Happy New Years! It’s time to pick up the first of 2009’s Planners.
Release Notes:
- Improved: the Daily Productivity Planner! I’ve taken the feedback you’ve graciously given and have updated the DPP. The major theme for this round of revisions was making the planner less intimidating. A quick rundown of the updates:
- The “Projects In Focus” block is now less busy. The ID and Code elements were removed, as they didn’t fit the intent of this planner. Something similar will show up on the freelancer planners; I suspect it’ll have more relevance there. Also, I’ve added numbers to the project line; this will help in the updated “Supporting Tasks” and “Emergent Tasks” block. “Project” in those blocks now correspond to the project number from this block.
- The “Supporting Tasks” and “Emergent Tasks” are more useful. Again, I’ve removed the Status element and added some check boxes at the front of the line. Also, I’ve widened the line to carry more actionable information and changed the presentation of the “Heatmap” boxes – if you like thinking in Covey grid terms rather than Heatmap terms, it’s there for you. (Thanks to Owen for the Covey suggestion and Kelly S. for prompting me to add the motivational check box.)
- The “Daily Schedule” block makes more sense. This block has been the worst part of this particular planner. It had seven blocks, looked pretty janky, and needed some serious TLC. If that block bothered you in the past, I think you’ll dig it now – it has 8 blocks, quarter hour increments, and is all around better. Check it out!
- General prettification. You’ll notice numerous cosmetic changes in spacing, transitions, and consistency. Or maybe you won’t notice it, which will be an even better compliment.
- The User’s Guide is now out of date, but I’ll fix it in a couple of days. There are references to the removed elements above and the DPP is now easier to use. I’ll update it and make it more aesthetically pleasing in the next couple of weeks.
- The Freelancer Planner is on the way! I’m (tentatively) switching my workflow from Omnigraffle Pro to Illustrator, so this is taking longer than normal. It’ll be out really soon – I’m shooting for Monday. I appreciate any feedback you’d be kind enough to give, and if you’re interested in this, please leave a comment. I’m thinking of giving those interested in the freelancer planner a sneaky peaky so that I can make the best product for you all as possible.
January is a month of love/hate relationships with our goals. We dream big, make resolutions, and then beat ourselves up three weeks later. Let’s not do that this year! Instead, choose fewer goals that are more meaningful and celebrate the small victories. Focus on sustainability and gradual progress throughout the year.
Okay, enough talk – the planners, already!
Productivity Heatmap:
Basic idea: We are more productive at some times rather than others.
Use when: You’re trying to figure out when you’re the most productive.
For more information: How Heatmapping Your Productivity Can Make You More Productive
Download: Blank Daily Productivity Heatmap (13039)
The Productivity Planner Series:
Basic Idea: Once you know when you work best, why not plan your weeks and days around that information? Do more work in less time by leveraging your natural rhythms.
Use when: You’re planning your day or week.
For more information: Read the Productivity Planners User Guide (4084)
Downloads:
Daily Productivity Planner (January) (688)
Weekly Productivity Planner (January) (640)
The Productivity Jumpstarter
Basic Idea: Sometimes we’re running around being busy but aren’t really being productive. This aid helps you stop running in circles and start making meaningful progress on your goals.
Use when: You have no idea what you should be doing and are tired of running in circles.
Download:Productivity Jumpstarter (2151)
The Blog Post Planner and Calendar
Basic Idea: Brainstorming and planning your posts ahead of time may help you have a more streamlined, consistent, and insightful blog. Your mileage may vary, but it’s worth a shot!
Use when: You want to improve your blogging posts and habits.
For more information: The Blog Post Planner and Calendar – skip down to “How to Use These Planners” if you don’t need to be sold on why to use them.
Downloads:
Blog Post Planner (January) (361)
Blog Post Calendar (January) (277)
Blog Post Planner-Calendar Combo Pack (January) (335)
p.s. I sincerely hope that any of these aids help you. If they do, please consider leaving a tip using the button below- any and all contributions are greatly appreciated. Thanks for sharing your time with me.
{ 1 trackback }
Twitter: lovejodirenee
{ 4 comments… read them below or add one }
I love the monthly planners. I downloaded one of them about a month ago here and its been great so far.
Carlas last blog post..FREE Shipping
Is the usage scenario people print off the templates and write in by hand?
J.D. Meiers last blog post..Lessons Learned for 2008
I cannot tell you how helpful these planners have been. Thank you so much for sharing them. Look forward to your posts in 2009.
Kristy
Kristys last blog post..Happy Holidays
@Carla: Thanks! I’m glad they’re helping.
@J.D.: Yes, handwritten. I’ve debated making them electronic, too – but there has been no requests for it.
@Kristy: It’s so nice to hear, Kristy. Thanks for letting me know!