Every year I start a huge puzzle during the Christmas season. This is the only time of the year when I’m inside every day long enough to dedicate the time to a project of this size. But by the middle of January, the pace has slowed, the easier portions of the puzzle are done and the harder work makes progress less apparent.
I bring this up because the same thing has happened on my planner progress. The first few days of a new planner are easy and fun – it almost fills out itself. But then mid-January hits.
For me, a major work trip was the reason I slowed down in my planner entries. A week-long trip of full work days that left no spare time at the end of the day.
So what are my plans to get back on track?
My first goal has been to simply do ANYTHING. Write a single word. Put in a sticker. Tape something into my planner that lets me know I existed in the world on that day. Some days all I can do is slip an item in-between the pages so I can tape in the item later in the week. I added an entrance sticker from a museum, origami from a project, receipts from a fun purchase.
I don’t want a few days (or a couple weeks) to change my momentum for the entire year. I’m trying to make a dent in the pile of journaling supplies I’ve hoarded over the years which helps immensely – stickers, tape, and stamps make the process easier and faster.
My favorite tool this year is still my photo printer. It’s easy to document some of my day through a fun photo. Today’s photo? My friendly neighborhood squirrel, Jerry:
What is your favorite way to keep yourself motivated to be in your planner or journal this time of the year?
