Works for Me: Franklin Covey

I use the Franklin Covey planner system. I love my planner! Franklin Covey has solutions for paper planners, as well as PDAs and electronic planners. There is an extensive seminar that you can take to show you how to maximize your productivity using the Franklin Covey planning system. I have never attended this seminar (it can be quite expensive), but I have read the materials that come with the planner, and I love the system.

Franklin Covey starts with establishing a mission statement, recognizing your various roles, writing long term goals, and short term goals. Then you break your goals (even something as simple as meal planning or daily tasks) into manageable steps, which go on the monthly pages and then on your weekly compass, and then on your daily task list. Each item on your daily task list is prioritized by importance. The goal is to be able to focus on what is important, but not urgent (so that you are not constantly running around like a chicken with your head cut off) by utilizing the quadrant system. This information is all explained in greater depth in the planner materials.

I do a little bit of weekly planning at the beginning of the week. As I remember or come across tasks that need to be done on a certain day, I open my planner and write it in on the appropriate day. Each day I check the appointment schedule and the task list, add some tasks if needed, and prioritize the list. It is very easy and very effective.

I now have my goals in my planner, as well as records for Sunday School, gift lists, website records, postage stamps, and my weekly shopping list so that everything is in one place.

When you visit the website you may be overwhelmed by some of the prices. However, if there is a store near you - go check it out. I purchased a leather planner (which will last me many years) for $20 on clearance. I spend about $25 per year for my planning pages. It is worth it to me to be organized and feel less stress when I have a lot to do.

Be sure to check out Rocks in my Dryer for more WFMW tips!