I’ve spent years searching for an intentional planning system that kept me organized without overwhelming me. What I’ve learned is that my best days come from simplicity — creating space, not squeezing more in — and building routines that support creativity and calm.
This is my planning toolkit — the simple systems and tools that help me stay grounded, organized, and intentional, without overwhelming my creative flow.
There was a season when I tried every planner, app, and template I could find. I wanted the perfect system — something that would organize every detail of my life. But what I ended up with was clutter: too many notebooks, too many tabs open, and too many unfinished plans.
The turning point came when I realized that systems should serve me, not the other way around.
A minimal setup gave me clarity. I didn’t have to manage the system — I could just live in it.
Now, my planning process is a balance of digital structure and tactile ritual. It’s simple enough to maintain, flexible enough to evolve, and beautiful enough to enjoy.
These are the tools I come back to again and again — a small but powerful toolkit that keeps my personal, creative, and everyday life connected.
This is my main planner — the one that holds the rhythm of my life.
I use the Hobonichi HON A5 as a daily reflection and planning space. Each page gives me room to plan my day loosely, jot notes, and write small reflections about what mattered. The Tomoe River paper makes it a joy to write in, and its compact format keeps everything contained and cohesive.
Throughout the month, I also add photos using my Canon Selphy — little snapshots that capture moments, moods, or details I don’t want to forget. Printing and adding these photos turns each page into a mini memory, connecting planning with creativity and reflection. Some days the page is structured; some days it’s more like a journal entry — both are equally valuable.
My Hobonichi Weeks is my carry-everywhere companion. It’s lightweight, easy to throw in my bag, and perfect for on-the-go planning.
I use it for quick notes, appointments, and small task lists when I’m away from my desk. The vertical weekly layout helps me see my week at a glance without feeling boxed in. It’s minimal but functional — exactly how I like it.
The Manager’s Notebook from PaperTess Designs is my central hub for life management.
This is where I track all of the moving pieces that make up our family and work schedule — school activities, sports, appointments, financial items, and upcoming deadlines.
It’s structured but elegant, with sections for priorities, to-dos, and open space for notes.
I love how it brings everything together in one place — personal and professional, creative and practical. It’s where I can see the full picture: what needs attention today, what’s coming up this week, and where to carve out time for rest or creativity.
It’s less about keeping up and more about keeping calm.
My digital anchor.
iCal keeps all my commitments, deadlines, and appointments organized in one place. I use it to hold the big picture — time blocks for creative work, client projects, and personal commitments.
It syncs across my devices, so no matter where I am, I can quickly check or adjust my schedule. I color-code only by category (work, personal, creative) — keeping it simple and visual without overwhelming detail.
This might be my favorite part of my planning system.
Each day, I take a few photos that reflect what life felt like, not just what it looked like.
These images serve as visual anchors — little reminders of what I want more of, or moments I don’t want to overlook.
When I sit down to plan or journal, I’ll scroll through my recent photos. It’s a gentle form of reflection that helps me plan with intention and gratitude.
Each week, I carve out quiet time — usually on a Sunday evening or Monday morning — to do a simple reset. It’s not about planning every detail of the week; it’s about preparing the space to move through it intentionally.
Here’s my rhythm:
It takes about 30 minutes, but it creates a sense of calm that carries through the week.
This ritual helps me move from reacting to directing — aligning how I spend my time with what matters most.
If you’re craving a more intentional approach to planning, start simple.
You don’t need to buy anything new or learn a complex app. The best systems are the ones you’ll actually use.
Try this:
A system isn’t meant to control your life — it’s meant to support it.
The goal isn’t perfection; it’s presence.
Building your own intentional planning system doesn’t have to be complicated. Begin with the tools and rituals that feel simple and natural — whether it’s a Hobonichi planner, iCal, or a weekly reset ritual. The key is creating space for clarity, calm, and creativity, rather than filling every hour with tasks.
Start small, experiment, and let your system evolve. For more on slowing down and making space in your life, read Changing Lanes and Slowing Down.
Take the first step today: design your intentional planning system and reclaim your time, focus, and creativity.
