Creating a productive planning environment will make a huge difference in your ability to effectively organize your life.

As a planner coach, this is one of the biggest things that I can teach you – setting yourself up for success by creating the right physical environment for your planning.

If you try to just plan in bed or on the couch while watching tv you’re not going to be as successful as when you sit in an environment that you intentionally created for the purpose of planning. For me, that’s my desk in my office.

Here’s what I looked for when I created my planning space:

Find a Quiet Space:

Find a quiet space where you can focus on planning without distractions. This could be a dedicated workspace in your home or a quiet corner of a coffee shop. For me, that’s my office. Sometimes, I even shut the door! I know, it’s a novel idea, right? My office is at the back of our house, so it’s not frequently traveled, which means less distractions for me. I also have my back to the door, so I don’t get distracted by the kids if they are just walking to their bedrooms.

Eliminate Clutter:

Clear away any clutter or distractions from your planning space. This includes physical clutter, as well as digital distractions like social media or email notifications. This is always a work in progress for me, but I have started closing internet tabs if I’m not using them and putting my phone where I can’t see if it lights up with a notification.

Use Good Lighting:

Make sure your planning space is well-lit so you can see what you’re writing or drawing in your planner. Natural light is best, but if that’s not possible, use a desk lamp or overhead light. I am fortunate to have two windows in my office – one on my left and one on my right (with my desk in the corner), so I have lots of natural light. In the summer time, I often don’t even turn on the overhead light and just enjoy the natural light coming through the window blinds. I do have a desk lamp for those times when I might be working later in the day or just need some extra light.

Make It Comfortable:

Make sure your planning space is comfortable so you can spend time there without feeling stiff or sore. Use a comfortable chair and consider adding a cushion or lumbar support. My biggest complaint about my office is that it is ALWAYS cold. So it’s not uncommon to find me wearing socks and a hoodie, even in the summer time. I use laptop stands to give me more actual desk space for my planner, so that’s a huge help in keeping my planner visible and easily accessible during the work week.

Personalize Your Space:

Make your planning space your own by adding personal touches like photos, artwork, or motivational quotes. I have my wall calendar board right in front of me when I’m sitting at my desk, which makes it easily to quickly reference. I also have lots of personality on my walls – corkboards with cards that people have sent to me, paintings that I’ve done, and my vision board. My hubby added a plant in here to bring some greenery to the space (I hear that’s supposed to be good). I’ve asked for some hanging plants to put in front of the windows…but he has to take care of them. Even seeing them daily, I still manage to forget to water my plants. 🤷🏻‍♀️

Have Supplies at the Ready:

Keep all your planning supplies, like your planner, pens, stickers, and highlighters, within easy reach so you can access them quickly. I have an acrylic pen container just to the right of my computer for easy access, and my washi tape collection is stored just underneath my desk.

Use a Timer:

Use a timer to set a specific amount of time for planning each day. This helps you stay focused and avoid getting sidetracked. I grabbed a pomodoro cube for my timer and it works great! Plus, it fits just below my monitor so it stays out of the way when not in use!

Minimize Interruptions:

Let others know that you’re planning and ask them to avoid interrupting you during your planning time. I think I need a sign for my door as sometimes, people (kids and husband, alike) still come on in even when the door is closed! What do you think I should have it say? Drop your suggestion in the comments before you go!

Remember, creating the right physical environment for planning is all about finding what works best for you. Experiment with different setups until you find one that helps you stay focused and motivated to plan.

Get ready to Kickstart Your Planning Routine!

Creating a Productive Planning Environment