Best organizing methods/planners to kick off the new year

By: Ellice Ellis ‘20

The start of a new year and coincidentally a new semester is a great time to get organized. Having all your obligations, homework assignments, significant events, and even free time sorted out will make the remaining 15 weeks of the semester a lot easier. For myself, I use the calendar app on my phone as well as a physical planner to help guide my weeks. I schedule in my workouts, time with friends, work obligations, and classes, as well as using reminders, so I am on top of everything in my worldview. 

Here’s to a new year, and here are 5 organizing products and methods that will help you get off on the right foot.

Productive

Productive markets themselves as an app with all the tools you need to build a routine of positive, life-changing habits. And from personal experience, it’s a lifesaver. Whether you want to start taking your vitamins regularly, workout daily, or remember to journal or write consistently, this app will support you in developing new habits. 

You’ll receive a notification from the app to remind you of your daily tasks or goals. And similar to Snapchat, you can garner ‘streaks’ of days where all your goals are accomplished. Check it out here: https://productiveapp.io

Passion Planner

I might be Passion Planner’s most prominent advocate. From the beautiful design to the multitude of features, this planner is the holy grail of organizing methods. Just like Productive, this planner breaks down your goals into fun, easy-to-accomplish tasks. Going in detail, the Passion Planner has an appointment calendar, goal setting guide, journal, sketchbook, gratitude log & personal and work to-do lists all in one notebook. You can purchase the daily, year-dated, academic, or un-dated versions of the planner as well as cool sticker packs. According to their website, the planner was “designed to encourage you to plan for the future, reflect on the past, but most importantly, act on the present.” If you’re interested look no further than the Passion Planner website: https://passionplanner.com/

USC Kortschak Center For Learning And Creativity

It’s okay to ask for help. And when you can’t manage it all yourself, I highly recommend the Kortschak Center’s Academic coaching program. As a freshman, I became a more efficient learner through their services, which include test-taking strategies, help with developing a daily schedule, creating S.M.A.R.T goals, and more. Using the resources at the center will help you identify your personal and academic goals and come up with an efficient plan to achieve them. Interested students must commit one-hour per week, per semester, but drop-in sessions and workshops are available weekly. For more information visit: https://kortschakcenter.usc.edu/academic-coach-program/

Momentum Browser Extension

If you’re a Google Chrome user, this browser extension is for you. Momentum is a personal dashboard designed to eliminate distraction and provide inspiration, focus, and productivity. 

Every time you open a new tab, there’s an opportunity to set your goals for the day. With the simple question that appears, “What’s your focus today?” the extension helps you use your internet time with intention. The daily photo and quote are always very calming and inspiring as an added bonus. Peep the extension here: https://momentumdash.com/

Wall Calendar

Yes, a wall calendar seems incredibly basic, but it’s another physical, organizational tool that can change your life. Writing down your plans weekly serves as a moment of grounding and reflection. When we use a wall calendar, we are forced to write tasks by hand and slow down our thoughts. We are more mindful of what needs to be done. Personally, it helps me release stress and anxiety about upcoming tasks.

I typically go beyond just writing down my events and obligations, but everything I should have before I leave the house. I use a dry-erase calendar with extra space for anything else I need to keep track of. Purchase it on Amazon here. 

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