As a busy mom juggling multiple responsibilities, staying organized is key to managing your daily tasks effectively. One powerful tool that can help you streamline your planning and boost productivity is a digital planner.
In this guide, we'll walk you through 7 simple steps to start using a digital planner and take control of your busy life.
First and foremost, digital planners are used in an Apple iPad or Samsung tablet with a note-taking app such Goodnotes or Evernote, which are both available for Apple or Android. There are other note-taking apps out there, but make sure it is available in the device of your choice and has writing and highlighting features.
It is difficult to use a digital planner on a desktop computer or laptop unless you have a touch-screen and are willing to write and highlight through your touch screen. The scenario is NOT preferred by most digital planner users.
You do NOT need the fanciest, top of the line, Apple iPad to use a simple note-taking app! But make sure that app is available and compatible with your tablet model.
Here is the latest Apple iPad (10 generation, 2023) (You do NOT need the Air or the Pro, which are pricier.) Feel free to click the image for the Amazon.com listing!
Secondly, you will need an Apple Pencil or Stylus that is compatible with your iPad or Tablet. This is the 1st generation Apple Pencil that is compatible with the Apple iPad 10th generation showcased above. Feel free to click the image to take you to the Amazon listing!
As promised, here are the 7 steps in kickstarting your digital planner journey:
Step 1: Choose the Right Digital Planner
The first step is to choose a digital planner that suits your needs and preferences. There are many planners available for purchase on Etsy.com to fit any budget! These are going to be .PDF files that you will need to download from the seller. Instructions about your purchase and how to download your planner should be provided by the digital planner seller. Make sure you choose a digital planner that is HYPERLINKED! Carefully read the description of the product you choose when you shop online. It should clearly state that the planner contains HYPERLINKS or is HYPERLINKED in ALL pages! The hyperlinks are the unique feature that makes digital planners easy to use and enjoyable, and also differentiates them from paper planners.
Where to shop for your digital planner:
(These are only a few of my favorite digital planner online shops. You can search on Google for others, or if you have a favorite PAPER planner shop, check to see if they offer digital planners!)
Step 2: Choose the Right Note-Taking App Where You Will Use Your Planner
Since digital planners are .PDF files, you will need a note-taking app to OPEN, or IMPORT, your file in order to USE your new planner. The note-taking apps allow you to use your APPLE PENCIL or STYLUS and scribble in your plans.
If you are using an Apple iPad some popular apps include: Goodnotes, Notability, and Evernote
If you are using a Samsung Tablet some popular apps include: Goodnotes, Evernote, Penly, and Noteshelf.
Consider features like simplicity and ease of use, customization and action tools, syncing across devices, and the price or cost of the digital planner and note-taking app, when you are looking for the perfect planner for your device.
Step 3: Familiarize Yourself with the App and Your New Planner
Take some time to explore the technical features of your chosen note-taking app and digital planner. Familiarize yourself with tools like writing and erasing, adding and deleting, using or changing fonts, highlighting, changing colors, using stickers, and the ability to insert images, photos, or PDFs. Make sure you know how to use the tool bars and different buttons. It may take some time to learn everything your note-taking app is capable of doing for you.
Step 4: Explore Your Planner Pages and Familiarize Yourself with the Hyperlinks
Check out all the different sections in your digital planner and click away on the many hyperlinks included. Start to brainstorm how you can use each section or page of your planner. Consider the different areas of your life that you would like to organize, such as your daily tasks, appointments, meal planning, activities you do regularly, and your personal goals. Choose colors, fonts, and add photos, images or digital stickers you love! Then, start inputting important information into your digital planner, such as to-do lists, upcoming appointments, deadlines, and birthdays. You can easily categorize and prioritize tasks.
Step 5: Incorporate Time-Blocking Techniques
Use time-blocking techniques in your digital planner to allocate specific time slots for tasks, activities, and self-care. This helps you manage your time more effectively and avoid overloading your schedule. Also, set realistic goals and actions that can fit into your schedule, whether it's daily, weekly, monthly, or yearly.
Step 6: Track Progress and Reflect
Regularly review your digital planner to track progress on tasks and goals. Use reflection pages or notes pages and add your own journal prompts to assess what's working well, and notice the areas that need better organization or improvement. Stay consistent with using your digital planner daily, weekly, and monthly. It will help you stay on track and avoid forgetting tasks and due dates. Adjust your planning strategies as needed based on your evolving priorities, commitments, and feedback from using the planner.
Step 7: Sync Across Devices
If your tablet or the note-taking app allows the advanced feature, you can sync the contents of your digital planner across other calendar apps in your tablet, phone, or your laptop. This ensures seamless access, provides updates, and helps you to stay organized and consistent throughout all your devices.
Conclusion:
By following these 7 steps, you can kickstart your journey of using a digital planner as a busy mom. Embrace the flexibility, efficiency, and organization that a digital planner offers, and watch it transform your productivity and time management skills. Not to mention, you are creating less clutter with less paper, and helping the environment.
If you are interested in this simple digital planner I have created, check out my Etsy Shop in the link below!
Disclaimer: This blog article contains affiliate links, at no cost to you. If you click and purchase products through my affiliate links above, I may receive a small commission. I always appreciate your time and support!
