Recently I stumbled across a unique web site that provides free templates for paper-based time management planners. Because it’s nearing the end of the year, you may be ready to order your annual page refills. Here’ an opportunity to do it yourself for less.
Although most our training these days revolves around computer-based tools like Outlook, I am still a firm believer in using paper-based solutions for many people. I myself use paper and pencil for managing the current day. There’s something about physically check off a task on a piece of paper that is lost on a computer. It must be the finality of crossing something off a list.
But everybody is different. When I coach people individually about half the time they wind up using paper over technology for at least a portion of their system. It’s just a different path up the same mountain.
DIY Planner is a web site created by Canadian Doug Johnson that is just full of resources for anyone interested in the science and art of personal organization. It is an eclectic mix of time management tools, how-tos and personal philosophy. While it can sometimes be hard to follow, it’s well worth a visit.
The most useful section is the Templates tab. Here Johnson provides a vast array of time management templates that will satisfy the adherent to almost any system. It includes the usual assortment of daily planner pages plus project planners, next action lists, contact forms and agendas. Originally created to support David Allen’s GTD system, it has grown over the years to provide resources for everyone.
One of the more active members created a very useful free Dynamic Template tool. It enables you to create date specific daily planner and monthly calendar pages in a variety of sizes and formats. It’s very well done and is available in both Windows and Mac versions. As of now it will only output to a PDF, not a printer, which makes it a little difficult for a quick print. But you cant argue with the price.
Johnson has provided a very useful tutorial about how to make your own planner. It contains detailed instructions about which materials to buy and how to print. But he leaves the rest up to you since everyone’s work style is so different.
The site also has a lively and diverse forum with members sharing their own custom systems and templates. Since discovering the site I have found myself returning again and again for new ideas and approaches. Some of my coaching clients have become hooked.
Creating your own planner pages is not for everyone. It can take quite a bit of time, which can be put to better use. But Johnson’s approach is fresh, helpful and makes you think.
Before you fork over your hard earned cash for your annual refills pay a visit to DIY Planner.