# how to use your planner for productivity | pocket filofax edition ![](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/rM5IhWzQvhE/maxresdefault.jpg) ## intro [(00:00:00)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rM5IhWzQvhE&t=0s) - The video is about using a planner for [[Productivity | productivity]], specifically a pocket Filofax edition, and is hosted by Hope [(00:00:18)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rM5IhWzQvhE&t=18s). - Productivity is subjective and can vary from person to person, so what one person considers productive might not be the same for another [(00:00:30)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rM5IhWzQvhE&t=30s). - Hope's definition of productivity involves being efficient, balancing time, achieving work-life balance, and making time for important things [(00:00:42)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rM5IhWzQvhE&t=42s). - Hope aims to share how her planner helps her achieve productivity and balance in her life [(00:00:46)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rM5IhWzQvhE&t=46s). - The video will cover various ways Hope uses her planner to be more productive, starting with the first method [(00:01:10)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rM5IhWzQvhE&t=70s). ## daily spreads [(00:01:14)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rM5IhWzQvhE&t=74s) - The daily pages in the planner have a bookmark at the top, which marks the beginning of the daily spreads [(00:01:14)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rM5IhWzQvhE&t=74s). - Planning out the day hour by hour is a helpful way to increase [[Productivity | productivity]], as it allows for a clear breakdown of how the day will play out [(00:01:51)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rM5IhWzQvhE&t=111s). - The hourly breakdown starts with a 5:00 a.m. morning routine, followed by a walk and admin hour from 6:00 to 7:00 a.m. [(00:02:00)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rM5IhWzQvhE&t=120s). - The walk and admin hour involves walking on a treadmill or walking pad while responding to emails and getting things on track for the day [(00:02:33)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rM5IhWzQvhE&t=153s). - After getting ready and having breakfast, the goal is to start work by 8:00 a.m. and finish by 11:00 a.m. [(00:03:38)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rM5IhWzQvhE&t=218s). - A quick break for lunch is planned from 12:00 to 1:00 p.m., followed by a study hour from 1:00 p.m. onwards to prepare for a data analytics management exam [(00:03:52)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rM5IhWzQvhE&t=232s). - If a task or event is expected to last longer than an hour, an arrow is used to indicate the duration, such as the work session from 8:00 to 11:00 a.m. [(00:03:56)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rM5IhWzQvhE&t=236s). - The exam is a proctored, scheduled exam that can be taken from home, and studying beforehand is necessary to prepare [(00:04:23)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rM5IhWzQvhE&t=263s). - A daily schedule is planned out in a pocket Filofax, starting with blocking out time for an exam from 2 to 5 pm, followed by cleaning the house, packing, and prepping for meal preparation at 5 pm, 6 pm, and after 6 pm, respectively [(00:04:33)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rM5IhWzQvhE&t=273s). - A free hour is allocated before starting the night routine, which includes activities such as taking a shower and washing hair, with the goal of being in bed by 9 pm [(00:04:57)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rM5IhWzQvhE&t=297s). - On work-heavy days, little bullet points are added to the daily pages to outline specific tasks to be worked on during each hour, helping to increase [[Productivity | productivity]] and avoid overwhelm [(00:05:17)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rM5IhWzQvhE&t=317s). - Breaking down larger blocks of time into smaller, specific tasks helps to ensure that everything gets done and reduces the likelihood of scheduling too much [(00:05:26)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rM5IhWzQvhE&t=326s). - Using the daily pages in this way has been found to be helpful in planning out life, being productive, and making efficient use of time [(00:05:49)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rM5IhWzQvhE&t=349s). - Seeing the schedule laid out has been particularly helpful on busier days or when there are events to prepare for [(00:06:07)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rM5IhWzQvhE&t=367s). ## monthly spreads [(00:06:14)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rM5IhWzQvhE&t=374s) - Monthly spreads in a planner help with [[Productivity | productivity]] by providing a clear view of the entire month on two pages, ensuring that important events and tasks are not forgotten [(00:06:18)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rM5IhWzQvhE&t=378s). - A monthly spread can be referenced on the go, making it a convenient tool for staying organized and keeping track of schedules [(00:06:29)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rM5IhWzQvhE&t=389s). - The planner can be used to keep track of various events, such as birthdays, book sales, and social events, as well as personal activities like self-love week [(00:06:56)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rM5IhWzQvhE&t=416s). - During self-love week, one act of self-love is planned for each day, such as planning affirmations, taking a bath, or cooking a new meal [(00:07:10)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rM5IhWzQvhE&t=430s). - Having a monthly spread in a planner is helpful for seeing big events coming up and planning ahead of time, which is essential for being more productive [(00:07:37)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rM5IhWzQvhE&t=457s). - A monthly spread can also be used to keep track of birthdays, including those of extended family members, and to plan gifts or other gestures in advance [(00:07:50)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rM5IhWzQvhE&t=470s). - Overall, a monthly spread is a useful tool for staying organized, planning ahead, and prioritizing self-care and [[Productivity | productivity]] [(00:07:33)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rM5IhWzQvhE&t=453s). ## weekly spreads [(00:08:16)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rM5IhWzQvhE&t=496s) - The weekly spread is a crucial part of the planning process, where a bulk of planning actually happens, and it is set up into two pages covering Monday through Sunday [(00:08:18)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rM5IhWzQvhE&t=498s). - The weekly spread is used as a to-do list by drawing a little dot, writing down the task, and crossing it off when completed, with the left-hand side reserved for events and appointments [(00:08:28)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rM5IhWzQvhE&t=508s). - Having a weekly goal has been life-changing, as it helps keep oneself on track with bigger goals, and this week's goal was to fill time with activities and maintain momentum [(00:08:46)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rM5IhWzQvhE&t=526s). - A new theory is being tested, where momentum is relied upon to get things done, and it has been found that having a lot scheduled in a day increases the capacity to handle new things [(00:09:02)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rM5IhWzQvhE&t=542s). - The weekly spread is used to keep everything in order, from personal life to school to work, except for client-based work, which is kept in a separate planner [(00:09:57)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rM5IhWzQvhE&t=597s). - The weekly spread also includes social media tasks, [[YouTube]] video ideas, and other creative projects, making it a fun and useful tool [(00:10:11)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rM5IhWzQvhE&t=611s). - The weekly spread is viewed as a weekly to-do list, and tasks are written on sticky notes or in the inbox at the front of the planner before being added to the weekly plan [(00:10:25)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rM5IhWzQvhE&t=625s). - It is recommended to have a weekly layout in a planner to plan life and be more productive [(00:10:51)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rM5IhWzQvhE&t=651s). ## habits tracker [(00:11:13)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rM5IhWzQvhE&t=673s) - A daily habits tracker is a useful tool for staying productive, and it's highly recommended to start tracking habits, even if it's not done consistently, as it helps mentally keep track of what's been done on what day [(00:11:27)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rM5IhWzQvhE&t=687s). - The habits tracker is used to keep track of habits until they become solid, and it's a favorite thing to do and recommend, as it provides accountability and helps change everyday life [(00:11:55)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rM5IhWzQvhE&t=715s). - The habits tracked include skin and body care, drinking half a gallon of water, eating well, reading, journaling, cleaning, working out, deep work, walking, lymphatic drainage, hobby time, studying, regulating the nervous system, and tidying up [(00:12:18)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rM5IhWzQvhE&t=738s). - Habit tracking has become second nature, and even if not marked off, it's known that the habits are still being done, but it was especially helpful when first starting out in 2018 [(00:12:31)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rM5IhWzQvhE&t=751s). - Active habit tracking is one of the best ways to build a new habit or goal, and it's recommended to add a habit tracker spread to a planner if not already done [(00:13:05)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rM5IhWzQvhE&t=785s). - Custom habit trackers can be made using [[Canva]] and printed at home, and it's recommended to use a hole puncher to add the pages to a planner [(00:13:21)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rM5IhWzQvhE&t=801s). - Creating custom spreads is recommended because it can be hard to find a habit tracker that works for a pocket-sized planner, and making one's own can be a good solution [(00:13:46)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rM5IhWzQvhE&t=826s). - Habit tracking helps with [[Productivity | productivity]], even if not done every day, as it provides a sense of accountability and helps with check-ins [(00:13:52)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rM5IhWzQvhE&t=832s). ## cleaning checklist [(00:14:07)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rM5IhWzQvhE&t=847s) - A cleaning checklist is used to keep track of daily and area-focused cleaning tasks, which is a printout created on Canva and hole-punched into the planner [(00:14:08)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rM5IhWzQvhE&t=848s). - The checklist includes a daily focus area, such as the kitchen on Mondays, where tasks like deep cleaning the sink, cleaning the microwave, stove, and oven, wiping down appliances, and organizing kitchen cabinets are completed [(00:14:22)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rM5IhWzQvhE&t=862s). - Breaking down the cleaning schedule into a daily area focus has been beneficial for maintaining a clean home and making cleaning more manageable, especially for those who do not like saving all cleaning tasks for one day [(00:14:33)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rM5IhWzQvhE&t=873s). - Having a daily cleaning task helps maintain momentum and [[Productivity | productivity]], and working in a clean environment contributes to a clear mind and increased productivity [(00:15:10)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rM5IhWzQvhE&t=910s). - Using checklists in a planner is recommended as it is an easy way to stay on track with important tasks [(00:15:23)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rM5IhWzQvhE&t=923s). - A habit tracker is also used to monitor the completion of 4 hours of deep work, which involves focusing on creative pursuits or business developments without distractions [(00:15:34)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rM5IhWzQvhE&t=934s). - Deep work can also be applied to studies, where hours are spent in deep focus, and it is beneficial for maintaining productivity and momentum [(00:15:53)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rM5IhWzQvhE&t=953s). ## hours worked [(00:16:00)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rM5IhWzQvhE&t=960s) - Keeping track of hours worked every day has been helpful in understanding how time is spent, and it can be done by logging the hours worked in a planner [(00:16:02)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rM5IhWzQvhE&t=962s). - This tracker shows that some days, most work is done in the morning, while on other days, work goes on until around 7 pm [(00:16:17)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rM5IhWzQvhE&t=977s). - The goal is to usually close out all work by 7 pm, as waking up early is preferred over staying up late [(00:16:24)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rM5IhWzQvhE&t=984s). - Tracking hours worked helps in realizing how time is spent, as sometimes the actual time spent on an activity can be more than initially thought [(00:16:37)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rM5IhWzQvhE&t=997s). - This tracker was inspired by a [[YouTube]] video that recommended tracking how time is spent before time blocking a schedule or calendar [(00:17:03)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rM5IhWzQvhE&t=1023s). - To track hours worked, a reverse of the daily schedule can be done by logging everything done at the moment, which is an honest and eye-opening thing to do [(00:17:22)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rM5IhWzQvhE&t=1042s). - This method can be applied to anything, not just [[Productivity | productivity]], such as tracking hours slept, hours spent on a hobby, or hours spent with other people [(00:17:51)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rM5IhWzQvhE&t=1071s). - Keeping track of hours worked is a great thing to do in a planner, as it helps in understanding how time is spent and can be used to make positive changes [(00:18:07)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rM5IhWzQvhE&t=1087s). ## focus [(00:18:46)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rM5IhWzQvhE&t=1126s) - Using a physical pen and paper for planning helps to minimize distractions and improve focus, as it reduces the likelihood of getting sidetracked by notifications or social media [(00:18:48)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rM5IhWzQvhE&t=1128s). - Writing down tasks and reminders on paper, such as in a planner or on sticky notes, makes them more memorable and increases the chances of completing them [(00:18:52)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rM5IhWzQvhE&t=1132s). - Digital planning tools, such as Notion, can be distracting due to notifications and the ability to easily switch between apps, making it harder to stay focused [(00:20:21)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rM5IhWzQvhE&t=1221s). - Having a dedicated planner without distractions allows for better organization and [[Productivity | productivity]], as all tasks and to-do lists are in one place [(00:20:40)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rM5IhWzQvhE&t=1240s). - The planner serves as a reminder system, with important tasks and notes visible on the front page, making it easier to stay on track [(00:19:59)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rM5IhWzQvhE&t=1199s). - The physical act of writing down tasks and reminders helps to keep them at the forefront of one's mind, making it easier to remember and complete them [(00:20:04)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rM5IhWzQvhE&t=1204s). - The planner's lack of distractions has contributed to increased productivity, as it eliminates the temptation to check social media or respond to notifications [(00:20:45)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rM5IhWzQvhE&t=1245s). - The use of a planner has been found to be 10 times more effective for productivity than digital planning methods [(00:20:13)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rM5IhWzQvhE&t=1213s).