# Better than GTD? The Franklin Covey Planner System EXPLAINED + how to implement it in your planner!  ## Intro [(00:00:00)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j21jphA1Q0M&t=0s) - Creating to-do lists, scheduling appointments, and writing in a calendar are common tasks, but some individuals struggle to initiate tasks or decide which task to start with, and the Franklin Covey Planner System may be beneficial for them [(00:00:10)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j21jphA1Q0M&t=10s) - The system aims to help individuals overcome difficulties in getting started on tasks and determining task priorities [(00:00:08)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j21jphA1Q0M&t=8s) - Traditional calendar organization, such as making to-do lists and scheduling appointments, is only one aspect of task management, and the Franklin Covey Planner System offers a more comprehensive approach [(00:00:05)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j21jphA1Q0M&t=5s) ## Overview [(00:00:12)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j21jphA1Q0M&t=12s) - The Franklin Covey planner system has resonated with the individual as much as the [[Getting Things Done]] (GTD) method, and they are excited to share its benefits, particularly in prioritizing tasks and planning, which they felt was lacking in the GTD method [(00:00:31)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j21jphA1Q0M&t=31s). - The individual will break down the Franklin Covey planner system, explain how to implement it in a planner, and discuss how it can supplement the GTD method for those currently using it [(00:00:36)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j21jphA1Q0M&t=36s). - The video will provide a comprehensive overview of the system, and additional resources, including products and links, will be available in the description box below [(00:00:42)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j21jphA1Q0M&t=42s). - The individual is not an expert in the Franklin Covey planner system and recommends checking out proper resources for more information [(00:00:48)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j21jphA1Q0M&t=48s). ## History [(00:00:55)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j21jphA1Q0M&t=55s) - The Franklin Covey Planner System is focused on time management and prioritizing key tasks around core values, as everyone has limited time regardless of their wealth, intelligence, or fame [(00:00:58)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j21jphA1Q0M&t=58s). - The system was first developed by [[Hyrum W. Smith]], not [[Richard I. Winwood | Richard Winwood]], in 1984, but the name seems to be incorrect in the text, however the system was indeed inspired by Benjamin Franklin's autobiography [(00:01:12)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j21jphA1Q0M&t=72s). - The system was popularized by [[Stephen Covey]], author of "[[The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People | Seven Habits of Highly Effective People]]", after his company merged with Hyrum W. Smith's company [(00:01:21)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j21jphA1Q0M&t=81s). - The merged company is now called Franklin Covey, which is the origin of the planner system's name [(00:01:31)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j21jphA1Q0M&t=91s). ## Why I love it [(00:01:33)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j21jphA1Q0M&t=93s) - The Franklin Covey planner system is considered to be more effective than the [[Getting Things Done | GTD]] method in terms of prioritizing tasks and planning daily activities, as it emphasizes setting goals and understanding one's core values [(00:01:47)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j21jphA1Q0M&t=107s). - The system involves determining one's core values and how they impact the roles they play in life, which in turn drives their day-to-day action plan [(00:02:45)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j21jphA1Q0M&t=165s). - Core values can stem from various roles, such as being a mother, daughter, sister, friend, employee, or boss, and can apply to multiple roles [(00:03:27)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j21jphA1Q0M&t=207s). - The weekly planning process involves putting values and roles at the forefront, using tools like the weekly [[Compass]], a half-sheet insert that keeps important items top of mind [(00:04:19)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j21jphA1Q0M&t=259s). - The weekly Compass is divided into sections, including roles and relationships, big tasks or "rocks" that matter most, and a section for focusing on oneself, with four categories: physical, social, emotional, and mental/spiritual [(00:04:34)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j21jphA1Q0M&t=274s). - The first section of the weekly Compass is always dedicated to one's role as oneself, emphasizing the importance of prioritizing one's own needs before being there for others [(00:04:54)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j21jphA1Q0M&t=294s). - The weekly Compass is designed to help individuals focus on six big items or "rocks" per week, making it realistic and manageable [(00:04:42)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j21jphA1Q0M&t=282s). - The Franklin Covey Planner System involves listing roles in life, such as mom, wife, husband, brother, sister, or friend, and prioritizing big events for each role for the week [(00:05:29)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j21jphA1Q0M&t=329s). - These events can be small, like spending quality time with kids or having a meal with a spouse, and are meant to be referenced and changed week to week [(00:05:42)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j21jphA1Q0M&t=342s). - When doing weekly planning, these tasks are scheduled first, before anything else, to ensure prioritization based on values and what's important [(00:06:26)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j21jphA1Q0M&t=386s). - Using a weekly planner, such as the ones in the Franklin Covey bundle, can help with this process, and can be used in conjunction with a digital planner [(00:06:15)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j21jphA1Q0M&t=375s). - The system provides a visual reminder of what's important in life, helping to stay grounded and on track, and prioritize days based on values rather than emotions or daily stress [(00:07:13)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j21jphA1Q0M&t=433s). - This approach can help with being more patient and present with family, and avoid getting caught up in the daily whirlwind of work, family, and side hustles [(00:07:01)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j21jphA1Q0M&t=421s). ## Eisenhower Matrix [(00:07:32)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j21jphA1Q0M&t=452s) - The Franklin Covey planner method uses the [[Priority Matrix | Eisenhower Matrix]], a four-quadrant time matrix that helps determine task priority based on importance and urgency [(00:07:37)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j21jphA1Q0M&t=457s). - The matrix is not used to plot all tasks, but rather as a guide to prioritize tasks when unsure of their importance [(00:07:51)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j21jphA1Q0M&t=471s). - The daily insert is used to list tasks and appointments, with tasks on the left and appointments on the right [(00:08:27)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j21jphA1Q0M&t=507s). - Tasks are prioritized using an ABC system, with A being must-do tasks, B being secondary tasks, and C being non-essential tasks [(00:09:01)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j21jphA1Q0M&t=541s). - The Eisenhower Matrix can be used to guide task prioritization if needed [(00:09:28)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j21jphA1Q0M&t=568s). - Tasks are assigned a number in the order they will be completed, with A tasks done first, followed by B and C tasks [(00:09:58)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j21jphA1Q0M&t=598s). - Time blocking is used to schedule tasks, with dedicated time blocks for A tasks [(00:10:57)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j21jphA1Q0M&t=657s). - The schedule section is used to block off time for tasks, and notes are taken on the right-hand side, with numbered notes for easy reference [(00:11:33)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j21jphA1Q0M&t=693s). - Notes are numbered for easy reference, and these numbers will be useful for referencing later [(00:11:59)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j21jphA1Q0M&t=719s). ## Franklin Covey Planner System [(00:12:31)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j21jphA1Q0M&t=751s) - The Franklin Covey planner system is explained, highlighting its differences from the [[Getting Things Done | GTD]] method, particularly in capturing tasks, calendar events, long-term ideas, and thoughts for future reference [(00:12:34)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j21jphA1Q0M&t=754s). - The monthly insert is used for pre-planning, serving as an inbox for tasks and a reference note system, or index, for the rest of the planning system [(00:13:09)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j21jphA1Q0M&t=789s). - The monthly insert has a master list on the left for tasks and a calendar view on the right for time-specific events, allowing users to dump tasks for the month and schedule them accordingly [(00:13:22)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j21jphA1Q0M&t=802s). - A section is dedicated to indexing notes for future reference, enabling users to easily find specific pages in their planner [(00:13:53)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j21jphA1Q0M&t=833s). - The system is designed for task lists and day-specific events, but it lacks a specific spot for long-term ideas or non-time-specific information [(00:14:47)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j21jphA1Q0M&t=887s). - Users can jot down ideas on the task list and migrate them elsewhere, but the system does not have a designated spot for a "someday maybe" list, unlike David Allen's GTD method [(00:15:07)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j21jphA1Q0M&t=907s). - Despite this limitation, users can still find ways to incorporate long-term ideas and non-time-specific information into their planning system [(00:15:23)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j21jphA1Q0M&t=923s). ## How I use it [(00:15:25)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j21jphA1Q0M&t=925s) - The Franklin Covey planner method is incorporated with the [[Getting Things Done | GTD]] system by using it for daily inserts, as it is found to be strong in managing time day-to-day and prioritizing tasks [(00:15:27)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j21jphA1Q0M&t=927s). - The daily inserts help navigate long to-do lists, provide a sense of where to start, and eliminate the need to decide what to do next, as it is already laid out [(00:15:35)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j21jphA1Q0M&t=935s). - The two-page dailies are useful, especially with the note pages, which are helpful for jotting down information quickly during calls or meetings [(00:15:57)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j21jphA1Q0M&t=957s). - The note pages are also useful for referencing information from a certain day, as they can be easily flipped back to [(00:16:20)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j21jphA1Q0M&t=980s). - For long-term notes or referencing, the GTD method is still used, where reference items are stored in a specific list or spot to avoid losing them [(00:16:27)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j21jphA1Q0M&t=987s). - The GTD framework is preferred for capturing everything that's in mind, including having a "someday maybe" list that is separate from everything else [(00:16:51)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j21jphA1Q0M&t=1011s). - The Franklin Covey planner system is not used for storing reference information, as it is not practical to flip back through old planners for reference [(00:17:12)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j21jphA1Q0M&t=1032s). - The combination of both systems works well, but it may not be suitable for everyone, especially those who prefer to flip back through old planners for reference [(00:17:19)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j21jphA1Q0M&t=1039s).