# 8 Mistakes to AVOID in Your 2025 Planning System | Functional Planning to Manage Your ENTIRE Life! ![](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/U5sv6Un_uGE/maxresdefault.jpg) ## It's not Enough to Just Set Up a Planning System! [(00:00:00)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U5sv6Un_uGE&t=0s) - Setting up a planning system is not enough; how the system is used and how it works will directly impact what can be accomplished in life and the results achieved [(00:00:10)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U5sv6Un_uGE&t=10s). - The effectiveness of a planning system is crucial in determining the outcomes in one's life, emphasizing the importance of using the system correctly [(00:00:12)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U5sv6Un_uGE&t=12s). - The discussion focuses on eight mistakes to avoid in a 2025 planning system to help achieve desired results [(00:00:17)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U5sv6Un_uGE&t=17s). - The goal is to share these mistakes to enable individuals to achieve the results they want in their lives [(00:00:21)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U5sv6Un_uGE&t=21s). ## Mistake 1 [(00:00:23)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U5sv6Un_uGE&t=23s) - An over-complicated planning system can make it challenging to effectively plan and stay on top of key life areas and make progress towards goals [(00:00:25)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U5sv6Un_uGE&t=25s). - Having multiple planners in a planning system can lead to difficulties in knowing where certain information is or where to put new information, making it best to manage planning within one planner [(00:00:51)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U5sv6Un_uGE&t=51s). - Involving too many steps in the planning process, such as writing things in multiple places daily, can also over-complicate the system, and adjustments should be made to simplify it [(00:01:41)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U5sv6Un_uGE&t=101s). - Checking too many different locations to plan the day can also indicate too many steps in the planning system [(00:02:16)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U5sv6Un_uGE&t=136s). - Using complex software or multiple pieces of complex software can over-complicate the planning system, and keeping it simple is often the best approach for getting things done [(00:02:30)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U5sv6Un_uGE&t=150s). - It's essential to evaluate whether each added software is necessary for effectively managing life and consider simplifying the planning system [(00:03:14)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U5sv6Un_uGE&t=194s). ## Mistake 2 [(00:03:19)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U5sv6Un_uGE&t=199s) - The second mistake to avoid in a 2025 planning system is having too much upkeep or maintenance, which can lead to a lot of effort being put into setting up the planner rather than using it to plan and achieve goals [(00:03:20)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U5sv6Un_uGE&t=200s). - A planning system can be too complicated, leading to too much upkeep or maintenance, but it's also possible to have a system that effectively houses all necessary information without being too complicated, yet still requires too much upkeep [(00:03:29)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U5sv6Un_uGE&t=209s). - Too much upkeep or maintenance means a lot of effort is put into ensuring the structure of the planning system is available, taking valuable time away from working on action steps to achieve goals and using up planning energy [(00:03:55)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U5sv6Un_uGE&t=235s). - Investing too much time or energy in setting up the structure of a planning system can be done through activities such as drawing out spreads or creating custom spreads every month, week, or day [(00:04:42)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U5sv6Un_uGE&t=282s). - Certain planning styles, such as bullet journaling or using hobonichi-style planners, can require a lot of structure to be added, which may be too much maintenance or upkeep for some individuals [(00:04:58)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U5sv6Un_uGE&t=298s). - Other signs of too much upkeep or maintenance include cutting paper to fit a specific planner size, taking up a lot of planning time, and needing to use over-the-top sticker kits to add structure to the planning system [(00:05:31)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U5sv6Un_uGE&t=331s). - If more energy is being put into setting up the planner, such as adding stickers, than actually using it, it may be a sign that the planning system has too much upkeep or maintenance required [(00:06:24)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U5sv6Un_uGE&t=384s). ## Mistake 3 [(00:06:37)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U5sv6Un_uGE&t=397s) - A common mistake to avoid in a 2025 planning system is sticking with spreads or layouts that are not working effectively for the individual [(00:06:38)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U5sv6Un_uGE&t=398s). - This can occur when someone purchases a planner or custom spreads, but finds themselves not returning to them, getting confused while filling them out, or skipping them altogether in favor of other spreads that work better [(00:06:57)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U5sv6Un_uGE&t=417s). - It's common for people to force themselves to continue using these ineffective spreads, even when it's clear they're not the right fit [(00:07:13)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U5sv6Un_uGE&t=433s). - If certain spreads are consistently being skipped over in the planning system, it's recommended to stop including them and consider giving them away or selling them [(00:07:32)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U5sv6Un_uGE&t=452s). - The primary goal of a planning system is to effectively manage one's life and make progress towards goals, so any spread that hinders this progress should be removed [(00:07:45)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U5sv6Un_uGE&t=465s). - It's essential to prioritize using spreads that are helpful and effective, rather than forcing the use of something that's not working [(00:07:59)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U5sv6Un_uGE&t=479s). ## Mistake 4 [(00:08:03)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U5sv6Un_uGE&t=483s) - The fourth mistake to avoid in a 2025 planning system is making changes too quickly, which is the opposite of the third mistake, and can negatively impact effectiveness in planning [(00:08:04)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U5sv6Un_uGE&t=484s). - To avoid changing things too quickly, two rules can be followed: giving a new planner or layout at least a month to see how it works, and ideally 2 to 3 months [(00:08:49)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U5sv6Un_uGE&t=529s). - Another philosophy to apply is trying everything at least twice, as long as it's not immoral or illegal, to ensure that the planner or layout is given a fair chance to work [(00:09:13)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U5sv6Un_uGE&t=553s). - When trying a new planner, it's recommended to give it a try for a month and then maybe try it for a second month to see if the second month goes any differently [(00:09:53)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U5sv6Un_uGE&t=593s). - If a planner or layout is tried for a sufficient amount of time and still doesn't feel good, it may be a sign that it's time to change things up [(00:10:02)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U5sv6Un_uGE&t=602s). - The goal is to avoid spending too much time and energy changing things in the planning system and to establish a solid foundation for effective planning [(00:10:13)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U5sv6Un_uGE&t=613s). ## Mistake 5 [(00:10:24)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U5sv6Un_uGE&t=624s) - Mistake number five to avoid in a 2025 planning system is not customizing the system to fit individual needs and life circumstances [(00:10:26)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U5sv6Un_uGE&t=626s). - A one-size-fits-all approach to planning and goal setting may not be effective, as people have different lives, categories, and priorities [(00:10:47)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U5sv6Un_uGE&t=647s). - Customizing a planning system can involve including sections to manage specific areas of life, such as parenting or a side hustle [(00:11:24)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U5sv6Un_uGE&t=684s). - For individuals with multiple responsibilities, such as a full-time job and a side hustle, separate sections can be created to effectively manage goals and tasks [(00:11:38)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U5sv6Un_uGE&t=698s). - Customization can also involve adding or removing sections or pages in a planner or planning inserts to make the system more relevant and useful [(00:12:01)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U5sv6Un_uGE&t=721s). - It is essential to review the current planning system and identify what might be missing or unnecessary, and make adjustments accordingly [(00:12:12)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U5sv6Un_uGE&t=732s). ## Mistake 6 [(00:12:26)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U5sv6Un_uGE&t=746s) - Mistake number six to avoid in a 2025 planning system is not including space to plan, track, and review goals within the system [(00:12:26)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U5sv6Un_uGE&t=746s). - A planning system should be customized to fit individual needs and house everything in one planner, including overall planning, tracking, and management of goals [(00:12:48)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U5sv6Un_uGE&t=768s). - Common mistakes in goals management include using separate software, templates, or planners that are not integrated with the regular day-to-day planner [(00:13:05)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U5sv6Un_uGE&t=785s). - Using online templates or goals planners is not a problem, but it is essential to have a process within the planning system to carry over goal information into the regular planner [(00:13:29)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U5sv6Un_uGE&t=809s). - A simple solution is to set up a section within the planning system for goals management, allowing for easy access and daily review of goals [(00:14:01)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U5sv6Un_uGE&t=841s). - Another approach is to plan goals in an online template or goals planner and then effectively carry over that information into the regular planner for day-to-day management [(00:14:13)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U5sv6Un_uGE&t=853s). - It is recommended to update the template or goals planner at the end of the month, while managing goals on a day-to-day basis in the regular planner [(00:14:31)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U5sv6Un_uGE&t=871s). ## Mistake 7 [(00:14:41)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U5sv6Un_uGE&t=881s) - Mistake number seven to avoid in a 2025 planning system is trying to plan in a way that is popular or aesthetically pleasing but not suitable for one's needs [(00:14:42)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U5sv6Un_uGE&t=882s). - Social media and [[YouTube]] can make certain planning styles and tools seem like the only way to be productive, but this is not true [(00:15:23)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U5sv6Un_uGE&t=923s). - The most important thing is to ensure the planning system can effectively manage day-to-day tasks and make progress on goals [(00:15:57)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U5sv6Un_uGE&t=957s). - Rather than conforming to popular planning styles, it's essential to take a step back and think about what is needed in a planning system to effectively and efficiently manage life [(00:16:33)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U5sv6Un_uGE&t=993s). - Consider what is needed in the planning system, the best way to plan, how much time to spend on making it look pretty, and how much money to spend on planning tools [(00:16:36)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U5sv6Un_uGE&t=996s). - It's okay to enjoy and admire other people's planning systems, but remember that planning and productivity is not one size fits all [(00:17:22)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U5sv6Un_uGE&t=1042s). - The goal is to include what will help be effective in the planning system and nothing more, regardless of what works for others [(00:17:38)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U5sv6Un_uGE&t=1058s). - Just because a certain planning style or tool works for others, it doesn't necessarily mean it will work for everyone [(00:17:52)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U5sv6Un_uGE&t=1072s). ## Mistake 8 [(00:18:01)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U5sv6Un_uGE&t=1081s) - Mistake number eight in a 2025 planning system is not using it, which can hinder effective life management and goal achievement [(00:18:02)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U5sv6Un_uGE&t=1082s). - Not using a planning system occasionally due to a hectic life or simply not picking it up is different from actively avoiding or neglecting it throughout the year [(00:18:57)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U5sv6Un_uGE&t=1137s). - A planning system should help manage life and achieve goals, so not using it means not giving oneself the best chance of doing so [(00:19:12)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U5sv6Un_uGE&t=1152s). - Not using a planning system could be due to mistakes such as it being too complicated, not customized to suit one's needs, or using a popular but unsuitable system [(00:19:28)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U5sv6Un_uGE&t=1168s). - To address not using a planning system, one should identify the underlying reasons and determine if previous mistakes are being made, then take action to fix those mistakes [(00:20:15)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U5sv6Un_uGE&t=1215s). - If the planning system is well-designed and simple but not being used, one should take actions to habituate planning into their lifestyle, such as creating a guide or working with a coach [(00:20:51)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U5sv6Un_uGE&t=1251s). - Not using a planning system can negatively impact achieving desired results in life, so it's essential to take corrective action and start using the system [(00:21:24)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U5sv6Un_uGE&t=1284s). ## Final Tip [(00:21:34)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U5sv6Un_uGE&t=1294s) - The eight mistakes to avoid in a 2025 planning system can negatively impact one's ability to effectively manage life and achieve goals [(00:21:34)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U5sv6Un_uGE&t=1294s). - Viewers are encouraged to share their experiences with making mistakes in their planning system and any adjustments they plan to make before the new year in the comments [(00:22:02)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U5sv6Un_uGE&t=1322s). - The key to an effective planning system is to keep it simple, straightforward, and easy to use [(00:22:09)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U5sv6Un_uGE&t=1329s). - Once the necessary sections and layouts are determined, maintaining simplicity will encourage continued use and make it easier to develop the habit of utilizing the planning system [(00:22:20)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U5sv6Un_uGE&t=1340s). ## Next Steps [(00:22:40)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U5sv6Un_uGE&t=1360s) - For more functional planning tips, a playlist is available that includes various videos with planning tips and is constantly updated [(00:22:41)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U5sv6Un_uGE&t=1361s). - The playlist is recommended to be checked regularly to ensure no videos are missed [(00:22:55)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U5sv6Un_uGE&t=1375s). - A video on "8 things to include in your 2025 planning system" is also recommended as a starting point for those who haven't seen it yet [(00:23:00)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U5sv6Un_uGE&t=1380s). - Viewers are encouraged to start with the recommended video and then explore the playlist for further information [(00:23:10)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U5sv6Un_uGE&t=1390s).