## Daily Planning and Integration with Digital Systems - The [[Franklin Planner]] experiment has been ongoing for almost six months, and it has been developed and integrated into daily use, with the planner being used in conjunction with digital systems [(00:00:09)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qeUdzmvGjq4&t=9s). - The planner is used for planning the day, specifically, and is not used for storing documents or notes, as digital systems like [[Evernote]] are considered better for these tasks [(00:01:38)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qeUdzmvGjq4&t=98s). - The calendar or diary is considered better in digital form, as it allows for sharing, recurring appointments, and easier management, with tools like [[Calendly]] or Acuity being utilized [(00:01:15)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qeUdzmvGjq4&t=75s). - The Franklin Planner is used for planning the next day, with the user reviewing the previous day's tasks, moving unfinished tasks forward, and planning out the next day, usually in the evening [(00:03:22)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qeUdzmvGjq4&t=202s). - The user only plans out up to the next seven days and conducts a weekly planning session, starting with a weekly planning matrix on paper, which is then transferred to the digital system [(00:03:48)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qeUdzmvGjq4&t=228s). - The planner is used in conjunction with digital tools like [[Todoist]], which is used for longer-term tasks and routine tasks, while the planner is used for daily tasks and planning [(00:04:08)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qeUdzmvGjq4&t=248s). - The user has a quarterly break, where the calendar is blocked, and focus is placed on completing unfinished projects, with the planner being used to plan out the day and stay on track during this time [(00:02:35)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qeUdzmvGjq4&t=155s). ## Task Management and Prioritization - The planner is used to record only the most important tasks of the day, keeping the task list limited and preventing overwhelming days [(00:04:22)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qeUdzmvGjq4&t=262s). - Appointments are written in the planner, but unconfirmed appointments are now written in pencil to allow for easy changes, a method that was also used in the 1990s with time blocking [(00:05:07)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qeUdzmvGjq4&t=307s). - A fine nib on a Lamy 2000 fountain pen is used to write in the planner, despite the paper not being ideal for fountain pens, and pencil is used for unconfirmed appointments [(00:05:12)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qeUdzmvGjq4&t=312s). - The planner is used to schedule time blocks, with unconfirmed appointments written in pencil and confirmed ones written over in ink, allowing for flexibility and ease of changes [(00:06:15)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qeUdzmvGjq4&t=375s). ## Theming and Daily Notes - A theme for the day is also included in the planner, which can be general, such as writing, meetings, or audio visual work, and is inspired by Mike Vardy's method of theming the day [(00:07:34)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qeUdzmvGjq4&t=454s). - The Daily Note is not used in the same way by everyone, and in this case, a pocket notebook is used for other notes, with the planner focusing on important tasks and appointments [(00:08:06)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qeUdzmvGjq4&t=486s). - The Daily Notes section is used for scribbling down important information for the day, such as YouTube video topics and tasks to be recorded, and it serves as support materials for daily tasks and appointments [(00:08:55)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qeUdzmvGjq4&t=535s). ## Establishing a Routine and Benefits - The [[Franklin Planner]] is a valuable tool that stays in the office and is used for daily planning in the evening, and it has become an essential part of the daily routine, with the brain connecting sitting on the sofa with daily planning [(00:09:31)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qeUdzmvGjq4&t=571s). - A quick tip is to do daily planning before allowing oneself to do other activities, such as watching a favorite rugby team, to ensure that planning is done before relaxation [(00:09:49)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qeUdzmvGjq4&t=589s). ## Monthly Planning and Goal Setting - The monthly calendar view is used to record personal appointments, such as dental appointments and dog grooming, as well as work-related events, like the ultimate productivity workshop [(00:10:12)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qeUdzmvGjq4&t=612s). - The notes section is used to write down projects and goals for the month, which can be personal and professional, such as updating the [[Time Sector System]] course and doing 1250 press ups [(00:10:54)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qeUdzmvGjq4&t=654s). ## Complementing Digital Tools and Tracking Progress - The [[Franklin Planner]] is a planning tool that complements digital tools, such as [[Todoist]], which is used to check for missed tasks at the end of the day and to keep track of routine tasks, like watering an office plant [(00:11:36)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qeUdzmvGjq4&t=696s). - The Franklin Planner is being used to point the user in the right direction, while other details such as project notes and reminders are stored digitally in tools like Todoist and [[Evernote]] [(00:12:05)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qeUdzmvGjq4&t=725s). - A pencilled line is drawn underneath the daily task list to separate tasks written down the previous day from new tasks added throughout the day, allowing for easy tracking of progress [(00:12:43)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qeUdzmvGjq4&t=763s). - The daily tracker at the bottom of the task list is also used to record important events such as online orders, credit card payments, and accountant payments, providing a useful reference point [(00:13:19)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qeUdzmvGjq4&t=799s). ## Benefits and Future Use - The user finds that using the [[Franklin Planner]] helps to get away from screens at the end of the day, allowing for a more relaxed and focused approach to planning and organization [(00:13:57)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qeUdzmvGjq4&t=837s). - The Franklin Planner is becoming a more integral part of the user's daily routine, and they plan to continue using it, enjoying the benefits of a more analog approach to productivity [(00:13:48)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qeUdzmvGjq4&t=828s). ## Recommendation for the Franklin Planner Podcast - The Franklin Planner company has recently launched a podcast, which is recommended for those interested in learning more about the planner and its uses, with co-host George being a knowledgeable and nice guy [(00:14:52)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qeUdzmvGjq4&t=892s). ## Sources - [website](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qeUdzmvGjq4?si=KOb-WNa66A89nTXo)