Marcia Grove

I’ve been obsessed with planning and stationary since I was a pre-teen. Once I got to high school I started using a planner and instantly loved writing everything down. When I joined the gym at 16 I would document all my workouts in a separate planner.

I was first introduced to Franklin Covey in 2008 when my boss at the time brought back from the US (I’m in Canada) a classic binder with a year’s worth of daily inserts for us. I remember sitting in my living room that night putting it all together and just loved it so much. There was a postcard type paper in the package I think with instructions on how to order refills. It wasn’t as easy back then so I didn’t bother. I just purchased planners from Staples and Chapters until the planner community exploded in 2015 and YouTube was exploding with ‘plan with me’ videos. I came across a Franklin Planner video in around 2017 and ordered right away! We don’t have Franklin stores up here so I was so excited to learn that I could order online. I ordered the Teal Vintage Aurora binder with the DO2P inserts for 2018.

I learned a long time ago when I worked in the corporate world that when you write things down, they become real and you are way more likely to achieve your goals and plans. It’s just not an option for me to not have a paper planner. I would be so lost.

When asked, what have you achieved with planning? What haven’t I achieved? Writing everything down helps me to gain clarity on my priorities.

My favorite thing about my Franklin Planner is that it’s intended for true productivity. Not just a task list. I love the training they provide and the inserts you can add to your lineup in order to have a full functioning system. I love the goals, roles, mission statement and values. Love the compass card cause it helps to stay focused on what truly matters as your governing values are at the base of everything you do. It’s brilliant!

I use the Classic binder with the day on 2-page & weekly timed inserts. I prefer real leather too. I have quite the collection with 6 binders. I love switching them out for a new look and feel. I also love neutral inserts. The Carrara are my new favourite!

For the first time in six years I have planner peace. Truly. My system is down to a science and planning is effortless, yet I’m always learning ways to be more specific with my system and therefore more productive in my life.