Embrace the Mid-Year Reset: My Exciting Planner Journey from A5 to Traveler's Notebook

As we reach the halfway point of the year, it’s natural to assess our accomplishments and confront the stress that arises from feeling like we're running out of time and we haven’t achieved our goals yet. If you're in the same boat, you might feel a sense of urgency and frustration, and you've started to reconsider your strategies. This might mean looking at your planner - the key to making it all happen - and seeing what you might change. What's working and what isn't. By taking a step back to reassess, you can find clarity and motivation to move forward. Remember, it’s okay if things aren’t going as planned; the mid-year point is an opportunity to recalibrate and set a new course for the remainder of the year.

With the summer sun shining brightly, I made some exciting changes to my planning system. From switching to a lighter toned A5 planner to exploring the versatility of a Traveler's Notebook, I feel refreshed and eager to share my experiences.

Deciding to Go with Two Planners

I've always thought that I was a one planner girly, tried and true. I enjoyed having everything all in one place, ready at my fingertips. After a lot of thought, I realized that one planner just wasn't enough for me and more so might be holding me back. Not because my A5 planner wasn't working for me - I still used it every single day and served as a hub that functioned really well for housing my goals, planning events, yearly trackers, habits, and weekly plans. More than anything, I just felt uninspired after being in the same planner style and particularly an A5 size for so many years. I didn't find myself wanting to take photographs and film reels to share with you. Not ideal for a planner shop! While I work from home and have said again and again, an A5 works for me because I don't have to carry my planner around all the time, I realized I was missing out on the joy of carrying a planner with me everywhere. Let's face it, an A5 is not the most comfortable and practical size to carry. I started craving something smaller that I could bring everywhere and that felt like an extension of me!

Not wanting to completely forego the A5 and ring style altogether, I've opted to use my Filofax Camden A5 planner in Mocha to serve as my primary organizer that will live mostly on my desk . The warm mocha hue feels inviting and aligns perfectly with summer vibes. In this planner, I outline my weeks, set significant goals, and map out my yearly goals and plans. It become clear that a second, smaller planner could come in handy and better suit my needs. It could be a place where I could write personal notes, client details, and to create detailed daily events, task lists, and more niche habits.

The Enchantment of the Traveler's Notebook

While my A5 planner provides structure, the real magic has been my new Traveler's Notebook (TN). I recently fell down the rabbit hole of both Louise Carmen and Paper Republic notebooks and I completely fell in love with the style. What's not to love? The supple leather that patinas with age, the flexible notebook inserts to suit your needs, the spots for personal ephemera. After weeks of pining after other's planners and obsessing over their IG accounts, I took the leap and found one that would get me started with it and see if I liked the style functionally as much as I liked it visually. What I've found is that this planner style adds a fresh, freeing, and engaging approach to my planning. The TN format allows me to keep detailed daily plans while also making space for personal reflections and client notes. The blank pages allows me to be totally flexible with it as well, as I don't need a full daily plant every day. It's on those hectic days or when I want to do a complete reset that it proves useful. This adaptability has reignited a sense of inspiration in my planning routine..

Personalization Through Charms

One of the highlights of the Traveler's Notebook is the personalization options it offers. Inspired by the "gris gris" that Louise Carmen uses to create unique notebooks for everyone, I've found that adding charms to my TN not only enhances its character but also fosters an emotional attachment to my planner. Each charm represents something to me, making each planning session feel special whenever I open it.

These small additions transform my TN into a personalized sanctuary rather than just a planner. It's wonderful how utilizing creativity through simple embellishments can enhance my planning experience and bring so much joy to my day.

Continuing to Utilize EO Edits Products

Moving into a TN style planner freaked me out a bit. Of course, I've developed a planner shop which sells mostly 6 ring style inserts in a few key sizes. The pre-made notebooks and blank pages scared me. How could I promote my shop with this style? I'm happy to say that I am still using some of my favorite EO Edits products, especially the planner cards. I love how adaptable these cards have been across all of my planners! The bold designs and motivating quotes help keep me focused while still allowing me to customize the look and feel of each planner. While I've evolved my planning style, these cards remain key to maintaining consistency and aesthetic appeal in both of my planners. It truly is a win-win!

Not to mention change is good! I'm all for EO Edits adapting to fit a wider array of planner styles and the best way for me to figure out what sorts of products to make is to get in there and try something new!

The Joy of More Detailed Daily Plans

Switching to this new, dual planning approach has been enlightening and has invigorated my planning experience. My A5 planner helps me maintain a broader perspective, while my Traveler's Notebook now provides the intricate details I longed for in my daily routine. I feel as if I’ve unlocked the secret to a more balanced approach. Now, I seriously enjoy detailed daily planning without sacrificing the organizational style of my weekly spreads. I actively engage with my plans instead of merely checking off boxes. Each day feels satisfying and even more rewarding.

A New Chapter in Planning

As I continue this journey with my two planners, I eagerly anticipate where this renewed energy will lead me. Combining the Filofax Camden with my Traveler's Notebook has introduced harmony into my planning routine. I now experience intentional organization paired with creativity, changing how I approach planning.

This mid-year reset encouraged me to view planning as an expression rather than just a task. It is a powerful reminder that it's never too late to make changes. Embrace new styles, find what resonates with you, and don't shy away from what you're really feeling. Allow your creativity to shine through your planning. As you embark on your own mid-year reset, embrace the journey of change and growth. You have the power to redefine your path and achieve your goals, one step at a time.

Here’s to a summer filled with beautifully planned days and planning with purpose!

-Emilee