3 Mistakes to Avoid When Starting a Planner Habit
(And How to Actually Stick With It)
Hi Guys, I want to share this with those of you who want to start using a digital planner. So you finally got a beautiful new planner — maybe it’s printable, digital, or handmade — and you’re excited to get organized, stay on top of things, and bring some peace to your day.
But after a week or two… life happens. You stop using it, pages go blank, and you start thinking, “Maybe I’m just not a planner person.”
Don’t give up just yet! If you're trying to build a solid planner habit, here are three common mistakes to avoid — plus how to fix them so your planner actually works for you.
❌ Mistake #1: Trying to Plan Your Entire Life Overnight
You print all the pages, set 15 goals, color-code everything — and suddenly feel overwhelmed. Sound familiar?
💡 The Fix:
Start small. Choose just one area of your life to plan:
→ Your daily to-do list
→ A weekly meal plan
→ A simple habit tracker
Once that feels easy, add more. A good planner habit grows one page at a time.
❌ Mistake #2: Making It Too Perfect
You get caught up in the aesthetics — the perfect handwriting, matching stickers, no mistakes — and then feel stressed using it.
💡 The Fix:
Give yourself permission to be messy. Your planner is for progress, not perfection. Use scratchy pen, cross things out, add doodles — it’s yours! Done is better than perfect.
❌ Mistake #3: Not Making It Part of Your Daily Routine
If your planner lives in a drawer, you’ll forget about it. Consistency is what turns a planner into a habit.
💡 The Fix:
Make it part of your daily rhythm. Choose a set time each day — like morning coffee or just before bed — to check in with your planner. Keep it visible and easy to reach.
💬 Bonus tip: Leave your planner open on your desk or kitchen counter so you see it and use it daily.
✅ Final Thoughts
Building a planner habit isn’t about being perfect — it’s about making your life easier, calmer, and more intentional. By avoiding these common mistakes and giving yourself space to experiment, your planner can become your favorite everyday tool.
💌 Ready to Start Fresh?
Grab my free printable daily Planner to make planning fun and simple.
👉 Sign up here to download it instantly!