2 - It doesn't have to be perfect, it just has to start!

So you want to get organized? Decrease the stress of trying to remember everything - or just make sure that you do what you need to do? Reach the goals that you've set for yourself - or just simply set some goals to work on? Help is here! Let's get started!

Now, don't get me wrong - I'm not the epitome of organization (my hubby can attest to that) or setting goals and always keeping them, BUT I have found that when I schedule things, plan them, actually write them down - the greater the chance that I follow through and get them done. Just the process of writing them down and making a conscious decision and plan to do something, helps me stay accountable to myself. For example, writing down that I want to workout from 7-8pm tonight, glaring at me all day at work from my planner - keeps reminding me that I want to do this, I NEED to do this. Makes it harder to just brush it off once I get home and I'm exhausted from the day.

So where should we start? What's the tool that I've found to be the home for all of this? My Passion Planner, of course!

So what's the hype? Why is THIS planner so much better than any other planner on the market or an online calendar? For quite a few reasons, but the main one that got me hooked is the actual layout of the weekly pages.

My planner is an undated Monday start in the Classic size. Here are my reasons behind why I chose this customization:
1. Undated so I could start it whenever I wanted (and didn't have to wait until January for the yearly one or August for the academic one). Also because I like writing numbers, so going through and setting up the calendar was fun for me! I know, I'm a weirdo!
2. Monday start because I like seeing a fresh new week starting on Monday, since that's the first day of my work week. Being able to see my upcoming weekend through the work week is a refreshing reminder that there will be some fun at the end.
3. Classic size because I like lots of room to keep everything, yes EVERYTHING, that keeps my head on straight. More to come later on what I actually keep in here.

Want to check out their other options or really get started by ordering one? Go here and if you're ordering one, use my promo code (MANDY10) to get 10% off your regular-price purchases. Update - I'm not sure this code still works, but try it!

What else do you need? Honestly, you can get by with a pencil/pen and an old shopping or credit card to use as a straight edge. But why stop there? Here's what I use and keep close-by at all times:

• A pencil with an eraser - I make mistakes, there, I've said it
• A straight edge - I just use an old RiteAid shopping card
• Highlighters to use for color coding
• PaperMate InkJoy Gell Pens, Fine Point - I'm a pen addict, and these are awesome because they don't smear and help to make my planner pretty for color coding
• Fun stickers and washi tape (for when I'm feeling creative)
• Durable tabs to make monthly dividers. These are similar to what I use.
• A clip to hold pages of your planner together