! Everybody has the potential to influence others, even unintentionally. So I don’t think that’s a community problem; this community also wouldn’t even exist without social media! I think the overwhelm is just a result of having a bunch of different people with different styles. So it can be helpful to pare down your following or even take a break if someone is really struggling with these things. It just sometimes feels like in these conversations there’s shade thrown to people who plan with deco, multiple planners, mock plan, things like that. Some of these comments especially feel that way. But I actually agree, within the last few years I went from planning with stickers to using next to none - and it is SOOO much more functional for me! But, I still love deco, so I started a journal where I can use all the things. That works well for me, but I appreciate and enjoy looking at all sorts of other planners - and other people are what helped me find my current way of functional planning so I’m grateful for that! Lastly, about mocking… if people are seriously doing that, that is some bullshit. If I saw that I would go off 😂 From my perspective I see comments like “if you don’t buy expensive planners you’re nothing / if you don’t keep up with trends you’re not cool / etc.” and I always felt like that had to be a pure assumption. Because I personally have never seen anyone shaming or mocking others for not “using the cool planner”, BUT I need to realize just because I haven’t seen it doesn’t mean it hasn’t happened. I am sincerely sorry if anyone has had that experience because that is complete BS - my criteria for liking someone is if they’re kind to me and a genuine person, I love them. I could not care less what planner they used, what style, how many followers they have… at the end of the day we are all regular people in the real world, who gathered in this little online corner to enjoy a hobby that brought us all together!
Very well said. I will completely admit I sometimes struggle with impulsive and stress buying, but it seems I’m not alone. I’m not trying in any way to throw shade. I just think it’s helpful to say out loud that all of the choices have some traps, I’ve never seen so many planners saying they can’t figure their system out before. So I just stated how I was feeling. I also forgot to answer your question about Portland Leather in my last comment. I was a customer long before I became an ambassador. I buy 95% of my own items, maybe even more, and I have been sent very few items to “try”. I also shared before I was ambassador. Thanks for giving another point of view to this discussion. Sometimes we all need to take a step back and reflect. Maybe that means less YT and IG.
@@samplans I feel like this isn't just planners though. How many phones, cars, make up brands, high end brands, influencer brands make you feel that FOMO feeling you are referring to. At the end of the day and sadly, social media is designed to lure you into it in a deeper level in many ways. It also doesn't mean companies will stop producing cause there's already too many possibilities out there. We can't test out every car until we find the right one for us. I know what you mean that it can get overwhelming but we choose how much we take on and that's when we as an individual need to reflect on the choices we are making or the thoughts that we have. "what will others think" "this isn't good enough" because sometimes we just put ourselves down and it really can affect us. I think we've all been through this one way or another with planners, make up, athletic wear, electronics and in so many other ways. The comparison takes away the joy.
I used the little Halmark calendars for many years I just recently threw about 10 books away. When I heard you mention the calendars it made me remember how much more simpler my life was. You are absolutely right. We are planning no matter what we choose to plan in. There have been so many times I’ve been so caught up with what’s offered on social media. It’s stressful and really not affordable. I’ve recently put a stop to the madness. After discovering the planner community about 9 years ago it’s been a constant change. Very similar to your struggles. I’m just done. Can’t do it any more. I now have a simple set of rings, just like the old days 😊
“I’m going to make the stupid shopping list!” That hit me very hard because last year I was in four hekkin planners and didn’t know where to put my shopping list. So this year… One book to rule them all. Tabs to keep me on track. It’s working!
I loved this! I too have been feeling overwhelmed with social media in the planner community. You hit the nail on the head! I appreciate your authenticity and I am glad you made this video. I love all your planners, I am too a very functional planner and enjoy watching someone who plans like me! ❤🎉
Two words: Bullet Journal - The reason I love it is becuase I"m never stuck in any certain planning style becuase any time a page design no longer works for me I can change it day to day or week to week or month to month becuase I create it myself. It is so flexible! and I can design it anywhere in the range of simple/minimal to fancy artsy. If my lifestyle changes and i don't have time for artsy I can move more toward minimal. I make it so flexible that I don't even worry about making sure I start the new year in a new journal. I only start a new journal when the current one is full no matter what time of the year it is. Just mentioning this for consideration. As always, you do what works best for you.
I’d LOVE to use a bujo. Trying to draw in or paste in stuff is just a little overwhelming to me. I guess rings work in the same way for me-an insert doesn’t work and I swap it out instead of trashing my whole system.
Yas girl. I feel like the options issue could be so much better if we had more brick and mortar stationery stores to visit touch and interact with a lot of the planners and pens! My problem is I need it in my hands before I can make a decision, but when it’s not available nearby, gotta hit up that amazon!
I’m a recent (last year or so) planner and the choice is overwhelming and I have spent a lot on “this one and that one” being inspired by what works for other people. I have recently bought a Moterm rings and am currently setting it up, and I love it. It’s so much more practical than bound books as a reference source, I don’t understand people using multiple Stalogys a year apart from being pretty, they’re very impractical when stuffed. I have also settled on a Weeks for a daily planner to take out with me. And I love the Travelers Notebook company, where everything fits in one cover and I am going to use that for journaling, travel memories, gratitude etc. So that means I have a lot of books and covers now to sell, which living in the U.K. importing everything has cost a lot, I’m trying not to think about the wasted money and feel more content that I’ve finally (🤞) settled on what works for me, a 54 year old woman with health issues who doesn’t work or get out a lot. I just need a basic planner with space for notes and lists (Weeks), a reference Home file (rings) and a journal (TN).
I couldn't have said it better and I finally have reached that point. I agree social media was a perfect way to let me see I am not alone..has given me so many wonderful ideas, but...I fell down that hole and wow when I look at what I have not to mention spent these past 6 months that I'm not even using..I am beyond ashamed. I ended up using a system I never thought would work but is, so I am happy. I look at the other as a lesson learned..I forgave myself and have moved on. I will do what works for me and encourage that to anyone else that needs to find planner peace so to speak. As far as kindness...everyone needs a lesson...not sure what that is all about, but I do see it is as a real problem. I grew up in the 70's and it had its share of problems none like this. I am 61 and truly feel sad for my grandchildren. I appreciate you being honest and sharing your perspective, I will continue watching your videos, I enjoy them and get many ideas.
Yes! I was so happy to find a place in the social media streams, but the uptick of less than pleasant experiences has been saddening. Who knows what system I will end up in this year, but whatever it is will be decided by what is working best for me to make me the most productive. No more purchases for me though! I have enough to wade through!
Sam.. I watched this video twice taking notes the second time. I can't tell you how much I appreciate your honesty and candor. That is what brought me to your channel..not your planners. You could talk about wet paper bags for all I care. I have never been soo overwhelmed and confused as to what planner I would like best for b6, hobo weeks, and moleskine pocket. My favorite videos are those who use regular notebooks or rings and do what they want. I really needed to hear your message today. Thank you Sam!!!
I discovered planning community at a pretty hard time in my life. I was procrastinating, missing deadlines and it felt like my life was just slipping away. On one search about time managent I found a video called “plan with me, setting goals and being productive”. Or something like that. I spent 20min watching a girl stick stickers in her notebook and that made me confused. But intrigued. So this was my first encounter with planning. And I thought that’s what I needed, thats what organised people do. Pretty books and stickers. But it didnt help. Almost 4 years later, I am still struggling with my day to day tasks, work projects, house projects and having 5 different planners is not the answer for me. I minimized and I’m trying to find the things that actually are helping and toss the things that arent
This is absolutely fabulous! I am one of those that never post or never do anything because this and that are never good enough. I am just now getting to the point of realizing that I need to use whatever actually works instead of what the cool kids are using. I too grew up in the 80s with the same thing you did so everything you said makes perfect sense to me. Thank you so much for this video!
I do think you've raised a lot of good points. I agree that there can be too much choice out there, but in the same vein I feel like we don't see enough. I know decorative planning is popular but sometimes I feel I see the same styles or stickers over and over again. While I love how cute and quirky TCMC stickers are but they are in nearly every single plan with me and lots of people emulate their creators style. I can totally see how this would cause people to feel FOMO. For a long time, as I'm not in the US or Canada, I felt left out that I couldn't justify the cost of shipping those stickers or subscription boxes to my country. However finding planners that felt more authentic with channels that didn't make me feel like they were there to sell me stickers or kits has been great, and inspired me to become more creative while maintaining a planning style that keeps me functioning. I am very grateful to say that the number one reason I don't share my planner on social media is privacy for me and my family. My whole life is in my planner, my to dos and my memories and I just wouldn't feel comfortable sharing that much personal info online. I hope that you can accept that they system you use and that works for you is perfect and that what most people want to see is how people use their planners to help them stay organised. I'm sure that there are a lot of people who would be very grateful to see that the cheap planner picked up at Walmart is just as valid and functional a system as any $50 planner imported from Japan. Its all about how you use it.
You make some valid points and mocking and gatekeeping are never ok! Although I was a victim of planner confusion more than ever in the run to 2023, as a small creative business owner, I am happy to see that a lot of brilliant ladies came up with awesome alternatives in term of notebooks and planner... even if that makes it hard to decide. I am working on removing choices from myself and reduce the frequency of planners hopping, to give myself a time to see the system at work. Example: if I am town between 2 planners with the exact same function, I am picking one and storing the other out of sight, to give it a fair shot for a while. I also am working on letting go of the idea of perfection and embracing working more with what I have chosen, despite its little shortcomings. For me, it's all about self control. Very much a work in progress here!
I am so so glad you made this video! I have been in the #plannercommunity since 2015 and it has been so disheartening seeing it devolve into an elitist, money-grabbing I don't know what but I definitely don't want to call it a "community" anymore.
Thankyou so much for this video. I put it on to listen to during my commute to work this morning. I enjoyed it while I drank my iced coffee. I felt like I was visiting with a friend. Thank you for restoring sanity to a lot of us. I always thought like I was the odd one out because I am happily using a little $10 Amazon planner for the third year in a row it’s a pocket planner that has monthlies and weeklies I chip daily pages and when I need them and discard them at the end of the day I absolutely love this little thing it’s definitely my happy place. I have tried to go to other planners that I see on social media and I always feel sad when I think about leaving this one LOL. You have made me feel more normal thank you. I am 53 now and I can remember way back in the 90s being perfectly content using little pocket monthly calendars because I had saved them all I looked back and it amazes me at how happy I was with that. I spent way too much money in the last couple of years planner hopping when I really didn’t want to now I’m back home and I feel a sense of peace and organization.
I like your videos BECAUSE they're authentic--I've been watching and lurking for years. I have kept a planner/journal since I was 8 (and I am older than the hills now). I've found that FOMO from social media is a real pain in the rear--i've wound up with a bunch of planners I don't/barely use. Recently, I've been better able to address social-media-driven angst is by: 1. going out for a walk. 2. watching videos and reading books on slow living/simple living/how to address "junk happiness." This is not a criticism of you--it's what has worked for me. Social media is way too negative AND it's specifically designed to fuel consumption. For me--Enough. I only follow 1-2 accounts now, including yours.
I totally feel this. The pressure I’ve put on myself to have the perfect planner or all of the planners has given me so much anxiety that I’ve logged out of this RUclips account and only log in maybe once a week to watch some of my favorite people that wont trigger me and that’s it.
Absolutely agree with "too many options" part! (Others as well, but especially this one). And I even remembered one qoute from the book I really like that sums it up: "The more options we're given (i.e., the more freedom we have), the less satisfied we are with whatever option we go with. If Jane has to choose between two boxes of cereal, and Mike can choose from twenty boxes, Mike does not have more freedom than Jane. He has more variety. There's a difference. Variety is not freedom. Variety is just different permutations of the same meaningless sh*t". (Mark Manson, Everything is F*cked) Last year I became so dissatisfied and tired of losing precious time on social media, anxiety, constant pressure of "I have to post something today", etc, that I deleted my accounts and even stopped watching videos about planners for a period of time. I've never regretted that decision. Sometimes you have to just stay alone and become a blank sheet of paper, unaffected by other people and things they allow you to see about them. Ask yourself: does this really make me happy? Or do I want this because someone else seems happy having it? Social media can inspire, but it may also make you feel depressed and anxious.
You sure hit the nail on the head. I love any and all stationary. Yes to many dupes for Hobonichi Weeks. You kept showing all of us all of them. Made me chuckle. Me being 56. Wow I had to stop to think about how old I just turned last month. I too loved the Hallmark calendar’s. Filled in every box every month and loved it. The calendar throws me off when it’s a Monday start. I had a lot of my breast cancer appointments wrong because of the Monday start. I didn’t need that added stress by any means. What makes me laugh is when someone is flipping through a brand new planner complaining about the color of the words. The font that is used. The little dots down the middle of the two page spread. How will I coordinate my stickers with the color that is on the page. The paper is cream. The grid is to big or to dark. Don’t buy it or print your own planner. If those are the problems in their life they are lucky. Loved your video. Like I said nail on the head.
Thank you for sharing this video! You brought up so many great points, ones I’ve thought about as well. I was like you and started in a Walmart planner the size of a checkbook. It worked for many years until I found the planner community and realized there were so many more options! In the last two years I’ve jumped from one planner to the next and felt comfortable in them until I saw the next hot planner. I spent way to much money and never felt satisfied. Lately I’ve been thinking about dropping all my social media accounts connected to the planner community because I want to be happy with the planner I’m using. I know myself and I struggle with FOMO so stepping back and evaluating my needs versus comparing myself to others which obviously is not making me happy. Seems like that elusive planner peace will only come to me if I’m not trying to change who I am. The constant switching causes me to not be productive. I end up spending more time setting up and changing my planner than actually using it for it’s intended purpose. I have watched your videos for a few years now and I’ve always enjoyed your authenticity. Thank you for being different, thank you for being true to yourself and thank you for always inspiring others.
I've had to limit a lot of my social media time bc some people are just so unkind to one another! I've been the girl who has ALWAYS written everything down in some kind of planner before planning was cool. When it became cool, I followed so many accounts because I wanted to see how others plan and maybe get some fresh ideas for myself. Then I realized there are a lot of snooty booties. I found freedom in purging those accounts or just keep scrolling and I plan how I plan and enjoy other honest (and not so snooty) planners. Thank you for being so honest.
Love longer videos!! Your planning style is the most visually appealing to me. Every time I sticker up a spread or see another’s it overwhelms me. Even if it’s pretty it’s visual clutter and I screw mine up horribly when I try. Thank you so much for this video 🤗
I absolutely can’t wait to watch this! I’ve been off social media and I’m so content in my planner and it’s just being straight used. Nothing fancy! Grabbing my headphones to hit play!
Yes, I have been affected by viewing different planners and have switched and switched and switched. But now I am starting to pay attention to what works for me, for my various roles, and for my needs. I have started shopping “Chez Moi,” or my stash and unsung what I have when I experiment. A similar situation occurred in professional school where different people said, “If you are not reading this textbook, you won’t pass the tests. After buying several books on the same course work, I realized it did not matter which book I read, I just had to pick one and use it and I would pass my exams. That was over 45 years ago. The same I am finding for planners. Just pick what works for me or I think might work for me and use it. Thank you for this video, Sam. Be blessed.
Spot on about the option overwhelm. There is science that backs that when we have too many options, we sometimes end up just giving up and not getting anything. There is also evidence that the more we research our options, the more dissatisfied we become with our choice (because we’ve seen so many other options). Social media can expose us to all these options making us question our choices. I definitely have noticed spending way more mental than I should to decide what to get.
Thank you so much for this comment! For the most part, people seem to understand exactly what I’m talking about, but there have been several (some loud) voices that seem to think I’m nuts in this discovery. All I know is this is how I feel and I’ve been making some very real progress in shutting out everything that doesn’t matter. I appreciate your thoughts!
@@samplans clearly the ones who think we are nuts aren’t preoccupied with which planner to use. 🤷🏽♀️ Idk. I’m also highly sensitive and with that comes a difficulty to make decisions in general sooooo, lol, maybe that plays into it. But I do find making decisions easier when I prioritize which things I actually need to dedicate lots of energy into making that choice so that’s sorta helped me feel a little more lighthearted about my planner purchase decisions.
I’ve been feeling this way for quite some time. I only watch a few people …❤️simply because I always feel like I don’t “measure up” or am “missing out” or that I would be “happier“ in another planner. ❤
Amen to all of this! Your description of analysis paralysis and too many options rang true to me-that’s exactly why I made my own planner TN insert for this year. Comparison and FOMO is the death of journaling joy. Thank you for this very honest and well-expressed video.
I'm glad you made this video. Thanks for voicing these concerns. Watcher here, lol. Usually, I don't share my planner for fear of being judged. While social media can be a beautiful thing, it can also be a toxic one. It shouldn't matter how planning is accomplished as long as it brings us together. As far as I can tell, the planner community is largely about keeping up with the latest trends instead of sharing what makes our lives easier. It is important to learn to be kind and respectful of others' opinions since we are all different, and that is what makes life interesting. A world where everyone and everything was the same would be so boring. Anyway done with my rant. Plan how you want Sam and stay happy & blessed. ❤
And honestly, when I first found the planner community like 10 years or so ago, that’s exactly how it felt. Not trend keeping. I avoid the trends as much as I can, unless it honestly seems useful to my system. I even found Hobonichi before it was “cool” or I would have avoided that one too. I know I ramble, but one of the biggest letdowns in the planner community lately has just been that we no longer cheer everyone on as a whole, just if someone is using the system of the moment. I want the old community back!
I loved this video. My husband and I had a very similar conversation recently. Also....I recently learned in my Filofax group ( 💕my filofaxes so much) that Gillo doesn't even make their own products they buy them from another maker and get their logo stamped into them and there are dozens of other vendors out there selling the exact same items except for the Appunto which is a Gillio design that a manufacturer makes for them. They have no in-house leather artisans. And, I followed you. Thanks for saying all of this. Someone needed to.
Say what?! I actually knew that Gillio weren’t made in house (although I have a Rust on the way from a BST group currently) but I had no idea the same planners were sold otherwise. I love a good Filofax, but feel like they’ve gone the wrong way with designs lately, trying to cater to the girly instead of a good, hearty leather. I don’t even like the new design, with the giant 30mm rings. I want the better leather back on a Malden, with a bigger pen loop! I’m also in a few Filofax groups. Great group!
I used rings years ago and loved it. Different pages in little packs so I could mix and match. Lately I'm in a weekly Moleskine. Tried the daily last year. Bless you for trying out so many. I went one year with about 8 different systems and drove myself crazy, so now I'm back to weekly Moleskine. People having an opinion on the "best" planner is incredible to me - it's what's best for you.
I agree that planning has become very overwhelming. I am not someone who post on social media I usually don’t even make a comment. I just enjoy watching to see if there is something that somebody else does that I could implement in my life. I have been a planner as far back as I can remember, I just enjoy it.
I'm a planner but I'm not apart of the planner community online. I have used a bullet journal for 7 years and I've gone through a lot of changes in those years. From being diagnosed with a chronic illness that required me to log all my meals, my pain levels, my medications and treatments to learning I have had ptsd my whole life. A cross country move that forced me to make new friendships as an adult. Building a small business. My bullet journal kept me sane. I'm also an artist. But I do not put art in my planner. My creativity was being sucked dry by my planner so I had a come to Jesus moment with myself. Yes. I am a planner but my art needs my creativity not my planner. By most bullet journalers standards my bullet journal isn't pretty enough and I'm ok with that. I stick to the system because it's adapts with me and when it stops working for me there is something in my life that needs more of my time. Healing taught me that. It's OK to not be what is expected of you. It's OK to just be. Great video. I loved listening to it as one who is a planner but who does not "belong" in the planner community.
Thanks so much for this video!! I am struggling with my consumption of social media and planning decisions so i can totally relate to what you are saying! I remember LOVING my At-A-Glance planner for years and then fell head first into the planner world with SO many options and it overwhelms me which like you said it the opposite of what we love about planners in the first place. Thanks for providing your outlook I really needed to hear it!
I totally agree with everything you said. In fact, I came to the conclusion that social media is the reason most people are unable to find "planner peace". Like you, I've planned since highschool and I started out in a lined notebook or a pocket calendar. And the thought finally hit me, I never had trouble with "planner peace" back then. Well, of course! No social media in the 80's no comparison! And so I have now strictly limited myself to who I watch on social media. I know nothing good comes from me watching those who use excessive planners. My "planner peace" has come from realizing and remembering what the true purpose of planning is. Choosing a planner that meets that purpose has truly made me happy. Social media, unfortunately, usually goes against that when it comes to planning.
Sometimes I only play planner videos, so I can read the comment sections! I love your content and your commenters! So many kind words and agreeable, rational, supportive thoughts expressed below! I feel so bad for you (and so many others in the planner community) that you feel you have to apologize and tip toe around your statements to be so careful about not offending someone, or having to explain/justify your choices. Sad state of affairs for our culture that we have to be so afraid of the haters and trolls that we can't actually build a fun community within our social media channels because a handful of people have no social skills. You be you--you have far more viewers with nice things to say, but you are always going to dwell on the one negative or weird comment. You do realize that those people who leave such comments have no friends in real life, right? LOL, I made the switch from Sunday starts (grew up in the '80s!) to Monday starts when I became an empty nester because my weekends are packed with so much more fun activities than my workdays! And, yes, I have messed up some appointments because of traditional American Sunday start calendars because I am still transitioning! As for the expensive beautiful covers, I look for ones that can work with a planner or a bound book, so if I don't use it for my planner, I can use it for a journal cover instead.
That’s exactly what my husband tries to tell me when I get a random jerk comment. I’d think my focus on the negative things people have to say to or about me also goes back to my childhood, but I’m trying to do better. I attempt to leave my IG completely politic and social topic free. It’s supposed to be my space free from all of those things.
This video truly resonated with me. Thank you for expressing something I was trying to figure out for myself. I purchased a moterm and felt ashamed of it the feeling reminded me of being in grade school and wearing payless shoes instead of brand names. Loved this video! Thanks
Oh, we should never feel that way! Carry your Moterm with your head held high! I rarely even got to go to Payless. Childhood can be rough. Cliques still are found, but we don’t have to be forced into the same feelings as we did then. Hugs.
The best realization I've learned a couple of years ago was to let go of perfect planning. I feel like my planner is a reflection of a moment in time and any "imperfection" has a lovely story.
This video is encouraging me to make planner videos. I’m a couple of years older than, you and I’ve been using planners since I was in college 31 years ago and journaling on again/off again for 30 years. My system has evolved year-to-year. This is the first year I’ve done multiple planners (two plus a satellite). Next year I’m probably going to go back to one planner with some goal setting integrated into it. I am functional first with deco as a flourish of creativity.
I could write an editorial monologue agreeing with everything you've said in this video. I stopped posting in the planner community almost a year now. My life changed and I have very little time and money to indulge in my love for stationery. Now that I know what works for me (at least in this current season) I could post it and share what's working for me...but I just don't feel the need to do so anymore.
I know this is probably very late but you have to know that a lot of us understand your struggles. Remember that you always have the option of taking a break from what's stressing you out and know that not choosing what to do is also an option. Maybe that timeout will even give you a fresh perspective. Try different approaches and maybe you might find what you really want. I knew I was stressed in my planning when I started buying 5 hobonichi megas just to I can rip out the notes pages and planned on traveling 10 hours to another city so I can get those chunks of note pages professionally bound together. I was unhinged and it was unacceptable for my budget and my mental health. I knew then that I should stop. I started to box my planners and kept them somewhere I can't see then I took a break from using my planner. I just used those to-do list pads you get on book stores for 2 bucks for like a month and realized I lived just fine without messing up my schedule. When I calmed down a bit, I went back on thinking what to do with them then I opened all my previous planners and took note of all the important personal details I wrote, got photos of all the ideas for my 'future book', and recorded all important dates then I transfered all those into a midori a6 grid notebook which I now keep in my safe. That small compact notebook gave me so much peace! Knowing I have all my important memories together in there gave me this calm I've never felt for years. I got rid of all my previous planners. It might be very drastic but it is what worked for me. PLEASE DON'T COPY WHAT I DID. It's just what I decided is best FOR ME at that time and I'm a very decisive person so I know I'll have no regrets (I still don't 7 months later). This has gotten very long. Anyway, what I'm trying to say is take a break. Take time to find out what works for you. Remember that your planner is just a small part of what you're really actually planning for in real life. I hope you feel better now and I just want to say that I learn a lot from your videos. 💖💖
It’s hard because everyone seems to spend SO MUCH money and the constant hauls and such are overwhelming. I love to see people’s videos of their planner collections and hauls. It is fun to watch but… it’s hard because it’s always like “I need that” and I don’t WANT to buy that. So I went back to my roots, abandoned Hobonichi, went back to my favorite pens I used in college, and have not looked back. And I found planner peace.
So glad you’ve found peace. That’s awesome and so important. I will say a lot of planner influencers that do haul videos use the monies they earn from their social media outlets to buy those hauls so they can share them. Not because they are trying to make everyone buy everything… but to share things they love or they were drawn to or they find inspiration from and think others might want to see it too in case they are looking for something they love or are inspired by. At least that’s what I thin and see and what I’ve done.
@@wombofthevoid well I was speaking about haul videos like where I share the couple of thing I got at JetPens in case someone else was looking for a corner punch, or pencil board or wanted to see them and how they work before committing. There’s no mal-intent when I share it’s truly to be helpful so that people can see it before buying. But I do not watch a lot of huge haul videos and when I do - like art hauls - it’s just for brand recommendations or to see the products before buying or before adding to my wishlist. I use it as a resource similar to reading a review on a product. But I also think who you follow on social media also changes your perception of what the focus is.
@@wombofthevoid gotcha! I don’t watch many of those haul videos but I can see how those could be annoying and harmful! I’m glad that you’ve found some of my content helpful…that makes me happy 😊 and I appreciate you watching!!! I know we all get so excited about stationery items….and it’s a slippery slope when we see all the things - ✨ like a magpie 😝 Like I said I don’t watch many of those type haul videos. But I bet I would have years ago when I first found the planner community and was trying to find a new system that would work for me…but back then I never got on YT unless I was doing a DIY home/car project and I didn’t have IG 😝 My only community exposure was on FB. Which is probably a blessing! Hopefully we as a planner community can do better. I know I’ve got goals this year to add some new content and to be mindful of the product shares…though January isn’t a good representation of that because I bought myself some rewards for reaching some goals and also spent some Christmas money 😝
It was def overwhelming for me to start - but I had to do a 'self check' and remind myself that while I can appreciate how someone else creates & uses their space, I need to focus on what works for me :) Now I LOVE consuming planner content because it's so fun seeing how other people think, sometimes I get a good nugget of inspiration, and it's also so soothing during my work day lol!
I understand what you are saying. My hubby and I downsized or some may say resized to a smaller house this past Fall and I have been decluttering every area of our home after watching decorating videos and buying home decor magazines almost weekly. I am so OVER the push to compare my home with others out there because I was never satisfied when I would see a picture of someone's house interior I would look around to see what I could change about mine. I decided to declutter and do my own thing and it has been so rewarding and now for the first time I like my home. To tie this in with what is being said here, I also decluttered my planners and junk that I put in them. I was trying to decorate the pages to make them look pretty just like my home and I was never satisfied when I would see what someone else was doing with theirs. It was like being on a roller coaster ride. I finally stopped the ride, got off and asked myself what it was that I was needing from these planners. I realized that I needed to go back to the old me and use mostly the monthly and put my bills on stickers on their due dates along with the amount and keep track of my goals for those bills in the other areas of the planner. When I looked back at my old calendar with all the decorating on the pages, it was so busy that I lost focus on my goals for my bills and it took up a lot of my time. I am finally FREE of all this chaos.
I am so very happy for you! I too miss the days when everyone just had a normal house. It breeds discontent with what we have and is so very bad for us.
Thank you saying the hard thing out loud. I have come to the same conclusion recently myself. I used to be a functional planner. I used a ring system until my kids graduated and it kept us organized through all our various activities and appointments. Then I got into decorative planning. I really went down a rabbit hole! Then I realized that it is easy to create a beautifully decorated spread when you get almost every new planner, sticker book and washi tape roll sent to you for free! I am not purchasing anything new. I will buy ONE planner for 2025. When I have things back to a more manageable level I will see where I want to go.
Thank you. I got some flack for this video, but it doesn’t make it not true. I’m doing much better this year with consistency and hope to make it to one planner myself.
I love this video! This is the exact reason that I try to focus my content around finding what works rather than on creating a pretty spread, or hawking a product as the key to someone's planner enlightenment. Content creating online is brand building and there's always an urge to be put together, consistent, reliable, aspirational. But that isn't what the experience of being a human being is like. It always changes. Thanks for sharing.
You give people ideas and to discover what works for them. You’re not negative on what other people are doing. Everyone is different. Just because it works for them doesn’t mean it’s going to work for me. Social media, just take from it what you can use. If you don’t like it don’t be on it. When you put your stuff out there you have to expect stuff back.
You do You, Sam. I'll be here to cheer you on whatever you decide. Right now, I'm in a Hobo Weeks. But I love rings, I just cant haul it with me like I like too. I'll be watching others also to see if you've maybe started a trend with you're declaration! Always here with ya girl!❤
I think you are the most sensitive planner creator that I have ever watched on RUclips. You seem have a lot of frustration and emotion that I’ve never seen before about such a thing as a planner. I do use an A5 rings. I have a lot of planners so I do not use the super expensive ones Giglio or Vanderspek I use just a medium price planner, theMoterm like you use there as an example because I want a lot of them. I change out my planner every month for the color to go with my insert theme which are heavily decorated. I have a subscription to Coco Daisy I use planner perfect I just remove the covers and punch holes and insert them in my rings. I’m not trying to be negative, but all the things you discussed about, I have never given any thought to and I watch planner videos all the time. I decorate very heavily lol sometimes I feel like my planner looks like it belongs to a 16-year-old girl but would say I don’t care. I really don’t because I like it. My planner is open on my desk all day. an none of the women on social media and bother me with what they think about it. Maybe you should just take a break from social media and use the planners that you want and before you buy them consider all these things you talked about while you are in the store so you don’t make such mistakes. Have a good day.
If you look at the many comments, you’ll see I’m not alone. Maybe other people just aren’t comfortable sharing their struggles, afraid someone will come into comments saying they are too sensitive.
@@samplans oh dear. It was not my intention to hurt your feelings by saying you Seem sensitive. Your whole discussion is about your Feelings. Adopt the “who cares!” Attitude. Keep doing you.
I think options are phenomenal. I don't use a bound book type planner because I prefer rings so that I can move things around, change it, etc. I use undated inserts form etsy. So I shop my digital file stash first when I want a change. I think knowing yourself and your budget and not buying impulsively are how to combat marketing and options with any category of items. There are tons of options for any product we buy, like shampoo, makeup, etc.
Thanks so much for this video! I started out a planner with the spiral bound notebook and then progressed to Franklin Covey when it first came out. Eventually that got to be too much for me and I went back to my notebook and a simple calendar. When I found the social media stuff about planners and all the decoration and etc. I couldn't believe how much I had missed out on. Super fomo! This helps so much.
All spot on. Before I found the planner community, I enjoyed either a slim week to 1 page diary or I had a personal Filofax. In 10 years of the community I’ve had multiple other planners and planning system. Where am I now? In personal rings and a Hobonichi weeks (which is an expensive version of a slim diary, let’s be honest!) so, full circle. Back to what I like before I ever found the community. You do you is often considered an insult, but I think it’s a frank and honest comment. Kindness and letting people do their thing are free. I like looking on social media as it gives me ideas about layouts, or trackers etc. But I’m on a very restricted stationery budget now to stop the fad shopping. I only look at favourite planner (like yourself) or those on the same systems as me. I dodge fomo now haha.
I agree with everything in this video. I used a free monthly calendar for years and then Instagram happened. I now use a $20 8×11 planner from Target in *gasp horizontal and. Sunday monthly view. 😂 I gave up everything but RUclips when it comes to planning. I still like seeing some of what people are doing, but I gave up the consumerism end of it.
Yes! I remember the panic that set in when I realized how much I was “missing” that I had no budget to fulfill. Everyone was buying super expensive stickers from a specific shop, doing challenges to see who could put the most stickers on a spread. I had the audacity to question this use of finances and how it could possibly be functional, and I was basically chewed up and spit out. There were more stickers used on one page than I could afford in one year at that point.
I wish I had the ability and the money to make my own planner. Like you, I like a little from each planner so I keep buying different ones , only to find out that I’m not satisfied because of one or two things in each planner. So off I go to buy another planner. Meanwhile I have all these unused planners piled up on my desk. Sadly I still have yet to find the perfect one for me.
Wow your husband kind of opened my eyes … when you said what he told you my expression went to horrified but then I was “what if I don’t like planning anymore lol.” It was like a lightbulb went out and I was all “oh my gosh I might not like planning anymore.. it was a tough pill to swallow cause I feel it was my identity almost I’m that girl with 20 planners but the truth is planning gives me stress like I feel I need to write things down but don’t need a full on planner… I feel a lot of my frustration is that nothing was working for me yet grabbing a notebook and writing something down took the stress of keeping it in my head away but also the stress of having a planner. It’s truly eye opening because I feel like I possibly don’t like planning anymore and that’s okay.
100% agree with everything you said!! I was a happier planner before social media. That realization made me make some changes. I now follow you, Rita and like a small handful of accounts due to the chaos and negativity…or even the materialism. I can’t believe people get upset about things like a Sunday start. 😂. Y’all I have to much to do to care about such things!! And if people don’t like that you change to something different…they must not follow Rita. She changes like everyday. And I LOVE it!! 😂❤. I’ve settled now into two different styles. Both cheap because I make one and cheap buy the other. Leather covers are pricy , but i just collected over time. I hand cut and stitch Cahier size books for every month. And when I’m feeling super anxious I use a weekly cheap bought planner…or even just a spiral notebook. So over the year I just deal with those two. It works for me! Simply put. You use whatever you want. You could make your plans on a dirty napkin and I would be like awesome. How’s this gonna work! I will still watch! ❤😂
I planned for years in a "Mom's Family Desk Planner". It worked perfectly for me. Absolutely perfectly. Until I "found" the planner community on YT. I've now spent years trying to "fix" a system that was never broken, because I wasn't "doing it right". Love this video!! ❤
I always enjoy your videos. However, this one especially spoke to me, thank you!!! I’m all over the place with planners, but taking a step back, a deep breath and really seeing what you mean about social media not really being helpful, is so true. It has added to my decision fatigue and insecurities of am I doing this right? Sheesh!! Thank you for letting us see your reality, it was very helpful!❤
Loved the topic and definitely appreciate your views/comments. My perspective comes as a 70 yr old female that started journaling at the age of 9. Planners and journals have evolved in trying to accommodate the varied needs and styles of the consumer. Not all followers/viewers grasp the work you do behind the scene to present your shared information/tests/trials regarding planners. You are correct in stating that social media has brought varied options to us, the consumers. Social media offers a reactive platform for consumers with both positive and negative views. You produce/share/inform/illustrate your well honed practices that have evolved over the years. You share your mistakes/handwriting/discipline/ thoughts/obstacles and your celebrated victories. In addition, your shares are polished, concise, informative, positive and consistent. We as followers only offer praise or criticism. I agree with your statement/ How Social Media Hurts the Planner Community/ as I sit here with my 5 working planner/journals and 2 handmade journals. Thank you for your well thought out video.
Thank you so much. For some people, your pile of planners isn’t a big deal at all, when my stack starts building like that I feel so overwhelmed! There’s just SO MUCH to choose from!
I have been using a journal and planner for MANY years even before it got so popular on social media. I enjoy watching videos of all the types and brands of covers and planners out there. I do have several leather covers and a few Hobonichi covers as well. I found my happy place with the Jibun Techo A5 and have been using it for 5 years now. I don’t let the social media get me down or manipulate me in to buying. I get great ideas from all the videos I watch but if something is just crazy expensive, I don’t buy because it’s not necessary to have such expensive items when there are so many beautiful covers, notebooks, planners and other planing items that are reasonably priced. For example (my opinion) the Gillo’s are ridiculously priced. I think they are beautiful and I could afford one but why would I spend that kind of money on one? That’s just me (no judgement on anyone). I have my favorite people that I watch on You Tube and I stick to those I enjoy and once in awhile I’ll watch others. I never share what is in my planners or notebooks because to me that is very personal and I don’t like share my photos or photos of my family or friends. I do share some stuff but it’s never what is written in my planner. Thanks for the video! 😊
I'm sorry I'm just now discovering your channel. Thank you for this! Really! I too suffer from severe PTSD, anxiety, and MDD. I also discovered as an adult that I have autism. I get so overwhelmed so quickly it's almost paralyzing so it's refreshing to see you address this. I also discovered part of the reason I couldn't find the right planner was because I couldn't tolerate the feel and sound of the pen on the paper so I was on the hunt for the right kind of pen and the right kind of paper. I loved the IDEA of Happy Planner and really wanted it to be the one but over time realized I was wasting so much money because I am a writer not a decorator. So now I have found that a 6 ring binder system works and I am listening to myself and not hopping on the latest trend and wasting time and self esteem. I guess they call it functional planning? LONG winded way to say thank you..but THANK YOU!!
Thank you so much!! I’m so glad you found your system, and it works so well for you, it’s crazy how the system we think will work is sometimes exactly NOT what we need!
The planner community just like every community on social media is not about function it’s about consumption. Once you get that thing you thought you needed so bad you realize you still aren’t fulfilled. This is the consumerism mentality that tells us we are not good enough until we get more. You will never be satisfied until you come to the realization that you are already good enough just as you are. Be grateful for what you have and appreciate the creativity that people share online without the need to try and compare and compete.
I'm listening and watching this video as I type my comment here. I commend you for calling out the haters and indicating that you will delete their comments and move on. Yes! I agree, mental health is the #1 priority. Thank you for calling it out. I've been taking social media breaks and it makes my heart happier. I will continue to do so. Everything you are saying in this video is spot on. Thank you for being real. Thank you for being honest. I, myself, am an introvert and have anxiety issues. I need to stand back from all the social media fray and the planner cliques. I hate the comparisons. The most important thing to me is my mental health, and what makes me feel better - so I do what works for me. My work planner and home functional/calendar tasks go in one, and them some loose journaling and lots of stickers that I make from my pictures in another.
I absolutely love this video. So many people really need to watch this. I began planning with personal rings. I’ve used lots of other planners. I use the Hobonichi Cousin for budget and weekly planning and the A6 for EDC. I use what works for me and use the internet for inspiration. Thanks for this video again. People are so mean and we have forgotten as a community to be kind since we’re all so different 😊
Thank you thank you so much for making me feel ok. This year I just went off and bought 4 different planners for 2023. From something I enjoyed doing, it became a chore and nothing was getting done. I even thought about quitting it all together but honestly how could I? At the end I went back to my old system and promised myself to not fix what was already good. I have one planner, one journal and am very happy.
I jumped on this video not because I use your planning system but because I have noticed a lot of the issues you talked about in the planning community. I was a die hard EC vertical girl. Until this year where digital planning took over for me. The pressure to make my pages pretty over super functional was affecting me. I also had been denying the fact that I needed a daily planner yet something I could make my own. I miss and love paper but unfortunately digital is where I need to be right now. I hope that more planner girls learn to stay true and honest about what real productivity looks like.
I'm in my mid 60's. 40yrs. ago I was using those calendars from Hallmark to keep track of appointments, and work schedules. About 5 yrs ago I found youtube videos about planning and felt like I NEEDED a Foxy Fix. Well, there is no such thing as "planner peace". You are so right about social media and trying to fit in. Let's do us and not pay attention to the ones who hype up their system.
I’m 55 and those Hallmark calendars were my pride and joy. ❤️
Me too! I’m in my mid 60s. I used to use a calendar in high school and college. I also used the freebie little calendars from Hallmark. I loved those. Then when I started working professionally I discovered Filofax and Franklin planners. I’ve been planning for many many many years. I couldn’t believe it when I saw the planning community explode the way it did 10 to 12 years ago. I was getting ready to Retire at that time. I hopped on the bandwagon for quite a while. I still switch my planters around but I always come back to Franklin Covey. I’ve spent/wasted a lot of time and money on both buying things and social media binge watching. It’s kind of a hobby but it also gets kind of annoying. Now I just do my own thing. I still like to watch because I am a visual person and I enjoy seeing other peoples planner set ups and journals especially when they’re artistic. But I’m becoming less and less influence into buying those things. Life‘s too short!
@@cherylbalmas4901 Yes! I would rather buy eggs than stickers....LOL LOL
Deal.
Same!
So I will play Devil's advocate here: I agree that things in social media have gotten totally ridiculous re all material things, hobbies, cars, clothing, housing, etc. We can pick just about anything in the world and Google it or find RUclips videos about it. And I believe it is up to us, as individuals, to know our limits, to know how much social media we can handle without it causing problems. We have been looking at possibly building a new house soon. I can go to all different kinds of social media and find all different kinds of house plans. Some of the house plans are within my budget, some of them are not. Some of them are for multi-million-dollar houses, but if I want, I can still look at these plans and get some good information from them even if I cannot use the whole plan. On the other hand, if I only looked at multi-million-dollar house plans and never looked at affordable (to me) house plans, it might be depression, aggravating, etc. So after awhile I quit looking at house plans. Re planners, I choose to spend more money than lots of people do on planners, pens, etc., but I also spend LESS money than other people spend. Sometimes, I will decide to quit looking/watching social media that is focused on planners and all the "goodies," because I realize that, for myself, I have reached a limit with what I want or need to see. Sometimes watching social media can give us FOMO (Fear Of Missing Out :) ), so at those times I will purposely cut down on what I watch or read about new planners (or new whatever thing it is). I believe that, as consumers, it is up to each of us to decide what is too much. It's the same thing we all teach our kids: What comes in your brain comes out your brain. If I watch a ton of planner videos all the time, there is a much higher likelihood of me wanting more than what I have, being dissatisfied with something that had totally made me satisfied just the week before I watched these videos/read the article. If I watch a ton of boating videos, there is a higher chance that I will want to go buy a boat, even though buying a boat is not somethingi my husband and I are choosing to do with our money at this time. It's sort of funny to me that the "blame" is being put on us having too many choices. Having "too many choices" should be a BLESSING, in my opinion, especially when we are discussing planners, sometime than can basically be done by grabbing a sheet of paper and a pen and taking it with me out the door. It's more important to you than grabbing a piece of paper -- I get that. But I think that sometimes we all (including myself in this) can lose perspective, whether we're talking about planners, designer clothes, new cars, houses, etc. Sometimes we need to focus on being thankful for so many choices in our lives rather than blaming those choices, rather than ourselves. Hope that my comment is taken with kindness, as it was intended to be said. :)
I think it's important to have a balance. Yes, you don't want to be a spoilt brat who doesn't appreciate what you've got. On the other hand, you don't want to feel that you can't be honest with anyone for fear of seeming ungrateful, about the fact that the avalanche of gifts that keep coming into your one bedroom apartment on the birth of your new baby seem great in theory but in reality, it's like living in an Amazon warehouse.
I agree that we all need to take responsibility for our choices. But I also think it's important to remember that social media can be very addictive for a lot of people. For them, it may not be so easy to disengage or just walk away. I'm not making excuses for them, but I do think it's important to remember that social media is designed to be addictive.
I find watching other people's videos and Instagram posts actually helps me decide which planner to go with. So in some ways, it saves me money! I understand the decision fatigue, but we can use the planning community for research, and I find this helps you land on the perfect planner for you.
I agree! The community does share a lot of really good ideas! I was focusing on the struggles because I’ve seen SO MANY planners share this year specifically that they can’t find a solid footing.
Hey Sam! I am a 54 old year stationary lover. In my stage of life I have found what works for me. Yes I follow social media for inspiration in what I am using. But that is it. Like you having grown up in the 70s and 80s thankfully we didn’t have social media. Because it can bring on a host of emotions. I stand back from interactions, attending conferences etc for the rejection and negativity that is out there. And I am happy with that. And it doesn’t help that people are being paid to be on social media. I could go on. But you are correct we all just need to do and use what works for us and our mental health. Have a great night
Thank you so much. The world (even the planning world) used to be much more simple. 🧡
I am 51, and love stationery too ❤. Funny, there was a time where I thought a planner conference might be fun, but in reality, I think it’s more like a cliquey, mean girl get together and I don’t need to pay a lot of money to have strangers ignore me 😂
@@lkessler1 I went to a few planner conferences and for me the saving grace was meeting a couple of other people from my area ahead of time who were also attending. I’m pretty sure I wouldn’t have gone to more than one if I’d attended the first one solo. I am not great at walking into a room full of strangers and making friends.
I am a 52 old year stationary lover. I agree with you @susanpilchard5417 we got to have the loves of the stationary without the rejection of not having this or that. I think we need to go back to that type of time and just have enjoyment of our love of paper and pens. My fav. shop at the mall (remember those buildings lol) is where my love of paper, envelopes in every color with matching pencils and stickers. I have found what has worked for me. I used to try to keep up with the "Jones" of the community and then I saw how everyone would get it and then everyone layouts look the same. No thank you for that stress. I wanted my journals look like what I create not all the Jone's looks like.
I then realized I am too old for this and went on my own road and use what I want and when I want. High 5 @samplans for sharing this. I might have to do a "this is how I feel" video too.
@@lkessler1 haha I love you for saying this. Same reason I’ve never gone to one. And I’m a huge conference geek. I went to every conference I could talk to my boss into letting me go when I was working. Now that I’m retired and in my 60s I just can’t do the competitive planner conference thingy. I thought I wanted to go and I thought I had FOMO over it but I’ve seen some things that I’ve heard some and yeah not for me. Lol
I just want to say thank you for this video. I consider myself one of the OG‘s of the planner community when it started, and I could go on all day, but it literally took me down mentally and emotionally and financially. And I see it today, if you don’t have the right planner or the right brand or the right ephemera or the right inserts or the right pocket notebook, you’re not in the loop. And from my personal experience, it got nasty on social media.
I was so overwhelmed that I literally got everything with the help of my husband and my children and put it in a box and dumped it a huge box. Lol. I couldn’t take it anymore. I literally went into a depression. I came to the realization that all I needed was just a notebook and a few stickers from the dollar store if I wanted.
And this is just my personal opinion, when I see these planner videos, why do they have to name every sticker , planner and notebook shop or company that they purchase from??
I now follow certain people on social media who post about the writing or their planning but they refuse to tag or even comment on where they purchased anything from because they don’t want to take away from what’s important .
Thank you for this video.
I just uploaded a video talking about how much of a state I am in with my planners and how I’m not happy now. Some of my subscribers told me to watch this video and omg I am so glad I did. It is like you are in my head. I 100% agree with everything you said in this video and I think more people need to be talking about this. Thank you so much for your honesty
I can’t even deal with planners that don’t have a Sunday start. Sunday start calendars are what I grew up with also.
How did I miss this comment?! Too many coming in I suppose. Thank you so much. I hope you’ve worked it out.
I can so relate to this. I have spent so much money just because of influences on social media. I think I’ve found what works for me after years of struggling.
I am so happy to hear that! I hope it is.
Social Media is toxic in many ways. When the planner community started on social media a decade ago it was very different. People were more encouraging, uplifting and open minded. I quit uploading to my RUclips channel (many people would know my channel if I wanted to mention it's name) but popularity is not important and was just one reason I quit. I was no longer happy trying to stay "trendy" or do what others expected. Making everyone happy is not possible there will always be "haters". So when your hobby becomes stressful and full of negativity it's time to pause and really evaluate what is important to YOU. I will always love planners, stationery, pens, stickers etc. My planner peace is letting go of "perfectionism" and letting me do me. I didn't grow up with social media so maybe it was easier for me to just turn it all off when I need to refresh my mind and emotions. Negative comments and judgment from so many people really does hurt! I hope we can all remember the golden rule of "treat others how you would like to be treated" and "if you don't have something nice to say don't say it". Kindness can change the world! :-) Thank you Sam for sharing your video on this topic and opening a discussion. I hope everyone can plan in peace!
THIS! This is brilliant!! I couldn’t have said it better myself. I’m a huge stationary geek but when I started watching videos about planning I thought I wasn’t doing it “right”. I didn’t have all the stickers and the “trendy” covers. I can’t tell you how much I spent trying to “keep up with the Jones’” and it just causes me more stress and anxiety because everyone else’s spreads looked better than mine or my handwriting was crap. THANK YOU! Thank you for saying what has been in my head!!
I'm also a planner and have been part of the planner community on social media for almost 10 years now. I have always used Instagram mainly as a source of inspiration for my own planning. I never felt that I had to do this or that just because others were doing it. I used the Hobonichi Weeks as a work planner for two years just because I was curious about it and because I was pretty sure it could work well as a work planner, not because I wanted to be "cool" or anything. You complain so much about the stuff you see on social media and how you feel like you have to do what everyone else is doing and how you are constantly tempted and overwhelmed by it. And it looks like a lot of people feel the same way, scrolling through the comments here. But honestly, to me it feels like you really need a break from consuming social media / Instagram or limiting the accounts you follow to only what is good for you or what helps with your own planner system. I just checked, you follow over 900 people on Instagram. No wonder you feel overwhelmed by everything you see. I think I would feel pretty much the same way. But in my opinion, it's really nobody's fault. In the end, only you can control how you use social media and what you get out of it. If you feel it's not working for you, try taking a step back.
Side note: In this video and in one of your last videos, you also complained about people unfollowing you if you don't use the planner they're interested in. I honestly do the same thing, because like I said, I follow people to get inspiration for my own planner system. Looking at a Hobonichi Weeks or a super decorative planner style or whatever just does not inspire me. That doesn't mean I'm going to unfollow someone who shows a Hobo from time to time. But it's just not interesting to me. And I don't want to waste my time scrolling through stuff that doesn't make me happy. It's really nothing personal. And as a content creator myself, I would not worry too much about fluctuating likes and mean comments (as long as you do this for fun and not for a living). I know, it's easier said than done, unfortunately.
I don't intend to hate or anything, I just felt like I had to write this from my own perspective. In many of your videos you sound quite frustrated or even bitter regarding trends in the planner community. I wish you all the best! I'll definitely keep following you on RUclips because I really like to watch your planner journey :)
Fully agree with this comment!
I agree. And I follow 1,800 accounts. 😂 I like art, planners, stationery, fountain pens - I think it’s ALL fun, so I don’t really feel too overwhelmed. I don’t take it too seriously. I’m just having fun and playing in my journals and planners!
@@eggbunni Same here!!!! Exactly how I feel and I often find myself saying “it’s not that serious!” lol, I love this hobby so much!!
I appreciate your thoughts. I’m regards to some of what you have said, I do follow quite a few accounts, but I follow back for the sake of community, because that really is what I’m after.
Mentioning that I notice a decrease in views or follows when posting about rings for example isn’t complaining so much as it is stating a fact. I know less people will likely view it, and I’m just reinforcing that I want to share what is working for me at any given moment, despite what others think.
I appreciate the conversation.
Sometimes I DO need to tell myself it isn’t that serious. My planners are like my stress reducer though, so if they aren’t working, I get a little (or a lot) anxious about it. Everyone has a something.
One thing I have noticed over the years Sam is how thoughtful you are with your planning system. Really trying to find what it is that works for you and your needs.
When I first started in the planning community around 2012 or 2013 there were not as many options. Things were difficult to get and expensive. Not like much of that has changed only shipping fees are quite expensive now.
I bought my first traveler's notebook in passport and standard size, they really were the only two sizes, kind of hard to believe now that if you can think of it, it can be made I to a notebook or planner. What I did, as Midori/Traveler's Factory calendars were difficult to come by I decided to make my own. I'm still using my own I serts to this day. But I'm reminded by a quote by author David Foster Wallace "You'll stop worrying so much what other people think of you when you realize how seldom they do."
Thank you, John. I’m glad that in my chaos of the last year especially, my intentions are clear. I’d love to make my own inserts, but so far fear of failure has stopped me.
That quote.
@@samplans If your fear of failure is the thought of creating pages for the consumption of others, I get it. But I hope you’re not talking about pages for your own use. I get great satisfaction in making my own pages tailored to my needs, and tweaking them as I see where improvements can be made. Granted, I don’t have a channel, I don’t post on instagram, so I can understand where sharing personal creations adds a kind of pressure (contemplated pros and cons, and decided it’s not for me). But if it’s for you, then I’d be interested in hearing about your process. Thanks for sharing your POV - I found I agree with much of what you say, and I appreciated hearing it.
Thank you so much. The fear of failure is learning something new or failure in trying to create something and just not figuring it out. I guess we shall see what happens.
Some people actually make plan with me videos on their mock planners, and say so. They say, “I’m doing this on my mock planner.” Which makes me scratch my head. Why? For the likes on social media? It’s baffling to me.
Thanks so much for making this video. Miss Vicky Bee made a video years ago asking where is the planning on decorated planners (because she wanted to see the planning in the context of the decorating), and she got a lot of hate on it. She was only asking where the planning was, but people didn’t even answer that. They were so defensive.
Not hating on people who decorate their planners. If it works for them, that’s fine. And I never say bad things about the planning systems of others. But sometimes we just sincerely want to understand more about what they’re doing, but they deflect the question. So to my mind, that might mean that their system isn’t working for them after all but they can’t admit it because of the pressures of social media?
A lot of the “ Planner Girls“ are here to satisfy the crowds. Why! Money 💴 💵 MONEY! RUclips , of course you know this, pays for every click, comment, Like etc. So playing to the masses helps get the person more money. That’s what they’re really interested in.
You make a lot of great points. I did not know she made a video like that, but I can just imagine the backlash. For the way I plan I agree with her. I like just a little bit of pretty with a sticker or deco here or there, but do not allow it to overtake my actual planning. The mob mentality brought on by social media any time someone disagrees with something is absolutely insane.
I JUST started a series on my channel - "Planner Review Plan with Me's"; I LOVE getting planners to review and try out but then I feel bad when they sit on a shelf. I try to gift a lot of them. But I also had this thought that it wasn't really fair to the companies to send me a planner to review (just one video) on my channel and be done with it. I have so many thoughts on this!
@@susanwright134 I will say I can clearly see through the bullcrap of a lot of content creators lately - when it's so clearly about the money (often the ones that talk about how it's NOT about the money so frequently) and it's been irritating to me. I want to call them out, but a lot of them have HUGE followings and I know I'd get blasted the second I commented.
You would get attacked for sure.
There is so much truth here and it happens with everything. Cooking, baking, scrapbooking etc. comparison is the thief of joy.
That’s very true. 🧡
Consumerism. That's the issue. We're so used to thinking the problem's either with us or we just need that one more planner/bag/blazer/home decor item that will change our life and magically fix everything. But it doesn't work that way. I come from an emerging county and when I was a teen, I remember having one pair or warm shoes and one pair of lighter shoes every 1-2 years. And we made it work! Same with planners, I picked one at the beginning of the school year and never even considered buying another just because I got bored with it or because my friends had different ones. I'm not saying stay in a planner that doesn't work for you. But maybe changing your layout or the way you use it or shopping your stash are also options to consider. 😉 I enjoy watching people do no or low buys because their videos become really creative. I love finding new uses for the old stuff I have and love seeing what others come up with. It's making us believe we need the next new shiny thing that's making us dissatisfied with what we have all the time. Whenever I want to buy a new notebook/planner, I put it in my cart and then dig up sg similar I have, set it up the same way and force myself to use it for a week or two. I've managed to get a reality check on 5-6 planner crushes so far and I'm glad I don't have those in my planner graveyard now.
That sounds wonderful! I also grew up in a home with very little. I definitely need to take the time to destash and simplify!
This! I’ve stopped following people that constantly do hauls or have ridiculous amounts of high priced things because they don’t really speak to me. Quite frankly, after so many “well, I guess it’ll grow on me” after opening each high priced package after another gets sad to me and a little gross. That’s my opinion. I don’t diss them or feel the need to pass judgement, I move on to other things that fulfill me.
I am under the impression that there is no “wrong” way to plan! Whatever works for you is the best system for you, and if you feel bored and want to change it up at any point, then go with it! Its a personal decision and there is NO right or wrong! Im with you on this point and dont let what other people are doing affect me in how I plan. Do I enjoy watching videos of other peoples planning systems? Yes! Of course I do! But I would never consider berating them or criticizing them for the way they are doing it! Thank you for this video, too many people are all about the drama and thinking what they are doing is the best! Its may be the best for you, but not for me! I always enjoy your videos no matter which planner you are using! ❤❤❤
I started out, in high school, with those free square hallmark calendars! A few years ago, I was cleaning my basement, and found one of my old ones. EVERY. SINGLE. SQUARE. was filled in that little monthly layout. I loved those. They fit perfectly in the wallet I had back in the day. Lolol
Yes! Those little planners were so very useful. I wish I still had mine, but I tossed them in one of our many moves over the years.
Oh I LOVED those little square calendars! I had a small collection of them and hated to let go of them. It was SUCH a sad day when I found out they weren't giving them out any more... 😢😢
@@DvorahDavida5778 They still give them away. I have one for 2023. 🙂 (just not square anymore, more like a rectangle 😆)
@@rspringsplanningandesigns Yeah... but the square.... sigh... 🤣🤣
"Comparison is the thief of joy."
You laid down some TRUTH!!!
See, I'm more like you. I'm primarily a functional planner. There are places in my planner where I put stuff I think is pretty. Stuff that is meaningful to me and makes me happy. But the workhorse part of my planner is just that, and it's NOT "pretty." And it took me FOREVER to realize that that's OKAY!!! It's MINE! It's COMFY! Just like me.
And I, too, dislike the profusion of mean girls showing up in comment sections.
I rarely see a planner flip full of function, most usually decor. Those are fine too, they would just overwhelm me. I’m glad you are happy being in your system and not worrying about it!
I absolutely love what you said..Comparison is the theif of joy. Im putting that in my planner! Thank you Teresa you rock!!!
@martabessler, I wish I could take credit for that quote, but I can't. And I've forgotten who originally said it. Theodore Roosevelt, possibly. It affected me the same way it did you, and it's been very freeing for me! I try to remember it in everything I do because perfectionism will derail me every time if I let it. And I don't know about you, but I've watched Sam Plans for a couple of years for inspiration. I really enjoy her, and I really like Amy from Plans Meet Paper, too. Her layouts are very functional as well. Ganchi Plans is another. Brandy Michelle Plans is another.. I watched a girl I'd never watched the other night, and her name escapes me, but her planner was a lot like mine. It had papers falling out of it, sticky notes everywhere, stuff from her kids, etc...And I was like, YES!!! THAT is a working, well loved planner! 😍
Well, anyway, I'm just prattling away. Thank you for your kind words. I hope your day is blessed!
I too will be putting your saying in my planner, front page! Comparison is the thief of joy”. Thanks.
@@teresajohnson7727 If you can rember the last planner girl you mentioned, , she sounds interesting and a lot like many of us, it would be good to watch her too ,please 😊
Sam I felt your discussion with all my soul! Which is why I have an absurd amount of planners I’m trying to find uses for. Social media is the good and bad in my planner life.
I have always been a stationary nerd. I'm the pen lady at school! Because I am a teacher, Monday starts do NOT work for me. I can't make the two work together in my brain since my class calendar and all the school calendars are Sunday start. I am left-handed and do not get along with rings. I am a big fan of undated, bound planners. I have a specific form of planning that I have easily transferred into multiple sizes. That way, when I want to switch back to a certain size, it is easy to pick up where I left off in the undated planner. I am currently blissfully content in a SFD Weekly Diary. It has everything I need to match my style. MY biggest downfall is leather covers. I can not afford all the beautiful covers I see and wish to own. HOWEVER, leather by itself is cheaper, so I taught myself how to make my own. This led to a hobby I greatly enjoy, so a win! If I want to try a size, I make it! I enjoy looking at planners on Instagram, but I have to be strong in my resolve to be happy being me. Sorry for rambling! 🤦♀️
Bring on the ramble! I slit my planner pages so I can plan out of the rings, but I get it. I have found out what works best for me overall and I just replicate it in whatever system I’m in. Rings is so helpful for being able to adapt on a switch of an insert though, so it seems to be winning.
That is beautifully stated and I feel the same way. ❤❤❤
Just watched your Video and I was so impressed with what you were saying. You hit so many nails on the head. I have purchased so many THIS IS THEONE!! and realized they don't work for me. I've tried the Bullet Journal method and felt like I couldn't keep up the all the layouts and decorating. And people say sit down for an hour a day - Morning routine and an evening routine. Then on weekends spend time building the full week. You need to build a month. When you don't have all this time, the insecurities start setting in. Then - I'm not a good planner.
Yes!
It’s important for brands to have different options, because people have different needs! I know my own needs so I can make an educated choice of what will work for me despite the fact that all these options are out there and I can see other planner girls using different types and still stick to what works for me! Regardless of what you use to plan, be yourself and don’t compare yourself to others! Plain and simple! Also, just because there’s options it doesn’t mean I have to try it all!!
You are absolutely right!
I don't share much about planning on my social media, however I do still do it and I follow planner people on social media. I have always thought of planners like people. Everyone is unique, every planner is unique, no one is perfect, no planner is perfect.
I don't get the hateful comments or mindsets. I think that the differences in people and what they like, what planners they use, are what makes a community so interesting. The comparison trap or the grass is greener situation goes deeper that just notebooks, I am afraid. And people work through that differently and that is not something I like to put my opinion on. What I will put my opinion on is planner peace... planner peace is a mindset not a notebook.
As an artist, I don't make art for others. I make art for me, I am just lucky that there are others that enjoy it! Never do something to make someone else happy, do it because it makes you happy! I hope that you can set aside social media and plan the way that makes you happy.
"Planner peace is a mindset, not a notebook." I love that! I'm writing that one down in my great quotes collection! 💖
@@mrandisg thank you!
I 💯 agree with you about planner peace!
When I was a part of the social media planning community I literally didn’t even plan. Everything was staged for the gram. And I now have a literal wall with a cubby shelf full of crap I don’t need and didn’t really even want in the first place. Now that I don’t have a planning account for social media I actually plan, I buy stuff I will actually use and I’m much happier.
Oh wow, that says a lot. What are you finding useful?
The planner community has been a good journey for me- I started a business, made friends, and discovered new things! This past few months I have started to think I need a break because of the FOMO and constant questioning my own system. I definitely relate to a lot of this!
I actually really like your posts! You don’t need to change anything! I find everything you post really inspiring.
@@eggbunni Thank you- that’s very sweet! Sometimes I feel like I need to step away for a little bit to rediscover why I started. Overall, the planning community has been so good to me. ❤️
The main reason why I made this video was because I saw confusion all around me. I know our struggles are also personal, but I just thought there was more to it. I’m used to being a mess, but this year has been a flood of indecision in all of my feeds. I wish your shop was still open! Maybe one day!
@@samplans Wait, Martha had a shop?!
I’m so glad you put it all out there for us all to see Ty. Social media planning community had almost bankrupted me and made me feel inadequate because I can’t do pretties. I quit planning for a few years. I came back to the weeks craze and hated it. So I blindly followed my own heart and fell in love with pocket moleskine and it’s my happy place. I’m not going to feel bad about using the same planner year after year. I’m happy. I hope you are happy too.
Love the feel in hand of the pocket Moleskine and the paper quality. Great choice!
The pocket moleskine is a great planner! Do what keeps the peace!
I agree!
What's the best planner? The one that you USE. Period. I fell into the FOMO trap in the planner community and spent SO MUCH MONEY. I am simplifying my life, including my planning life. Thanks for an honest video.
Agreed. I have used a Franklin Planner, Classic size, original forms since the late 90s. I have intermittently purchased other planners because of the cost of the Franklin, but although it’s not perfect, it’s the best planner for me. Then I went down a RUclips planner community rabbit hole. I got all wrapped up in the cray-cray for a few months, and then thankfully stepped on the brakes. Your video popped up on my “homepage” today, so I decided to watch. Thanks for the insight into your thinking.
Big tumbs up for sharing this! Planning stress is real! I feal overwhelmed by all the planning things and I'm angious to start because I want to do it right the first time. Thanks for being honest and mentioning this, it's a relieve.
Love from The Netherlands, Ingrid
You are so right! The hallmark free calendar is back at srores around Christmas. Jsyk best wishes.❤❤❤❤
Hi, I saw your video shared and I wanted to add some genuine questions that I pondered while hearing your thoughts. Please note that some of these are responses to some comments I read as well, so these are just discussion points and not to be taken as personal questions!
Do you not believe in personal accountability? Are others to blame when YOU switched planners a million times or bought something? Is it others fault for just doing their thing & posting it, or should you take the responsibility to remove yourself from social media if you cannot control the urge to switch or shop?
Follow up to the above: what do you propose? A community in which we all use the same planner and never switch? People never spend their own money on stuff and if they do, they don’t share it? That’s not feasible, which is why people need to be responsible and remove themselves from the internet - OR follow people who fit what they’re looking for, not expect the community to change to suit them and their budget. Consumerism is certainly a thing, but it’s everywhere, not just our community. We cannot avoid ads on TV or even out in the world, but we CAN control what we see on social media - we choose to log on.
Another follow up: if someone buys Portland leather because you promoted it, is that not influencing? Do you not do the same?
Why do you feel that people who use deco or whatever are “mean girls”? Has anyone ACTUALLY treated you badly for the way you plan? Or is it an assumption? Perhaps you see others and feel a certain way, as all humans do. But projecting that idea is a disservice to people who are simply trying to enjoy their hobby the way they want to and don’t care what you do or how you plan. All types of planners and styles are accepted equally and that’s what makes the community so great. Whether you follow a trend or not, plan functional or deco, there are different people who will like and follow different things. I feel that people who say “if you don’t plan like ___ you aren’t cool” are believing that in their head, but it doesn’t actually reflect how people act. Unless there’s some group of high school bullies out there I’m unaware of (which is possible, not sarcasm).
Why do you assume people who have “decorated planners” are simply doing it for likes and followers? Maybe some are, but it’s an unfair generalization. Personally, I would be planning the exact same whether I shared it or not because the way I plan/journal is my genuine personality - but I can’t speak for everyone. However, maybe people plan in mock planners because they enjoy the relaxing activity of putting down stickers? I don’t do that myself, but I saw a comment referencing mock planners. Why are there so many assumptions on peoples motivations? There should be no shame if someone plans for real or plans for fun. Who cares? My planner is pen only and functional but I have journals where I like to collage because it’s enjoyable and relaxing.
All of this also comes off as shaming others based off of 50% assumptions while at the same time asking not to be shamed, and taking zero accountability for personal choices.
I don’t know you and have absolutely nothing against you, so I hope you don’t take this comment in the wrong way! It’s just adding to the discussion with some personal opinions. The comments reflect a lot of echoing sentiments but I’ve seen opinions like mine on other places of the internet, so I figured I’d just make my comment here instead of elsewhere to further a productive discussion.
*Any use of ‘YOU’ stated above is meaning anyone, not you specifically.
I appreciate your thoughts. I DO believe in personal accountability. This video is about how constant possibilities can be confusing, overwhelming, and frustrating at times. I have seen an uptick in mocking others for choices, not pointed at me, but people in general. Some people are really good at being settled and avoiding FOMO. Some people drown in possibilities. I think decorated planners are very pretty, but if I’m focusing on that more than the planning and missing the planning aspect, it isn’t especially helpful to me. I love seeing all sorts of planning styles and planners in general. But sometimes I think it’s also good to take a more kind look at ourselves if we are struggling in a sea of possibilities.
This this this! Very well said.
@@samplans And I appreciate your response! I appreciate the kind discussion, truly :) you are absolutely right about constant possibilities and I fall victim to it a LOT too - but when it happens to me, blaming the community for constant options, FOMO, etc. would never cross my mind, and I guess that’s what I’m saying. They are my choices and my responsibility, and if I needed to go on a no spend or clear my head the first thing I would do is take an IG break! Everybody has the potential to influence others, even unintentionally. So I don’t think that’s a community problem; this community also wouldn’t even exist without social media! I think the overwhelm is just a result of having a bunch of different people with different styles. So it can be helpful to pare down your following or even take a break if someone is really struggling with these things. It just sometimes feels like in these conversations there’s shade thrown to people who plan with deco, multiple planners, mock plan, things like that. Some of these comments especially feel that way.
But I actually agree, within the last few years I went from planning with stickers to using next to none - and it is SOOO much more functional for me! But, I still love deco, so I started a journal where I can use all the things. That works well for me, but I appreciate and enjoy looking at all sorts of other planners - and other people are what helped me find my current way of functional planning so I’m grateful for that!
Lastly, about mocking… if people are seriously doing that, that is some bullshit. If I saw that I would go off 😂 From my perspective I see comments like “if you don’t buy expensive planners you’re nothing / if you don’t keep up with trends you’re not cool / etc.” and I always felt like that had to be a pure assumption. Because I personally have never seen anyone shaming or mocking others for not “using the cool planner”, BUT I need to realize just because I haven’t seen it doesn’t mean it hasn’t happened. I am sincerely sorry if anyone has had that experience because that is complete BS - my criteria for liking someone is if they’re kind to me and a genuine person, I love them. I could not care less what planner they used, what style, how many followers they have… at the end of the day we are all regular people in the real world, who gathered in this little online corner to enjoy a hobby that brought us all together!
Very well said. I will completely admit I sometimes struggle with impulsive and stress buying, but it seems I’m not alone. I’m not trying in any way to throw shade. I just think it’s helpful to say out loud that all of the choices have some traps, I’ve never seen so many planners saying they can’t figure their system out before. So I just stated how I was feeling.
I also forgot to answer your question about Portland Leather in my last comment. I was a customer long before I became an ambassador. I buy 95% of my own items, maybe even more, and I have been sent very few items to “try”. I also shared before I was ambassador.
Thanks for giving another point of view to this discussion. Sometimes we all need to take a step back and reflect. Maybe that means less YT and IG.
@@samplans I feel like this isn't just planners though. How many phones, cars, make up brands, high end brands, influencer brands make you feel that FOMO feeling you are referring to. At the end of the day and sadly, social media is designed to lure you into it in a deeper level in many ways. It also doesn't mean companies will stop producing cause there's already too many possibilities out there. We can't test out every car until we find the right one for us. I know what you mean that it can get overwhelming but we choose how much we take on and that's when we as an individual need to reflect on the choices we are making or the thoughts that we have. "what will others think" "this isn't good enough" because sometimes we just put ourselves down and it really can affect us. I think we've all been through this one way or another with planners, make up, athletic wear, electronics and in so many other ways. The comparison takes away the joy.
I used the little Halmark calendars for many years
I just recently threw about 10 books away.
When I heard you mention the calendars it made me remember how much more simpler my life was.
You are absolutely right. We are planning no matter what we choose to plan in.
There have been so many times I’ve been so caught up with what’s offered on social media.
It’s stressful and really not affordable.
I’ve recently put a stop to the madness. After discovering the planner community about 9 years ago it’s been a constant change. Very similar to your struggles. I’m just done. Can’t do it any more.
I now have a simple set of rings, just like the old days 😊
That sounds perfect. And those Hallmark calendars, gosh, so much love!
“I’m going to make the stupid shopping list!”
That hit me very hard because last year I was in four hekkin planners and didn’t know where to put my shopping list. So this year…
One book to rule them all. Tabs to keep me on track.
It’s working!
I’m so glad it’s working for you! In reality, that’s what we need, a place to write things down. 🧡
I loved this! I too have been feeling overwhelmed with social media in the planner community. You hit the nail on the head! I appreciate your authenticity and I am glad you made this video. I love all your planners, I am too a very functional planner and enjoy watching someone who plans like me! ❤🎉
Function > pretty. Thanks for being here!
Two words: Bullet Journal - The reason I love it is becuase I"m never stuck in any certain planning style becuase any time a page design no longer works for me I can change it day to day or week to week or month to month becuase I create it myself. It is so flexible! and I can design it anywhere in the range of simple/minimal to fancy artsy. If my lifestyle changes and i don't have time for artsy I can move more toward minimal. I make it so flexible that I don't even worry about making sure I start the new year in a new journal. I only start a new journal when the current one is full no matter what time of the year it is. Just mentioning this for consideration. As always, you do what works best for you.
I’d LOVE to use a bujo. Trying to draw in or paste in stuff is just a little overwhelming to me. I guess rings work in the same way for me-an insert doesn’t work and I swap it out instead of trashing my whole system.
@@samplans Sounds like that works well for you.
Yas girl. I feel like the options issue could be so much better if we had more brick and mortar stationery stores to visit touch and interact with a lot of the planners and pens! My problem is I need it in my hands before I can make a decision, but when it’s not available nearby, gotta hit up that amazon!
Yes! I’d love to be able to sit with a planner and map out things before buying. That would be fabulous!
I’m a recent (last year or so) planner and the choice is overwhelming and I have spent a lot on “this one and that one” being inspired by what works for other people. I have recently bought a Moterm rings and am currently setting it up, and I love it. It’s so much more practical than bound books as a reference source, I don’t understand people using multiple Stalogys a year apart from being pretty, they’re very impractical when stuffed. I have also settled on a Weeks for a daily planner to take out with me. And I love the Travelers Notebook company, where everything fits in one cover and I am going to use that for journaling, travel memories, gratitude etc. So that means I have a lot of books and covers now to sell, which living in the U.K. importing everything has cost a lot, I’m trying not to think about the wasted money and feel more content that I’ve finally (🤞) settled on what works for me, a 54 year old woman with health issues who doesn’t work or get out a lot. I just need a basic planner with space for notes and lists (Weeks), a reference Home file (rings) and a journal (TN).
I couldn't have said it better and I finally have reached that point. I agree social media was a perfect way to let me see I am not alone..has given me so many wonderful ideas, but...I fell down that hole and wow when I look at what I have not to mention spent these past 6 months that I'm not even using..I am beyond ashamed. I ended up using a system I never thought would work but is, so I am happy. I look at the other as a lesson learned..I forgave myself and have moved on. I will do what works for me and encourage that to anyone else that needs to find planner peace so to speak. As far as kindness...everyone needs a lesson...not sure what that is all about, but I do see it is as a real problem. I grew up in the 70's and it had its share of problems none like this. I am 61 and truly feel sad for my grandchildren. I appreciate you being honest and sharing your perspective, I will continue watching your videos, I enjoy them and get many ideas.
Yes! I was so happy to find a place in the social media streams, but the uptick of less than pleasant experiences has been saddening. Who knows what system I will end up in this year, but whatever it is will be decided by what is working best for me to make me the most productive. No more purchases for me though! I have enough to wade through!
Sam.. I watched this video twice taking notes the second time. I can't tell you how much I appreciate your honesty and candor. That is what brought me to your channel..not your planners. You could talk about wet paper bags for all I care. I have never been soo overwhelmed and confused as to what planner I would like best for b6, hobo weeks, and moleskine pocket. My favorite videos are those who use regular notebooks or rings and do what they want. I really needed to hear your message today. Thank you Sam!!!
New planner video coming! Planning on wet paper bags! I love it. 🧡 Thanks for being here, and taking the time to comment. It means so much to me.
I discovered planning community at a pretty hard time in my life. I was procrastinating, missing deadlines and it felt like my life was just slipping away. On one search about time managent I found a video called “plan with me, setting goals and being productive”. Or something like that. I spent 20min watching a girl stick stickers in her notebook and that made me confused. But intrigued. So this was my first encounter with planning. And I thought that’s what I needed, thats what organised people do. Pretty books and stickers. But it didnt help. Almost 4 years later, I am still struggling with my day to day tasks, work projects, house projects and having 5 different planners is not the answer for me. I minimized and I’m trying to find the things that actually are helping and toss the things that arent
This is absolutely fabulous! I am one of those that never post or never do anything because this and that are never good enough. I am just now getting to the point of realizing that I need to use whatever actually works instead of what the cool kids are using. I too grew up in the 80s with the same thing you did so everything you said makes perfect sense to me. Thank you so much for this video!
Thank you, Kathy!
I do think you've raised a lot of good points. I agree that there can be too much choice out there, but in the same vein I feel like we don't see enough. I know decorative planning is popular but sometimes I feel I see the same styles or stickers over and over again. While I love how cute and quirky TCMC stickers are but they are in nearly every single plan with me and lots of people emulate their creators style. I can totally see how this would cause people to feel FOMO. For a long time, as I'm not in the US or Canada, I felt left out that I couldn't justify the cost of shipping those stickers or subscription boxes to my country. However finding planners that felt more authentic with channels that didn't make me feel like they were there to sell me stickers or kits has been great, and inspired me to become more creative while maintaining a planning style that keeps me functioning.
I am very grateful to say that the number one reason I don't share my planner on social media is privacy for me and my family. My whole life is in my planner, my to dos and my memories and I just wouldn't feel comfortable sharing that much personal info online. I hope that you can accept that they system you use and that works for you is perfect and that what most people want to see is how people use their planners to help them stay organised. I'm sure that there are a lot of people who would be very grateful to see that the cheap planner picked up at Walmart is just as valid and functional a system as any $50 planner imported from Japan. Its all about how you use it.
You make some valid points and mocking and gatekeeping are never ok! Although I was a victim of planner confusion more than ever in the run to 2023, as a small creative business owner, I am happy to see that a lot of brilliant ladies came up with awesome alternatives in term of notebooks and planner... even if that makes it hard to decide. I am working on removing choices from myself and reduce the frequency of planners hopping, to give myself a time to see the system at work. Example: if I am town between 2 planners with the exact same function, I am picking one and storing the other out of sight, to give it a fair shot for a while. I also am working on letting go of the idea of perfection and embracing working more with what I have chosen, despite its little shortcomings. For me, it's all about self control. Very much a work in progress here!
I am so so glad you made this video! I have been in the #plannercommunity since 2015 and it has been so disheartening seeing it devolve into an elitist, money-grabbing I don't know what but I definitely don't want to call it a "community" anymore.
Just know we aren’t all in that category!
Thankyou so much for this video. I put it on to listen to during my commute to work this morning. I enjoyed it while I drank my iced coffee. I felt like I was visiting with a friend. Thank you for restoring sanity to a lot of us. I always thought like I was the odd one out because I am happily using a little $10 Amazon planner for the third year in a row it’s a pocket planner that has monthlies and weeklies I chip daily pages and when I need them and discard them at the end of the day I absolutely love this little thing it’s definitely my happy place. I have tried to go to other planners that I see on social media and I always feel sad when I think about leaving this one LOL. You have made me feel more normal thank you. I am 53 now and I can remember way back in the 90s being perfectly content using little pocket monthly calendars because I had saved them all I looked back and it amazes me at how happy I was with that. I spent way too much money in the last couple of years planner hopping when I really didn’t want to now I’m back home and I feel a sense of peace and organization.
I like your videos BECAUSE they're authentic--I've been watching and lurking for years. I have kept a planner/journal since I was 8 (and I am older than the hills now). I've found that FOMO from social media is a real pain in the rear--i've wound up with a bunch of planners I don't/barely use. Recently, I've been better able to address social-media-driven angst is by: 1. going out for a walk. 2. watching videos and reading books on slow living/simple living/how to address "junk happiness." This is not a criticism of you--it's what has worked for me. Social media is way too negative AND it's specifically designed to fuel consumption. For me--Enough. I only follow 1-2 accounts now, including yours.
like that phrase "junk happiness." I agree with the neg. that's why there need to be more positive outgoing creative group that we can relate to .
I totally feel this. The pressure I’ve put on myself to have the perfect planner or all of the planners has given me so much anxiety that I’ve logged out of this RUclips account and only log in maybe once a week to watch some of my favorite people that wont trigger me and that’s it.
Absolutely agree with "too many options" part! (Others as well, but especially this one). And I even remembered one qoute from the book I really like that sums it up:
"The more options we're given (i.e., the more freedom we have), the less satisfied we are with whatever option we go with. If Jane has to choose between two boxes of cereal, and Mike can choose from twenty boxes, Mike does not have more freedom than Jane. He has more variety. There's a difference. Variety is not freedom. Variety is just different permutations of the same meaningless sh*t". (Mark Manson, Everything is F*cked)
Last year I became so dissatisfied and tired of losing precious time on social media, anxiety, constant pressure of "I have to post something today", etc, that I deleted my accounts and even stopped watching videos about planners for a period of time. I've never regretted that decision. Sometimes you have to just stay alone and become a blank sheet of paper, unaffected by other people and things they allow you to see about them. Ask yourself: does this really make me happy? Or do I want this because someone else seems happy having it?
Social media can inspire, but it may also make you feel depressed and anxious.
Thank you so much for your thoughts. Definitely a lot to think about here. 🧡
You sure hit the nail on the head. I love any and all stationary. Yes to many dupes for Hobonichi Weeks. You kept showing all of us all of them. Made me chuckle. Me being 56. Wow I had to stop to think about how old I just turned last month. I too loved the Hallmark calendar’s. Filled in every box every month and loved it. The calendar throws me off when it’s a Monday start. I had a lot of my breast cancer appointments wrong because of the Monday start. I didn’t need that added stress by any means. What makes me laugh is when someone is flipping through a brand new planner complaining about the color of the words. The font that is used. The little dots down the middle of the two page spread. How will I coordinate my stickers with the color that is on the page. The paper is cream. The grid is to big or to dark. Don’t buy it or print your own planner. If those are the problems in their life they are lucky. Loved your video. Like I said nail on the head.
You made a good point; I’ve learned to be content and look for people who plan in whatever mode I’m using for fresh ideas.
Totally agree. The best thing is to stay authentic to what matters for you. Those judging are judging themselves more than they judge you
Thank you for sharing this video! You brought up so many great points, ones I’ve thought about as well. I was like you and started in a Walmart planner the size of a checkbook. It worked for many years until I found the planner community and realized there were so many more options! In the last two years I’ve jumped from one planner to the next and felt comfortable in them until I saw the next hot planner. I spent way to much money and never felt satisfied. Lately I’ve been thinking about dropping all my social media accounts connected to the planner community because I want to be happy with the planner I’m using. I know myself and I struggle with FOMO so stepping back and evaluating my needs versus comparing myself to others which obviously is not making me happy. Seems like that elusive planner peace will only come to me if I’m not trying to change who I am. The constant switching causes me to not be productive. I end up spending more time setting up and changing my planner than actually using it for it’s intended purpose. I have watched your videos for a few years now and I’ve always enjoyed your authenticity. Thank you for being different, thank you for being true to yourself and thank you for always inspiring others.
I've had to limit a lot of my social media time bc some people are just so unkind to one another! I've been the girl who has ALWAYS written everything down in some kind of planner before planning was cool. When it became cool, I followed so many accounts because I wanted to see how others plan and maybe get some fresh ideas for myself. Then I realized there are a lot of snooty booties. I found freedom in purging those accounts or just keep scrolling and I plan how I plan and enjoy other honest (and not so snooty) planners. Thank you for being so honest.
Yes, planning since before it was cool! Sometimes purging accounts we follow is very needed!
Love longer videos!!
Your planning style is the most visually appealing to me. Every time I sticker up a spread or see another’s it overwhelms me. Even if it’s pretty it’s visual clutter and I screw mine up horribly when I try.
Thank you so much for this video 🤗
It’s probably a misfire in my brain or something, but my brain can’t follow the pattern of a lot of stickers all over the place. 😅
I absolutely can’t wait to watch this! I’ve been off social media and I’m so content in my planner and it’s just being straight used. Nothing fancy! Grabbing my headphones to hit play!
Thank you 🧡
There is always an option to turn off the social media.
That wasn’t really the point, but hopefully talking about issues that do result will help to avoid them.
Yes, I have been affected by viewing different planners and have switched and switched and switched. But now I am starting to pay attention to what works for me, for my various roles, and for my needs. I have started shopping “Chez Moi,” or my stash and unsung what I have when I experiment. A similar situation occurred in professional school where different people said, “If you are not reading this textbook, you won’t pass the tests. After buying several books on the same course work, I realized it did not matter which book I read, I just had to pick one and use it and I would pass my exams. That was over 45 years ago. The same I am finding for planners. Just pick what works for me or I think might work for me and use it. Thank you for this video, Sam. Be blessed.
Thank you! You as well. 🧡
Spot on about the option overwhelm. There is science that backs that when we have too many options, we sometimes end up just giving up and not getting anything. There is also evidence that the more we research our options, the more dissatisfied we become with our choice (because we’ve seen so many other options). Social media can expose us to all these options making us question our choices. I definitely have noticed spending way more mental than I should to decide what to get.
Thank you so much for this comment! For the most part, people seem to understand exactly what I’m talking about, but there have been several (some loud) voices that seem to think I’m nuts in this discovery. All I know is this is how I feel and I’ve been making some very real progress in shutting out everything that doesn’t matter. I appreciate your thoughts!
@@samplans clearly the ones who think we are nuts aren’t preoccupied with which planner to use. 🤷🏽♀️ Idk. I’m also highly sensitive and with that comes a difficulty to make decisions in general sooooo, lol, maybe that plays into it. But I do find making decisions easier when I prioritize which things I actually need to dedicate lots of energy into making that choice so that’s sorta helped me feel a little more lighthearted about my planner purchase decisions.
I’ve been feeling this way for quite some time. I only watch a few people …❤️simply because I always feel like I don’t “measure up” or am “missing out” or that I would be “happier“ in another planner. ❤
This. I’m sad you can relate to it, things just shouldn’t be this way.
Amen to all of this! Your description of analysis paralysis and too many options rang true to me-that’s exactly why I made my own planner TN insert for this year. Comparison and FOMO is the death of journaling joy. Thank you for this very honest and well-expressed video.
I'm glad you made this video. Thanks for voicing these concerns. Watcher here, lol. Usually, I don't share my planner for fear of being judged. While social media can be a beautiful thing, it can also be a toxic one. It shouldn't matter how planning is accomplished as long as it brings us together. As far as I can tell, the planner community is largely about keeping up with the latest trends instead of sharing what makes our lives easier. It is important to learn to be kind and respectful of others' opinions since we are all different, and that is what makes life interesting. A world where everyone and everything was the same would be so boring. Anyway done with my rant. Plan how you want Sam and stay happy & blessed. ❤
And honestly, when I first found the planner community like 10 years or so ago, that’s exactly how it felt. Not trend keeping. I avoid the trends as much as I can, unless it honestly seems useful to my system. I even found Hobonichi before it was “cool” or I would have avoided that one too. I know I ramble, but one of the biggest letdowns in the planner community lately has just been that we no longer cheer everyone on as a whole, just if someone is using the system of the moment. I want the old community back!
You nailed it there 🙌
Well said 🙌🏻
I loved this video. My husband and I had a very similar conversation recently. Also....I recently learned in my Filofax group ( 💕my filofaxes so much) that Gillo doesn't even make their own products they buy them from another maker and get their logo stamped into them and there are dozens of other vendors out there selling the exact same items except for the Appunto which is a Gillio design that a manufacturer makes for them. They have no in-house leather artisans. And, I followed you. Thanks for saying all of this. Someone needed to.
Say what?! I actually knew that Gillio weren’t made in house (although I have a Rust on the way from a BST group currently) but I had no idea the same planners were sold otherwise. I love a good Filofax, but feel like they’ve gone the wrong way with designs lately, trying to cater to the girly instead of a good, hearty leather. I don’t even like the new design, with the giant 30mm rings. I want the better leather back on a Malden, with a bigger pen loop! I’m also in a few Filofax groups. Great group!
@@samplans I was surprised too. But we were given some links to another seller in Italy and it was the Compagna model. 😂
Wow! Thanks for sharing that information. Marketing is king!
@@Dreblueskies For sure!!!
I used rings years ago and loved it. Different pages in little packs so I could mix and match. Lately I'm in a weekly Moleskine. Tried the daily last year. Bless you for trying out so many. I went one year with about 8 different systems and drove myself crazy, so now I'm back to weekly Moleskine. People having an opinion on the "best" planner is incredible to me - it's what's best for you.
Exactly!
I agree that planning has become very overwhelming. I am not someone who post on social media I usually don’t even make a comment. I just enjoy watching to see if there is something that somebody else does that I could implement in my life. I have been a planner as far back as I can remember, I just enjoy it.
I'm a planner but I'm not apart of the planner community online. I have used a bullet journal for 7 years and I've gone through a lot of changes in those years. From being diagnosed with a chronic illness that required me to log all my meals, my pain levels, my medications and treatments to learning I have had ptsd my whole life. A cross country move that forced me to make new friendships as an adult. Building a small business. My bullet journal kept me sane. I'm also an artist. But I do not put art in my planner. My creativity was being sucked dry by my planner so I had a come to Jesus moment with myself. Yes. I am a planner but my art needs my creativity not my planner.
By most bullet journalers standards my bullet journal isn't pretty enough and I'm ok with that. I stick to the system because it's adapts with me and when it stops working for me there is something in my life that needs more of my time. Healing taught me that. It's OK to not be what is expected of you. It's OK to just be.
Great video. I loved listening to it as one who is a planner but who does not "belong" in the planner community.
Thanks so much for this video!! I am struggling with my consumption of social media and planning decisions so i can totally relate to what you are saying! I remember LOVING my At-A-Glance planner for years and then fell head first into the planner world with SO many options and it overwhelms me which like you said it the opposite of what we love about planners in the first place. Thanks for providing your outlook I really needed to hear it!
I’m glad it was helpful! Thank you!
I totally agree with everything you said. In fact, I came to the conclusion that social media is the reason most people are unable to find "planner peace". Like you, I've planned since highschool and I started out in a lined notebook or a pocket calendar. And the thought finally hit me, I never had trouble with "planner peace" back then. Well, of course! No social media in the 80's no comparison! And so I have now strictly limited myself to who I watch on social media. I know nothing good comes from me watching those who use excessive planners. My "planner peace" has come from realizing and remembering what the true purpose of planning is. Choosing a planner that meets that purpose has truly made me happy. Social media, unfortunately, usually goes against that when it comes to planning.
100% agree with your thoughts on this!
Sometimes I only play planner videos, so I can read the comment sections! I love your content and your commenters! So many kind words and agreeable, rational, supportive thoughts expressed below! I feel so bad for you (and so many others in the planner community) that you feel you have to apologize and tip toe around your statements to be so careful about not offending someone, or having to explain/justify your choices. Sad state of affairs for our culture that we have to be so afraid of the haters and trolls that we can't actually build a fun community within our social media channels because a handful of people have no social skills. You be you--you have far more viewers with nice things to say, but you are always going to dwell on the one negative or weird comment. You do realize that those people who leave such comments have no friends in real life, right? LOL, I made the switch from Sunday starts (grew up in the '80s!) to Monday starts when I became an empty nester because my weekends are packed with so much more fun activities than my workdays! And, yes, I have messed up some appointments because of traditional American Sunday start calendars because I am still transitioning! As for the expensive beautiful covers, I look for ones that can work with a planner or a bound book, so if I don't use it for my planner, I can use it for a journal cover instead.
That’s exactly what my husband tries to tell me when I get a random jerk comment. I’d think my focus on the negative things people have to say to or about me also goes back to my childhood, but I’m trying to do better. I attempt to leave my IG completely politic and social topic free. It’s supposed to be my space free from all of those things.
Everyone in the “planner community” needs to watch this!!!!!! Absolutely love it.
Thank you so very much. I really appreciate it!
As long as you are using what works for you it doesn’t matter what you use ! It doesn’t have to be fancy to be a real planner !!!!
This video truly resonated with me. Thank you for expressing something I was trying to figure out for myself. I purchased a moterm and felt ashamed of it the feeling reminded me of being in grade school and wearing payless shoes instead of brand names. Loved this video! Thanks
Oh, we should never feel that way! Carry your Moterm with your head held high! I rarely even got to go to Payless. Childhood can be rough. Cliques still are found, but we don’t have to be forced into the same feelings as we did then. Hugs.
The best realization I've learned a couple of years ago was to let go of perfect planning. I feel like my planner is a reflection of a moment in time and any "imperfection" has a lovely story.
I could not agree more.
This video is encouraging me to make planner videos. I’m a couple of years older than, you and I’ve been using planners since I was in college 31 years ago and journaling on again/off again for 30 years. My system has evolved year-to-year. This is the first year I’ve done multiple planners (two plus a satellite). Next year I’m probably going to go back to one planner with some goal setting integrated into it. I am functional first with deco as a flourish of creativity.
go for it. your video might just be the video that someone out there needs to see. that is why I create my videos. 🙂
Exactly! Do it
I could write an editorial monologue agreeing with everything you've said in this video. I stopped posting in the planner community almost a year now. My life changed and I have very little time and money to indulge in my love for stationery. Now that I know what works for me (at least in this current season) I could post it and share what's working for me...but I just don't feel the need to do so anymore.
I know this is probably very late but you have to know that a lot of us understand your struggles. Remember that you always have the option of taking a break from what's stressing you out and know that not choosing what to do is also an option. Maybe that timeout will even give you a fresh perspective. Try different approaches and maybe you might find what you really want. I knew I was stressed in my planning when I started buying 5 hobonichi megas just to I can rip out the notes pages and planned on traveling 10 hours to another city so I can get those chunks of note pages professionally bound together. I was unhinged and it was unacceptable for my budget and my mental health. I knew then that I should stop. I started to box my planners and kept them somewhere I can't see then I took a break from using my planner. I just used those to-do list pads you get on book stores for 2 bucks for like a month and realized I lived just fine without messing up my schedule. When I calmed down a bit, I went back on thinking what to do with them then I opened all my previous planners and took note of all the important personal details I wrote, got photos of all the ideas for my 'future book', and recorded all important dates then I transfered all those into a midori a6 grid notebook which I now keep in my safe. That small compact notebook gave me so much peace! Knowing I have all my important memories together in there gave me this calm I've never felt for years. I got rid of all my previous planners. It might be very drastic but it is what worked for me. PLEASE DON'T COPY WHAT I DID. It's just what I decided is best FOR ME at that time and I'm a very decisive person so I know I'll have no regrets (I still don't 7 months later). This has gotten very long. Anyway, what I'm trying to say is take a break. Take time to find out what works for you. Remember that your planner is just a small part of what you're really actually planning for in real life. I hope you feel better now and I just want to say that I learn a lot from your videos. 💖💖
It’s hard because everyone seems to spend SO MUCH money and the constant hauls and such are overwhelming. I love to see people’s videos of their planner collections and hauls. It is fun to watch but… it’s hard because it’s always like “I need that” and I don’t WANT to buy that.
So I went back to my roots, abandoned Hobonichi, went back to my favorite pens I used in college, and have not looked back.
And I found planner peace.
So glad you’ve found peace. That’s awesome and so important.
I will say a lot of planner influencers that do haul videos use the monies they earn from their social media outlets to buy those hauls so they can share them. Not because they are trying to make everyone buy everything… but to share things they love or they were drawn to or they find inspiration from and think others might want to see it too in case they are looking for something they love or are inspired by. At least that’s what I thin and see and what I’ve done.
I agree with you! Keep your pilot pens and forget about the rest!!
@@wombofthevoid well I was speaking about haul videos like where I share the couple of thing I got at JetPens in case someone else was looking for a corner punch, or pencil board or wanted to see them and how they work before committing. There’s no mal-intent when I share it’s truly to be helpful so that people can see it before buying. But I do not watch a lot of huge haul videos and when I do - like art hauls - it’s just for brand recommendations or to see the products before buying or before adding to my wishlist. I use it as a resource similar to reading a review on a product. But I also think who you follow on social media also changes your perception of what the focus is.
@@wombofthevoid gotcha! I don’t watch many of those haul videos but I can see how those could be annoying and harmful! I’m glad that you’ve found some of my content helpful…that makes me happy 😊 and I appreciate you watching!!!
I know we all get so excited about stationery items….and it’s a slippery slope when we see all the things - ✨ like a magpie 😝
Like I said I don’t watch many of those type haul videos. But I bet I would have years ago when I first found the planner community and was trying to find a new system that would work for me…but back then I never got on YT unless I was doing a DIY home/car project and I didn’t have IG 😝 My only community exposure was on FB. Which is probably a blessing!
Hopefully we as a planner community can do better. I know I’ve got goals this year to add some new content and to be mindful of the product shares…though January isn’t a good representation of that because I bought myself some rewards for reaching some goals and also spent some Christmas money 😝
It was def overwhelming for me to start - but I had to do a 'self check' and remind myself that while I can appreciate how someone else creates & uses their space, I need to focus on what works for me :) Now I LOVE consuming planner content because it's so fun seeing how other people think, sometimes I get a good nugget of inspiration, and it's also so soothing during my work day lol!
I understand what you are saying. My hubby and I downsized or some may say resized to a smaller house this past Fall and I have been decluttering every area of our home after watching decorating videos and buying home decor magazines almost weekly. I am so OVER the push to compare my home with others out there because I was never satisfied when I would see a picture of someone's house interior I would look around to see what I could change about mine. I decided to declutter and do my own thing and it has been so rewarding and now for the first time I like my home. To tie this in with what is being said here, I also decluttered my planners and junk that I put in them. I was trying to decorate the pages to make them look pretty just like my home and I was never satisfied when I would see what someone else was doing with theirs. It was like being on a roller coaster ride. I finally stopped the ride, got off and asked myself what it was that I was needing from these planners. I realized that I needed to go back to the old me and use mostly the monthly and put my bills on stickers on their due dates along with the amount and keep track of my goals for those bills in the other areas of the planner. When I looked back at my old calendar with all the decorating on the pages, it was so busy that I lost focus on my goals for my bills and it took up a lot of my time. I am finally FREE of all this chaos.
I am so very happy for you! I too miss the days when everyone just had a normal house. It breeds discontent with what we have and is so very bad for us.
Thank you saying the hard thing out loud. I have come to the same conclusion recently myself. I used to be a functional planner. I used a ring system until my kids graduated and it kept us organized through all our various activities and appointments. Then I got into decorative planning. I really went down a rabbit hole! Then I realized that it is easy to create a beautifully decorated spread when you get almost every new planner, sticker book and washi tape roll sent to you for free! I am not purchasing anything new. I will buy ONE planner for 2025. When I have things back to a more manageable level I will see where I want to go.
Thank you. I got some flack for this video, but it doesn’t make it not true. I’m doing much better this year with consistency and hope to make it to one planner myself.
I love this video! This is the exact reason that I try to focus my content around finding what works rather than on creating a pretty spread, or hawking a product as the key to someone's planner enlightenment. Content creating online is brand building and there's always an urge to be put together, consistent, reliable, aspirational. But that isn't what the experience of being a human being is like. It always changes. Thanks for sharing.
You give people ideas and to discover what works for them. You’re not negative on what other people are doing. Everyone is different. Just because it works for them doesn’t mean it’s going to work for me. Social media, just take from it what you can use. If you don’t like it don’t be on it. When you put your stuff out there you have to expect stuff back.
You do You, Sam. I'll be here to cheer you on whatever you decide. Right now, I'm in a Hobo Weeks. But I love rings, I just cant haul it with me like I like too. I'll be watching others also to see if you've maybe started a trend with you're declaration! Always here with ya girl!❤
Well if I do start a trend, no one will likely say it. Or at least that’s usually how it works. Thanks for cheering me on. 🧡
I think you are the most sensitive planner creator that I have ever watched on RUclips. You seem have a lot of frustration and emotion that I’ve never seen before about such a thing as a planner. I do use an A5 rings. I have a lot of planners so I do not use the super expensive ones Giglio or Vanderspek I use just a medium price planner, theMoterm like you use there as an example because I want a lot of them. I change out my planner every month for the color to go with my insert theme which are heavily decorated. I have a subscription to Coco Daisy I use planner perfect I just remove the covers and punch holes and insert them in my rings. I’m not trying to be negative, but all the things you discussed about, I have never given any thought to and I watch planner videos all the time. I decorate very heavily lol sometimes I feel like my planner looks like it belongs to a 16-year-old girl but would say I don’t care. I really don’t because I like it. My planner is open on my desk all day. an none of the women on social media and bother me with what they think about it. Maybe you should just take a break from social media and use the planners that you want and before you buy them consider all these things you talked about while you are in the store so you don’t make such mistakes. Have a good day.
If you look at the many comments, you’ll see I’m not alone. Maybe other people just aren’t comfortable sharing their struggles, afraid someone will come into comments saying they are too sensitive.
@@samplans oh dear. It was not my intention to hurt your feelings by saying you Seem sensitive. Your whole discussion is about your Feelings. Adopt the “who cares!” Attitude. Keep doing you.
It’s okay. Sometimes what we are trying to say doesn’t come through the way we intended. Thanks for clarifying!
I think options are phenomenal. I don't use a bound book type planner because I prefer rings so that I can move things around, change it, etc. I use undated inserts form etsy. So I shop my digital file stash first when I want a change. I think knowing yourself and your budget and not buying impulsively are how to combat marketing and options with any category of items. There are tons of options for any product we buy, like shampoo, makeup, etc.
Thanks so much for this video! I started out a planner with the spiral bound notebook and then progressed to Franklin Covey when it first came out. Eventually that got to be too much for me and I went back to my notebook and a simple calendar. When I found the social media stuff about planners and all the decoration and etc. I couldn't believe how much I had missed out on. Super fomo! This helps so much.
I bet you were so much more organized planning that way!
All spot on. Before I found the planner community, I enjoyed either a slim week to 1 page diary or I had a personal Filofax. In 10 years of the community I’ve had multiple other planners and planning system. Where am I now? In personal rings and a Hobonichi weeks (which is an expensive version of a slim diary, let’s be honest!) so, full circle. Back to what I like before I ever found the community. You do you is often considered an insult, but I think it’s a frank and honest comment. Kindness and letting people do their thing are free. I like looking on social media as it gives me ideas about layouts, or trackers etc. But I’m on a very restricted stationery budget now to stop the fad shopping. I only look at favourite planner (like yourself) or those on the same systems as me. I dodge fomo now haha.
I agree with everything in this video. I used a free monthly calendar for years and then Instagram happened. I now use a $20 8×11 planner from Target in *gasp horizontal and. Sunday monthly view. 😂 I gave up everything but RUclips when it comes to planning. I still like seeing some of what people are doing, but I gave up the consumerism end of it.
Yes! I remember the panic that set in when I realized how much I was “missing” that I had no budget to fulfill. Everyone was buying super expensive stickers from a specific shop, doing challenges to see who could put the most stickers on a spread. I had the audacity to question this use of finances and how it could possibly be functional, and I was basically chewed up and spit out. There were more stickers used on one page than I could afford in one year at that point.
Thank you! I'm so glad you said this.
I wish I had the ability and the money to make my own planner. Like you, I like a little from each planner so I keep buying different ones , only to find out that I’m not satisfied because of one or two things in each planner. So off I go to buy another planner. Meanwhile I have all these unused planners piled up on my desk. Sadly I still have yet to find the perfect one for me.
Wow your husband kind of opened my eyes … when you said what he told you my expression went to horrified but then I was “what if I don’t like planning anymore lol.” It was like a lightbulb went out and I was all “oh my gosh I might not like planning anymore.. it was a tough pill to swallow cause I feel it was my identity almost I’m that girl with 20 planners but the truth is planning gives me stress like I feel I need to write things down but don’t need a full on planner… I feel a lot of my frustration is that nothing was working for me yet grabbing a notebook and writing something down took the stress of keeping it in my head away but also the stress of having a planner. It’s truly eye opening because I feel like I possibly don’t like planning anymore and that’s okay.
Yes, the girl with 20 planners likely has no idea where she is supposed to be. I bet the girl with the messy notebook has her whole life together.
100% agree with everything you said!! I was a happier planner before social media. That realization made me make some changes. I now follow you, Rita and like a small handful of accounts due to the chaos and negativity…or even the materialism. I can’t believe people get upset about things like a Sunday start. 😂. Y’all I have to much to do to care about such things!! And if people don’t like that you change to something different…they must not follow Rita. She changes like everyday. And I LOVE it!! 😂❤.
I’ve settled now into two different styles. Both cheap because I make one and cheap buy the other. Leather covers are pricy , but i just collected over time. I hand cut and stitch Cahier size books for every month. And when I’m feeling super anxious I use a weekly cheap bought planner…or even just a spiral notebook. So over the year I just deal with those two. It works for me!
Simply put. You use whatever you want. You could make your plans on a dirty napkin and I would be like awesome. How’s this gonna work! I will still watch! ❤😂
I planned for years in a "Mom's Family Desk Planner". It worked perfectly for me. Absolutely perfectly. Until I "found" the planner community on YT. I've now spent years trying to "fix" a system that was never broken, because I wasn't "doing it right". Love this video!! ❤
Yes! Whatever we want to use at the time is perfect!
I always enjoy your videos. However, this one especially spoke to me, thank you!!!
I’m all over the place with planners, but taking a step back, a deep breath and really seeing what you mean about social media not really being helpful, is so true. It has added to my decision fatigue and insecurities of am I doing this right? Sheesh!!
Thank you for letting us see your reality, it was very helpful!❤
Loved the topic and definitely appreciate your views/comments. My perspective comes as a 70 yr old female that started journaling at the age of 9.
Planners and journals have evolved in trying to accommodate the varied needs and styles of the consumer. Not all followers/viewers grasp the work you do behind the scene to present your shared information/tests/trials regarding planners. You are correct in stating that social media has brought varied options to us, the consumers. Social media offers a reactive platform for consumers with both positive and negative views. You produce/share/inform/illustrate your well honed practices that have evolved over the years. You share your mistakes/handwriting/discipline/ thoughts/obstacles and your celebrated victories. In addition, your shares are polished, concise, informative, positive and consistent. We as followers only offer praise or criticism. I agree with your statement/ How Social Media Hurts the Planner Community/ as I sit here with my 5 working planner/journals and 2 handmade journals. Thank you for your well thought out video.
Thank you so much. For some people, your pile of planners isn’t a big deal at all, when my stack starts building like that I feel so overwhelmed! There’s just SO MUCH to choose from!
I have been using a journal and planner for MANY years even before it got so popular on social media. I enjoy watching videos of all the types and brands of covers and planners out there. I do have several leather covers and a few Hobonichi covers as well. I found my happy place with the Jibun Techo A5 and have been using it for 5 years now. I don’t let the social media get me down or manipulate me in to buying. I get great ideas from all the videos I watch but if something is just crazy expensive, I don’t buy because it’s not necessary to have such expensive items when there are so many beautiful covers, notebooks, planners and other planing items that are reasonably priced. For example (my opinion) the Gillo’s are ridiculously priced. I think they are beautiful and I could afford one but why would I spend that kind of money on one? That’s just me (no judgement on anyone). I have my favorite people that I watch on You Tube and I stick to those I enjoy and once in awhile I’ll watch others. I never share what is in my planners or notebooks because to me that is very personal and I don’t like share my photos or photos of my family or friends. I do share some stuff but it’s never what is written in my planner. Thanks for the video! 😊
Absolutely 🌞 last year I purchased a pack of 3 A5 blank jotters for £4 to use as my journal instead of a £65 hobonichi or £28 stalogy.
I'm sorry I'm just now discovering your channel. Thank you for this! Really! I too suffer from severe PTSD, anxiety, and MDD. I also discovered as an adult that I have autism. I get so overwhelmed so quickly it's almost paralyzing so it's refreshing to see you address this. I also discovered part of the reason I couldn't find the right planner was because I couldn't tolerate the feel and sound of the pen on the paper so I was on the hunt for the right kind of pen and the right kind of paper. I loved the IDEA of Happy Planner and really wanted it to be the one but over time realized I was wasting so much money because I am a writer not a decorator. So now I have found that a 6 ring binder system works and I am listening to myself and not hopping on the latest trend and wasting time and self esteem. I guess they call it functional planning? LONG winded way to say thank you..but THANK YOU!!
Thank you so much!! I’m so glad you found your system, and it works so well for you, it’s crazy how the system we think will work is sometimes exactly NOT what we need!
The planner community just like every community on social media is not about function it’s about consumption. Once you get that thing you thought you needed so bad you realize you still aren’t fulfilled. This is the consumerism mentality that tells us we are not good enough until we get more. You will never be satisfied until you come to the realization that you are already good enough just as you are. Be grateful for what you have and appreciate the creativity that people share online without the need to try and compare and compete.
I'm listening and watching this video as I type my comment here. I commend you for calling out the haters and indicating that you will delete their comments and move on. Yes! I agree, mental health is the #1 priority. Thank you for calling it out. I've been taking social media breaks and it makes my heart happier. I will continue to do so. Everything you are saying in this video is spot on. Thank you for being real. Thank you for being honest. I, myself, am an introvert and have anxiety issues. I need to stand back from all the social media fray and the planner cliques. I hate the comparisons. The most important thing to me is my mental health, and what makes me feel better - so I do what works for me. My work planner and home functional/calendar tasks go in one, and them some loose journaling and lots of stickers that I make from my pictures in another.
I absolutely love this video. So many people really need to watch this. I began planning with personal rings. I’ve used lots of other planners. I use the Hobonichi Cousin for budget and weekly planning and the A6 for EDC. I use what works for me and use the internet for inspiration. Thanks for this video again. People are so mean and we have forgotten as a community to be kind since we’re all so different 😊
Thank you, Gizelle 🧡
Thank you thank you so much for making me feel ok. This year I just went off and bought 4 different planners for 2023. From something I enjoyed doing, it became a chore and nothing was getting done. I even thought about quitting it all together but honestly how could I? At the end I went back to my old system and promised myself to not fix what was already good. I have one planner, one journal and am very happy.
I jumped on this video not because I use your planning system but because I have noticed a lot of the issues you talked about in the planning community. I was a die hard EC vertical girl. Until this year where digital planning took over for me. The pressure to make my pages pretty over super functional was affecting me. I also had been denying the fact that I needed a daily planner yet something I could make my own. I miss and love paper but unfortunately digital is where I need to be right now. I hope that more planner girls learn to stay true and honest about what real productivity looks like.
Thank you so much. 🧡