Best Alternatives to Monday.com

Max Sinclair on 27/06/2024

If you’ve ever spent any time on the internet, which I’m betting you have, you’ve probably heard of Monday.com, a revolutionary project management software that makes team collaboration a breeze.

In terms of digital planning, it’s often one of the most highly recommended options. However, that doesn’t mean that it works for everyone. If you want a digital planner for your personal life rather than something to help you manage projects, for example, it might not be the best fit. 

Even if you are in the market for a professional planner, it can be helpful to compare it to other options to ensure that you choose what works best for you. But with so many planners out there, where do you start? That’s what this post is here to help you figure out, by sharing some helpful Monday.com alternative planners.

so, what is monday.com?

Before we can start making a list of Monday.com alternatives, we first need to establish what Monday.com is. As mentioned, it’s a planner aimed specifically at teams within a workplace, especially thanks to its advanced collaboration features that make it such a powerful project management tool. 

It comes with built-in communication software as well as the opportunity to sync with external apps like Google Drive and Slack, and it has built-in workflows to help you effectively manage your work. Now that we’re all on the same page, let’s look at some other helpful tools that could act as a replacement for Monday.com. 

monday.com alternative #1: usemotion

The first of our Monday.com alternatives is UseMotion. If you’re looking for a general planner to store weekly to-dos and grocery lists, UseMotion is probably not the best planning option due to its advanced features. But if you are looking for an advanced task management tool, this is a great Monday.com alternative.  

Essentially, UseMotion acts like an AI assistant. It’s great for those who want something similar to Monday.com in the sense that they want a planner for work, but who want something more intuitive and focused on the individual, rather than the team.

monday.com alternative #2: todoist

Todoist has been around for years, and the fact that it hasn’t been pushed out by newer planning apps shows how effective it is. What makes Todoist unique is the fact that you can easily order your tasks by priority, and you can add sub-tasks to ensure you don’t miss any steps. 

It’s simple, but it offers everything you could want in a planner, making it a solid option for those who want something less complicated than Monday.com. It also has a free plan, if that’s important to you when selecting a project planning tool to help you manage projects, which is why it’s earned a top spot on the list of Monday.com alternatives.

monday.com alternative 3: omniFocus

As the name suggests, OmniFocus is a planning app that helps you focus on different areas of your life. You can easily divide tasks into different categories like home, work, and personal.

If you struggle with your work-life balance or you want to keep everything in one spot rather than hopping between different planning apps, OmniFocus might be worth a shot. 

monday alternative #4: Asana

If you like the idea of Monday.com but find the execution to be lacking, Asana is the most similar option on this list since it’s aimed at professionals within a team. Just like Monday.com, it has the ability to sync with external apps, and you can easily assign tasks to others along with deadlines and other information.

If you’re specifically in the market for a planner that allows collaboration between teams and find that Monday.com isn’t working for you, Asana might be the perfect alternative as it’s a collaborative project management software. From high-up project managers to teams who want to track tasks, Asana is one of the best Monday.com alternatives.

monday.com alternative #5: notion

For those who find that Monday.com is too rigid and complex for their needs, or perhaps not complex enough, enter Notion. Notion differs from other options on this list because it’s not really a planning app, but it is an app that you can use for planning.

You can use Notion for anything, really. It functions as software where you can create custom databases and pages, either from scratch or from one of the many templates available. You can add calendars, images, to-do lists, and more, to create a planner that has everything you want from it. Whether you want to keep track of multiple projects in one place, plan our complex projects, or just use it for basic task management, Notion’s got you covered.

monday.com alternative #6: forzeit

Forzeit is described as an intuitive weekly planner that allows you to not only plan your tasks for the week but actually ensure that you tick those boxes and get shit done.

What really makes Forzeit unique is its ability to help you improve your weekly planner. If you don’t complete a task, Forzeit will ask you why you didn’t complete that. And, using that, along with other information, it will give you a weekly report breaking down what you did, why you didn’t, and help you use this information going forward to improve your weekly planning. 

It has some pretty cool features, like the fact that you can add images, web clippings, and voice notes, which allows every type of planner to use it effectively.

monday.com alternative #7: tickTick

TickTick aims to help you improve your time management and productivity throughout the week by having a minimalist, distraction-free user interface. 

If you often feel overwhelmed by digital planners or planners in general, this is a great solution for you. You can use this in whatever works for you – whether you want basic or advanced planning. It also allows you to utilise recurring tasks and reminders to ensure you never miss anything. 

 

monday.com alternative #8: evernote

Evernote is a step above your average note-taking app as it allows you to store all your thoughts in a way that works for you. You can use voice notes, web clippings, and images, so the sky is kind of the limit. 

You can also search things within Evernote, so there’s no worry about losing information. It’s more of a diary than a strict professional planner like Monday.com, so if that’s more up your street, why not give it a go?

monday.com alternative #9: atoms

It could also be the case that you don’t actually need a planner, but rather a guide to help you improve your life and your days. Enter Atoms, a habit tracker, unlike any other habit tracker. 

James Clear, author of the best-selling book Atomic Habits has developed Atoms, which is a habit tracker that offers guidance to help you figure out how to sustain habits. If you prefer looking at the bigger picture rather than the day-to-day to-dos on your list, this might be a good solution. It’s a great way to track smaller project progress rather than tracking big to-dos.

monday.com alternative #10: Trello

Trello works with boards, which is great for visual planners. You can create boards for anything you want, which means that, like Notion, it’s not only for planning but it can certainly be used for that. 

You can create boards for each day, for different priority levels of tasks, or for different projects. Trello makes it easier to group similar things together, allowing you to keep track of everything you need, all in one place.

final words

Monday.com is a great planning app, there’s no denying that. There’s a reason why so many people use it. But it’s not a one-size-fits-all app. There isn’t a single planner out there that caters to everyone, so if Monday.com (or any other planner in that case) doesn’t work for you, find something else! Hopefully, this post narrowed down some of the options for you and helped you find your next possible planner. 

 

Choosing an Alternative to UseMotion

Max Sinclair on 26/06/2024

Digital planning has a lot of perks. You can access your planner anywhere, on any device. You can move things around, delete them, and add them, without any of the struggles that often go associated with those tasks in a physical planner.

However, not all digital planners are created equal. Some of them are aimed at business professionals who need a project management tool, others are better suited to more casual task management, and in general, there are just a lot of options that can make it difficult for you to choose. Today, I’m going to talk about one specific digital planner: UseMotion. And more specifically, I’m going to talk about what exactly UseMotion is, and which alternatives you can select.

what is useMotion?

UseMotion isn’t your traditional digital planner that consists of calendar events and to-do lists. Instead, it’s marketed as an executive assistant within a digital format. It uses AI to help you organise your life, streamline your time management, and increase your productivity. 

This sounds great. In practice though, UseMotion has a lot of limitations and drawbacks – hence why I’m here to share some other options that may be better suited to your planning needs. From some older options that have been around a while, through to the new kids on the block, reconsidering how time management should be done.

UseMotion alternative #1: forzeit

Forzeit is an intuitive digital planner that helps you make the most of each week. While it has all the features you may look for in a planner – such as different tasks, boards, and the ability to sync with your calendar – what really makes it stand out is the fact that it helps you become a better version of yourself.

If you don’t complete certain tasks, you can say why you didn’t complete them, which can be really helpful in recognising patterns and helping you figure out how to improve your productivity. 

It also has an AI assistant called Ava, who gives you a weekly report that details how successful you were in executing your tasks, and suggests changes that you can make going forward. It’s one of the more advanced project management tools, so if you want to sign up to try Forzeit, click here.

UseMotion alternative #2: todoist

For many people, Todoist is the app that they think of when it comes to digital planners because it’s been around for so long. Many Todoist users have been using this platform to plan their lives for many years, which is a testament to its success.  It’s simple yet effective and allows you to categorise tasks based on their priorities while also adding sub-tasks to help you stay on top of everything you need to do.

useMotion alternative 3: trello

Trello is an app that isn’t necessarily meant to be a planning app. The great thing about it is that you can use it for nearly everything – and that includes planning.  Trello works with boards, which allow you to add tasks or lists of things to each specific board. You can use this for meals, reading lists, or daily to-do lists. Alternatively, if you need a larger planning system that goes beyond your general weekly to-dos, you can use Trello boards to keep track of different projects you’re working on. It’s a great visual planner that helps you group things together and stay on top of them.

useMotion alternative #4: Asana

If you gravitated towards UseMotion for its professional planning but found that it didn’t meet your needs, why not consider Asana to do your digital planning? Just like UseMotion, Asana is aimed at business professionals. Unlike UseMotion, however, Asana isn’t aimed solely at executives, but rather at teams, thanks to its big emphasis on collaboration. Asana allows you to plan not only your own work, but those you do with team members, since you can assign tasks and deadlines to other team members, along with all the information they may need, and it also syncs with external software often used by big teams, making collaboration even easier for teams. The task assignments and other advanced features lend themselves to a professional setting much more than personal tasks.

useMotion alternative #5: notion

Notion is similar to Trello in the sense that it’s not designed to solely be a planning app, but it can certainly be used for that. Notion is a fully customisable software that allows you to create pages and databases according to your needs, which makes it ideal for planning. You can create simple to-do lists or in-depth databases that track different phases of your projects. Its customisable nature makes it ideal for anyone, regardless of what they want to use their digital planner for.

useMotion alternative #6: evernote

Evernote is a more relaxed planning system that allows you to have a good balance between structure and flexibility. It’s marketed as a place to store everything that you don’t have space in your brain for, and it can be used for simple to advanced planning.  It has some pretty cool features, like the fact that you can add images, web clippings, and voice notes, which allows every type of planner to use it effectively.

UseMotion alternative #7: omniFocus

If you want something quite similar to UseMotion and the other options on this list aren’t cutting it, OmniFocus is a good alternative.  It’s aimed to help you separately plan your home, work, and personal life, allowing you to bring in some division and balance. You can track tasks, sync with other apps, and organise tasks so that you can effectively move through different workflows.

useMotions alternative #8: atoms

For those wanting to move away from strict planners and want to focus on improving their lives day by day, a habit tracker instead of a planner might be a better option. Alternatively, you may want to at least have a habit tracker alongside your planner to help you stay on track with the things that matter, even if you don’t always write them down in your planner. There are countless habit trackers out there, but Atoms was created by James Clear, the author of Atomic Habits and an expert when it comes to habit tracking. Plus, it provides guidance to help you stick to your habits, making it a tad more advanced than your average habit tracker. Habit trackers are a way to help you track progress, so give them a try!.

useMotion alternative #9: monday.com

Monday.com is another UseMotion alternative aimed at those who want to do their planning for work. It allows you to sync with others while staying on top of your own workload. It syncs with other apps, has an internal communication option, and offers pre-loaded workflows to cut back on your planning time so that you have more time to work.

UseMotion alternative #10: TickTick

TickTick is a planning app that helps you increase your productivity and time management through digital planning. Whether you want to use it for time tracking or you simply want to schedule meetings somewhere other than your Google calendar, this is a great task manager that offers most of what other tools also offer.  It has a very simple user interface, so for those who want a very clean and minimalist planner, it’s perfect. It has all the basic features you could look for in a planner, so if you want to take a big step back from the intricate functions of UseMotion and move into something simpler, TickTick is a good option.

final words

If you gave Motion a try but felt it ultimately didn’t hit the mark. You’re not alone. It’s heavy handed approach to structuring your week isn’t for everyone.

As you can see by this post, there are many other digital planning apps out there though to suit your needs, whatever they may be.

The Best Alternative to Todoist

Max Sinclair on 25/06/2024

Digital planners have risen in popularity in recent years, and it’s easy to see why so many would pick this in the great debate of digital versus physical planners. 

Many people select a digital planner once and stick to it, but the truth is that there are so many options out there that you may be missing out on the perfect digital planner for you.

I’m a bit (read: a lot) obsessed with planning, especially digital ones, so today, I want to talk through some alternative options for one of the biggest and most popular digital planners out there: Todoist.

what is todoist?

As mentioned, Todoist is one of the most popular options for those wanting to plan their lives digitally. In part, this is because of its age – it was around before digital planners even became a popular thing. 

It’s great for both personal and professional planning, thanks to its colour-coded system that allows you to prioritise tasks and the fact that you can add sub-tasks to your main tasks. But maybe you feel like it doesn’t meet all your planning needs, or you’re simply in the market for a new planner option.

todoist alternative #1: asana

If you want a planner that specifically caters to your professional life, Asana is a great option, especially if you work in a team and collaboration is one of your biggest priorities. It’s an online project management tool that offers everything from managing projects to team collaboration and other tools to help multiple team members work together effectively. 

Asana takes a lot of the work out of team planning by allowing you to assign tasks to team members, set deadlines, and add other useful information. Plus, it syncs with commonly used team software like Slack and Google Drive. If you feel like Todoist isn’t equipped to handle your heavy workload, Asana’s project management software is a great option for you.

todoist alternative #2: notion

Notion isn’t solely a planning app. It’s an advanced database software that allows you to create custom pages to suit any need you may have. I’m not exaggerating when I say that you will find a Notion template for nearly anything you can think of.

Because of its intensely customisable interface, it’s no surprise that many people use it as a planning space to help them manage tasks. If you have specific requirements for your digital planner and you haven’t found an app that works, this is a great option. It’s sort of like a digital bullet journal in the sense that you can build your own layout and system with everything you need.

todoist alternative 3: forzeit

Our next alternative to Todoist is Forzeit. Forzeit is a relatively new planning platform, but it’s growing in leaps and bounds. Also, full disclaimer: I created it. But don’t let that cloud your judgement! Read what I have to say, and then decide for yourself if Forzeit is a good planner option for you. 

This dynamic time management tool is intuitive and helps you to cut down your planning time thanks to weekly templates which can be duplicated each week. If your weeks tend to look the same week after week, this is a great solution because you don’t need to set up your week from scratch each time. 

You can also use emojis to group similar tasks together and change the view so that you only see those tasks, which helps you focus on what’s important. Its AI feature gives weekly reports on how successful you were at executing your tasks, it has a cloud to help you keep track of your goals, and it syncs with your calendar so that you never miss an important event.

todoist alternative #4: omniFocus

OmniFocus isn’t the best option if you just want a simple planner to help you stay on top of your tasks. However, if you feel like you’re juggling your personal life, home life, and professional life, it’s a great option.

You can split your tasks up according to category, which allows you to separate the various aspects of your life, and it helps you track your tasks so that you can be your most productive self. Its advanced task management software makes it a great alternative to Todoist.

todoist alternative #5: evernote

Evernote is what I like to describe as a second brain – a place to store all your thoughts, notes, and to-dos. If your brain just can’t stay on top of everything, this is a good option.

It functions however you need it to – regardless of whether you just want to jot down some simple notes or plan a detailed project. You can add voice notes, web clippings, and photos, making it a digital diary of sorts, and its advanced search feature means that you can always find important information when you need it.

todoist alternative #6: UseMotion

For those wanting to store general ideas like their grocery list and weekly to-dos, UseMotion is probably not the best planning option because it is so advanced. 

Essentially, UseMotion aims to be your personal planning assistant. It uses AI to organise events and streamline your weeks, making it very close to being a digital executive assistant. It does a lot of the heavy lifting for you by thinking of ways to best use your time and manage tasks.

todoist alternative #7: trello

Trello is a planning option that will align perfectly with those who are visual people and love to see everything at a glance. Similarly to Notion, it’s very customisable in the sense that you can use it for nearly anything, but unlike Notion, it does have a set format.

Trello uses boards to help you plan things and keep track of them. People use boards for recipes, reading lists, and other things to keep track of, but you can also assign a board to each day of the week so that you can write down everything you need to do that day, or you can create a board for each ongoing project and write down everything that needs to be done for that project.

Trello also allows you to assign different colours to tasks, so you can easily see where each task is in the workflow.

todoist alternative #8: tickTick

Not to be confused with TikTok, TickTick is a productivity app that aims to help you increase productivity and time management. It’s not the most popular task management tool, but that doesn’t mean you should discredit it!

Its clean and user-friendly interface is ideal for minimalist planners, and it also offers all the other features you may look for in a digital planner, like organisation, recurring tasks, a calendar, reminders, and collaboration with other people.

todoist alternative #9: monday.com

If you’re looking for a collaborative planner specifically designed for the workplace and Asana doesn’t quite fit the bill, Monday.com should be another option to look at. 

If your planning often relies on being in sync with others, Monday.com is an easy planner to use since it’s such a collaborative planner with built-in workflows. Just like other apps mentioned in this list, it syncs with external apps, but it also has an internal communication option as well, making it a great project management tool.

todoist alternative #10: atoms

Finally, you may not actually need a planner, but rather a habit tracker, in which case Todoist isn’t the right fit for you. Or perhaps you want to use a habit tracker alongside Todoist. 

There are loads of habit-tracking apps out there, but the one I’d recommend is Atoms since this was created by James Clear who wrote the best-selling book Atomic Habits. Atoms is more than just a habit tracker – it provides personalised coaching to help you become the best version of yourself.

final words

The great thing about digital planners is that so many of them are free, so you can try a few of them without committing. I really hope that this variety of different planning options helps you find the perfect digital planner for you as an alternative to Todoist, but if not, remember that this is a drop in the bucket of the online planning world, and there are hundreds of other options out there. 

So, if you still can’t find the perfect planner for you, that doesn’t mean you should give up hope! There’s bound to be something that works for you.

The Best Planner Alternative to Notion

Max Sinclair on 20/06/2024

In the busy times we all live in, having a planner to catch our thoughts and keep us focused is key. After all, let’s be honest: we don’t have the brain capacity to remember everything we need to do. 

In the past, most people used to opt for a classic pen-and-paper planner, but nowadays, more and more people are migrating to digital planners. One of these is Notion. However, if you feel like Notion isn’t the perfect digital planner and you’re looking for some alternatives that may fit your planning needs better, you’ve come to the right place.

what is notion?

Think of Notion as a Swiss Army knife for planning. It’s not specifically designed to be used as a planner – instead, it’s a software that can be used to create pages and databases for everything you can think of, from meal plans to collaborative work projects and more. 

No wonder many people love using it as a planner! It’s a great place for keeping everything you need in one place. 

However, if you just want a simple planner that is already set up for you and you don’t need any of the advanced features of Notion, there may be some other options that are more tailored to your planning needs.

notion alternative #1: evernote

Evernote is great for people who feel like their brains are simply overflowing, and they need a second brain to write down all their notes and to-dos. 

Whether you want a spot to store fleeting thoughts to detailed plans, Evernote has it all. You can add photos and web clippings, and it has an advanced organisational system where you can add tags and sort your lists into different notebooks. Plus, you can easily search things. 

You can even add your notes via audio format, sync across devices, and collaborate with others, making it a great tool for people with busy schedules and lots on their plates. 

Notion alternative #2: forzeit

Forzeit is a dynamic time management tool that can help you plan and execute your weeks with precision, and it even uses AI assistance to help you improve upon your weeks and figure out why some tasks just never get done. 

You can add emojis to help you differentiate between different tasks, create templates so that you don’t waste hours setting up your weeks, and sync it with your calendar. There’s also the cloud, a powerful motivational tool that helps you keep track of your goals. If you’re eager to try Forzeit yourself, click here.

Notion alternative 3: Asana

If you’re looking to make planning your work life easier, Asana should be an option to consider. It’s designed specifically with teams in mind, allowing users to assign tasks to members along with deadlines and comprehensive information. 

There are loads of ways to do this, and it integrates with other tools like Slack and Google Drive. While it may not be the best option for personal planning, it can be a game changer if you’re in a job that requires a lot of work with others since it functions as a project management tool.

Notion alternative #4: Monday.com

Monday.com is another option that’s great in a work setting, especially for team members wanting to be unified in their planning. It has everything you may need for a collaborative planner, while also being highly customisable so that you can tailor it to your work setup. 

It has in-app communication tools but also syncs with external tools. Its automation system is also great for those who have a lot of repetitive tasks. It also has a bunch of dedicated project management tools that make it a great Notion alternative for those who want project management software. 

Notion alternative #5: atoms

James Clear, author of the bestselling book, Atomic Habits, has recently launched a habit-building app called Atoms. 

If you’re more in the market for a habit tracker than a planner, this can be a great option, especially for those tasks you want to accomplish each day but don’t want to write down each day of the week. It’s personalised, motivated, and aims to help you become the person you want to be. It has all the features you’d want in a habit tracker, and then some!

notion alternative #6: OmniFocus

Our next Notion alternative is OmniFocus. OmniFocus is designed to help individuals manage tasks and projects effectively by offering things like task organisation, project planning, tracking, and priority settings. 

You can have different tasks for your work life, your personal life, and your home life. It’s designed with productivity in mind, and its powerful task management system makes it versatile enough to appeal to a variety of people.

notion alternative #7: tickTick

This sounds like TikTok, but it’s actually the opposite. Instead of stealing your time and productivity like TikTok does, TickTick aims to help you be more productive and spend your time more effectively.

It has a clean and user-friendly interface that makes it easy to use. Just like some of the other apps on here, it offers organisation, recurring tasks, and collaboration. You can also add reminders, and it has a built-in calendar, making it ideal for professional and personal planning. Whether you’re working on complex projects or just a note-taking app, its advanced features are still easy enough to use to put it on the list of best Notion alternatives. 

notion alternative #8: UseMotion

Usemotion aims to streamline the planning process by acting as your personal planning assistant.

It uses advanced AI technology to take your tasks and events and organise them for you. It has advanced project management features, so for executives, this can be a lifesaver as it does a lot of the work for you and frees up your time to do other things, although it may not be the best option for simply planning the average person’s week.

notion alternative #9: Todoist

 

Todoist is one of the most popular task management systems, and it combines simplicity with effectiveness. 

One of the main appeals is the option to add sub-tasks to your main tasks, allowing you to break them down into smaller chunks. You can also prioritise tasks so that you know where to start. It’s one of the pioneers of the digital planning world, and it’s stood the test of time. 

notion alternative #10: Trello

If you’re a visual person who likes seeing everything laid out, Trello is your new best friend. Trello uses boards to group tasks together, whether by day or other categories. 

You can even use different boards to represent different workflows and projects with all of the tasks that need to be done displayed, and it uses a colour system that you can use to organise tasks by priority or category.

Conslusion

While Notion is a great planning option, it’s certainly not for everyone. However, there are thousands of planner apps out there, so it can be difficult to know where to start if you’re ready to explore other options.

Hopefully, this post helped you see which are the hottest planning apps right now, and narrow down a few that may work for you. Give them a try to see if they might be the perfect fit!

How to Make a Weekly Planning Template: Everything You Need to Know

Max Sinclair on 11/06/2024

In our busy modern lives where we need to balance our home, work, and personal life, it’s important to have some form of organisation to help you keep track of everything.

For most people, this comes in the form of a weekly planner. However, there may come a time when simply setting up your week takes out a big chunk of your day. This is where weekly templates come in. I’ve made a whole post about why templates are important if you want your life to be organised.

Now, in this post, I’m going to dive into how you can turn this idea into a practical reality.

why template your weeks?

Before I dive into all the nitty gritty details, it’s important to figure out if templating is actually for you. For example, if you are someone whose weeks differ from each other all the time, coming up with a template might not be for you. Similarly, if you have just three tasks to do each day, a template might not be necessary.

But if you thrive on routine and structure and have a lot of events and tasks that recur every day or week, a template can help you keep track of these tasks and prevent you from having to write out the same tasks for each of the seven days of the week. Because let’s be honest: that’s way too time-consuming. 

Plus, here are some of the benefits you will experience when you template your weeks:

  1. You will easily prioritise tasks and realise which tasks can wait a while
  2. You can track your progress by comparing one week’s template to the next 
  3. You can balance your tasks by making sure that your template includes time for rest

so, how do you do it?

If you’ve now decided that templating is, in fact, something you want to try, here’s how you should go about it.

1. choose your medium

The template is a base, but you need somewhere to place it. This is, of course, what your weekly planner is for. Do you prefer a physical or digital planner? If you’re not sure, I have a whole post about the topic, so give that a read here. 

Of course, deciding between physical and digital planners is only the first step. You will also need to decide which physical or digital planner you want. Keep in mind that it’s often easier to have a template when using a digital planner since you can copy and paste things very easily, making it a useful online tool.

2. have a weekly overview

Setting up a weekly template can feel overwhelming, so start by writing down some tasks that occur on the same day of each week. Maybe you go to the gym on specific days, have a date night every Friday, or take your kids to soccer practice every Wednesday. 

Write these down as they are already cemented, which means they will repeat each week. Having your schedule set up in advance can make it much easier for you to start your morning by just having your schedule with your tasks already set up.

3. think about daily tasks

Next, think about tasks you like to do every day and add them to each day of the week. For example, you may want to walk the dog every day or do a load of laundry. Adding these daily tasks and habits to your weekly template will already give you a clear picture of what your weeks look like, and which days are busier than others.

4. organise your template

Once you have a list of ongoing to-dos, you can organise each day by priority or time, so that you can start at the top and work your way through specific tasks on your weekly planner template without accidentally missing something important.

5. use your template

Once the bones of your template are ready, you can then copy it to your weekly planner either by pasting it (if you use a digital planner) or by writing it down if you have a physical one.

Then you can check your calendar and other to-do lists to add any tasks that are specific to that week. This includes things like appointments, deadlines, and assignments, which don’t always occur every week. 

Depending on the week, you may need to move some things around. My planning app, Forzeit, makes it easy for you to not only create templates but to move tasks around within these templates.

The entire point of templates is to make weekly schedules easier, but that only works when you use this tool.

6. edit your template

Your template is just that – a template. You don’t need to stick to it all the time. If there’s a busy week where your template won’t help you, skip it, and use it when you need regular weekly schedules again. 

And also remember that your template is flexible. You can reflect on it each week and see what worked and what didn’t, and make changes as needed.

final words

I hope that this post gave you some inspiration when it comes to not only why you should template your weekly planning but also how you can do it. 

Of course, this is only some advice – play around with templates and change things until you find something that works for you. And if you’re eager to try a weekly planner that already has a built-in templating system, consider giving Forzeit a try. 

How to Find the Top Weekly Planner for You

Max Sinclair on 06/06/2024

In today’s world, where hustle culture and a productive mindset mean we are constantly being shown new ways of planning our weeks, it can feel like we’re being overwhelmed by options.  

There are thousands of different weekly planners and planning apps out there, so how the hell are you supposed to know which one to pick? Here’s the thing: you shouldn’t just try to find the best weekly planner. You should try to specifically find the best weekly planner for you. Think about your life, your needs, and what you want from a planner, and then select a planner that aligns with that. Not sure how to do that? You’ve come to the right place.

digital or paper?

The first step to making a decision is to narrow it down, and when it comes to planners, the easiest way to eliminate a whole bunch of options is to decide whether you prefer to do your planning digitally or on paper. 

If you’re on the fence about this as well, give this blog post a read, as I share some tips that you may find helpful. But perhaps you already know that you prefer paper planners so that you can use planner stickers. Once you’ve made this big decision, the rest should come easily.

what's your planning style?

Next, you need to figure out your planning style so that you can find a planner that aligns with this. Are you a very detailed person, or do you just need somewhere to jot down ideas? Do you want your planner to be basic and practical, or a place where you can express your creativity?

Figuring out how you like to plan can help you determine what to plan with. Some people love cracking open a new planner and going to their favourite craft stores so that they can decorate their weekly pages.

But others like a simple monthly planner that they can then use to break down their weekly pages in an undated planner. You may enjoy the creative aspect of bullet journaling or want to try your hand at habit tracking, in which case you may need a weekly planner that allows for this, rather than a basic weekly lifeplanner that only has space for a few daily tasks. Your planning style determines your perfect planner.

Do you have any specific requirements?

You also need to think about anything that is an absolute must in a planner. Most planners have some standard inclusions like monthly calendars and to-do lists for your weekly tasks, but sometimes, you need something extra. 

Maybe you want a planner that has time slots so that you can keep track of appointments. If you use a digital planner, you may want to choose one that syncs with different apps, or one like Forzeit, which allows for templating. 

Or maybe you want pages dedicated to note pages. Or some time management element. Some people want to have a monthly calendar included in their paper planner or look for a specific weekly layout in their weekly planners so that they have enough writing room to plan ahead.

Everyone has some non-negotiable things that they look for in their planners, so look for a weekly planner that offers you what you need.

which size is right?

If you select a physical planner, you need to think about which size suits your lifestyle. If you have a lot of stuff to get done and your planner has a permanent home on your desk, then a bigger planner might be better.

But if your planner is always coming with you, you may want a small planner that’s easy to transport – or a digital one, since you can simply bring your phone with you to access it. Similarly, if you just need a place to keep your to-do lists, a small notebook may be the only “planner” you really need.

does it suit your aesthetic style?

Yes, planners are there to be practical and help us be productive, but that doesn’t mean that they can’t be fun.

There are thousands of planners out there to match any aesthetic, from minimalist to colourful and everything in between, so choose one that sparks joy and inspires you to actually use it.

what do the reviews say?

Finally, look at what others have to say about the planner. What do they like, and what don’t they enjoy? Use this to guide you in selecting the perfect planner for you, and don’t be afraid to ask loved ones for recommendations!

final words

In conclusion, there are many weekly planner options out there, and the key is to find one that works for you. Because the thing is, the “perfect” planner for one person might not be the perfect planner for you. In the end, as long as you have a planner that allows you to get stuff done and that you enjoy using, that’s all that matters. Finding the top weekly planner for you really doesn’t need to be as hard as it seems!

How Do I Find the Best Weekly Planner for Me?

Max Sinclair on 05/06/2024

Once you reach a certain age and have responsibilities and a lot of other stuff on your plate, planning your weeks becomes essential. 

After all, we may like to think we’re superhuman and will remember everything, but that’s not the case. You need to have what I like to call a “second brain” – a place where you can store your thoughts, ideas, and to-dos. 

I’m probably preaching to the choir here. Most of us have already realised the importance of a good weekly planner. The issue, however, is selecting a weekly planner that works for you. With so many options out there, it can be overwhelming to try and wade through all the life planners, which is why I’ve put together a list of tips that should help you narrow down your options to find the perfect planner for you. 

digital, physical, or both?

Ah, yes. The big debate of whether digital or physical planners are best. I have a whole post about this, so I won’t go into too much detail. 

What it comes down to is this: there isn’t a right or wrong answer. Both options have their pros and cons. You need to decide whether you prefer the convenience of digital planning or the traditional method of paper planning. And don’t forget that you can use a combination of them both!

what are your needs?

Some people only need a planner to write down big events or time-related things like meetings, whereas others love having a planner that contains every detail of their lives, from their meals to their elaborate morning routine and everything in between.

You may also need a planner that has space to write down your children’s activities, or one that has a space for daily reflection. Think about what you will be using the planner for, and look for one that meets your needs. Your planner needs to fit your weekly schedule as well as your daily schedule, so be sure to keep that in mind when perusing weekly planners. The right planner for you is the one that effortlessly fits with your daily habits.

Do you have any specific requirements?

Once you’ve narrowed down what you want to use your planner for, you need to get into the nitty-gritty details. This will help you decide which planner format is the best option for the current stage of your planning journey. 

Think about any specific details you may want from your planner, and eliminate any planners that don’t have those things. Maybe you want an undated planner so that you have more flexibility when you use it. If you use a digital planner, perhaps you want one that gives you reminders or that syncs with other apps. Thinking about your non-negotiables will help you weed out any planners that won’t give you what you want. 

Some ideas of extra features you may want include a monthly budget, an ongoing to-do list, a monthly calendar alongside your weekly layouts, or a fun cover image. Also, keep in mind that many companies offer custom planners, so if you’re on the market for something specific in your weekly planning pages, that could be a good solution.

what does your research say?

Do your research! Look up reviews for physical planners, read the reviews for planning apps, and talk to your loved ones about which planners they use. 

What do people like about specific planners, and what drives them mad? I’m willing to bet that once you start looking into some planners, you will easily be able to tell whether they’re worth it or not. Also, think of your personal priorities in a planner and try to focus on planners that align with that. 

can you do a test drive?

When you use a planning app, you can try various apps – either at the same time or switching between them from week to week – to get a feel of which ones work for you and which ones don’t. This can help you narrow down what to use for your own planner. 

This is a bit harder when it comes to physical planners, of course, since no one wants to buy ten planners if they will only end up using one.

what's your budget?

The price range for planners is very broad. You could technically buy a small notebook and use it as your planner, or even type your weekly plans into your notes app. 

But there are very beautiful and elaborate planners out there that cost a lot, and there are also many paid planning apps that offer you great benefits that free versions don’t always get. Again, it comes down to what you’re looking for in a planner. In the end, you need to know what you want in a monthly planner and how much you’re willing to pay for it.

quick shoutout to forzeit

Before I close this blog post, I would like to shout out a new planning app (and yes, I made it myself, so I am a bit biased). It’s called Forzeit, and it has everything that I myself look for in a digital weekly planner. Also, it’s not just weekly – you can use it for literally anything you want. The sky’s the limit. 

If you’d like to give Forzeit a try, click here.

the end

There you go! This was a nice and short post because in the end, it doesn’t really matter that much which planner you use, as long as you have a planning system that works for you. I get that it can be overwhelming, though, so I hope that this post gave you a bit of clarity and a starting point to help you figure out which planner to use for you.

You can use a combination of both, or use one for a while and then switch to the other as your planning needs change. In the end, your planning system should work for you, and that’s all that matters.

 

Are Digital Weekly Planners the Right Move for You? Here’s What You Need to Know!

Max Sinclair on 04/06/2024

In today’s fast-paced and tech-driven world, it’s no surprise that more and more people are leaning towards doing things digitally. It’s easy. It’s convenient. And it doesn’t use as much space as keeping stacks of paper everywhere. 

However, one area where people seem to be on the fence when it comes to digital versus physical products is planning. Some people have easily migrated to a digital setup, whereas others are die-hard physical planner fans. 

You might be ready to test the waters when it comes to digital planning but feel unsure of whether it’s the right step for you. That’s what this post is here for.

the pros

When it comes to breaking things down, a good place to start is to look at the pros and cons and use that as guidance. Let’s start with the positive elements of digital planners. 

  1. Accessibility and portability: you can access your digital planner on your phone, your laptop, and other devices since most digital planners make it easy for you to sync across multiple devices. Therefore, you can easily access your planner no matter where you are, and there’s no reason to worry about forgetting it at home since we all always have our phones on us anyway. 
  2. Customisation: while most digital planners do have some structure to them, you may still be able to customise yours to suit your needs, depending on what you choose. You can often select your colour scheme, add images, and even customise the font and layout. Of course, if you want to use it for business planning, this likely doesn’t matter much, but if you want to get creative, there are digital sticker packs you can purchase for that extra personalisation..
  3. Integration: another benefit of digital planets is that you can easily integrate them with other apps such as your Google calendar, creating a cohesive hub between your digital items. This way, important dates and events will automatically be added to your planner without you needing to manually add them, which eliminates the risk of missing something important. 
  4. Searchability: if you need to find something in your digital planner, you can easily search for it without having to remember where you wrote it down. Going hand in hand with this is the fact that digital planners can have passwords, making them a good option for those with privacy preferences.
  5. Eco-friendliness: of course, digital planners don’t use paper, which makes them much more sustainable. 
  6. Templating: some digital planners also allow you to set up templates and then duplicate them into your weeks, which is very helpful if you don’t want to spend hours setting up your week.

the cons

For anything that has pros, there will inevitably be cons as well. So, what are the downsides to digital planners?

  1. Screen fatigue: most of us spend all day, every day, staring at a screen. Physical daily planners will give your eyes a bit of a break from digital devices and allow you to disconnect for a while. 
  2. Battery-dependent: of course, another factor to keep in mind is that, since your planner is on a digital device, you can only access it when your device is charged, so you may miss out on important events if your battery dies. Similarly, some apps even need to be connected to the internet, so that’s another factor to consider.
  3. There’s a learning curve: since digital planners use apps and software, you will need to learn how to use them, which can be frustrating and time-consuming, especially if the interface isn’t very user-friendly or if the app keeps glitching. They may also work with marketing and advertising partners, meaning you may be spammed with targeted ads. 
  4. You’ll be faced with distractions: using a digital planning app on your phone or laptop means that you will need to be on those devices all the time, which means you will likely get distracted by emails, social media, and other apps on your devices.

some digital planner options

So, you’ve decided to make the switch to a digital planner (or to at least give it a go) . . . and what now? There are countless digital planning apps out there, so the chances are good that you will find something that works for you. In case you’re feeling overwhelmed and not sure where to start, I’ve put together some options for you. 

  1. Goodnotes: this is a very popular option among iPad users since it allows you to import PDFs and customise your planner to your needs. You can also use your own handwriting in it, which is good for those who prefer that extra personalisation. 
  2. Notion: Notion is a workspace that can be used for nearly anything, thanks to its blank interface which you can design however you want. It has epic features like databases, calendars, to-do lists, and more. You can make it as simple or as complicated as you want. 
  3. Trello: Trello uses boards, lists, and cards to help you organise tasks. It’s great for work planning as you can add tasks to their relevant board and even collaborate with your team across boards and tasks. 
  4. Forzeit: Forzeit is a newer planning option that aims to revolutionise planning. It has everything you need, from links to weekly feedback to templates, to emojis, and more. You can give it a try here.

how to pick the best digital planner

Maybe one of the options above immediately jumped out at you, or maybe you read the description and you were like “hell no”, making it easier for you to eliminate. But maybe you just feel like you still have no idea what will work for you. I’ve been planning my weeks for years, so I have some tips to help you pick the right digital planner. 

  1. Device compatibility: some digital planning apps are only accessible on certain devices, so if they don’t work with your devices, that’s an easy way to know an app isn’t for you.
  2. User interface: as mentioned, there are digital planning apps catered to everyone, so you need to look at it to see if it meets your needs. Do you want something super basic, or a gorgeous planner that is very detailed? Once you’ve decided, select an app whose interface meets your goals. 
  3. Features: are there any features that are very important to you? Maybe you need to be able to use it offline, or perhaps being able to sync it with other apps and devices is non-negotiable. Figure out which features you want and look for apps that offer those. 
  4. Cost: some digital planners are free, others are paid, and some have a free and paid option. You need to consider your budget when selecting a planner, and also consider whether it’s a once-off purchase or an ongoing subscription. 

digital versus physical planners: a quick comparison

Perhaps you’re still not sure of whether digital planners are for you, or maybe you’re feeling overloaded with information, so here’s a quick comparison of digital versus paper planners to help you decide which one is for you.

digital planners

  • Flexibility: you can easily move tasks around and delete them, as well as create multiple templates which isn’t as simple in a physical planner. 
  • Space: digital planners have unlimited space, unlike paper planners, where you may be confined by limited space. 
  • Backup: you can also find a digital planner that offers a backup option so that you never lose your information.

paper planners

  • Tactile experience: some people simply enjoy the act of putting pen to paper and writing, and digital planners don’t offer you that experience. 
  • Focus: paper planners are free from digital distractions, which can help you to stay focused. 
  • Creativity: you can draw, doodle, and add other fun elements to your paper planner to make it a productive and fun experience. 

conclusion

There was a lot of information here, but I hope you found it helpful in your quest towards determining whether digital or physical planners are the best option for you. That being said, you should also keep in mind that it doesn’t need to be one or the other. 

You can use a combination of both, or use one for a while and then switch to the other as your planning needs change. In the end, your planning system should work for you, and that’s all that matters.

 

Digital vs Real World Diaries: Which is Best?

Max Sinclair on 29/05/2024

The debate of digital versus real-world has been around for years and is becoming even more prevalent as more of our lives are moving into the digital space. It’s been debated when it comes to banking, storage, photos, and more. 

With the evolution of digital diaries and planning apps, this is another element of the debate. Are digital or physical planners, diaries, calendars, and journals the way to go?

As with anything else, there isn’t necessarily a right or wrong answer. Both options have their pros and cons, so the important thing is weighing these up and figuring out what works best for you and your planning situation when it comes to the physical versus digital diary study.

the charm of physical planners

Let’s start with real-world planners. There is an age-old charm to these that cannot be denied, given the fact that millions of people still buy them despite the multitude of digital options available. 

There’s something peaceful about sitting down in a quiet corner, putting your pen to paper, and writing down your plans for the week. For those who love adding a creative flair to their planners, this is also a great option, since you can add drawings, stickers, and other artistic elements to your diary.

the convenience of digital planners

Of course, there’s one thing we’re all after in today’s busy world: convenience. And there’s no denying that digital planners are incredibly convenient. You can sync them across multiple devices so that you can plan on your laptop and multiple mobile phones, move and delete your plans as necessary, and even add password protection if you need some added security. 

Some planners, like Forzeit, even have advanced features like templates and weekly reports to make your planning life even easier. You can also add elements like links or video files, which may be helpful depending on what you want to use your planner for. 

Of course, you may not be the target audience for a digital diary. If you need something basic and you’re not on a quest for a deeper understanding of your planning methods, then you may need nothing more than a piece of paper.

bonus tip: you can use both

There’s no rule that says you need to pick one option and stick to that. Many people use a combination of the two for different aspects of their life, and you can do the same! Finding a balance between the two might be the perfect solution, especially if you can’t decide which one is for you. 

Look at your usage patterns to see if you are more drawn to traditional methods of planning like paper planners or whether you prefer a more modern option like a digital diary . . . or both! You may also find that during one time period of your life, a digital diary is best, whereas in another, a physical planner addresses your pain points. There’s no need to limit yourself!

Also, don’t let anyone make you feel like you should be using a specific type of planner. Be honest with yourself about what you need, and get a planner that helps you access this.

the final line

In the end, there’s a lot to be said about both real-life and digital planners. It all depends on what you want and what works for you. Try both, and try different variations of the two. It’s your life and your planner, so as long as you’re happy with it, that’s all that matters. 

How to Find the Best Weekly Planning App for You: A Comprehensive Guide

Max Sinclair on 22/05/2024

In today’s world, where nearly every aspect of our lives has been migrated to the digital realm, it’s no surprise that more and more people are making the switch from paper planners to digital planning apps. 

It just makes sense! There’s much more flexibility when it comes to digital planners, not to mention the convenience of being able to access your synced planner on any device, at any time. 

That being said, there are countless digital weekly planner apps out there, so how do you find the right one? I think the important thing to note is that you need to find a planner that works for you, your needs, and your lifestyle. One planner might be perfect for someone and a nightmare for another. I’ve put together a few things that I hope will guide you in this decision.

1. assess your needs

As mentioned, your planner needs to fit your life, not the other way around. So, figure out what you need from a planner. Do you want it for work? Personal life? An all-encompassing planner that includes everything you could ever need, from meetings to meal planning and more?

There are basic planners to complex ones, ones that do a lot of the work for you, and ones that allow complete customisation. Figuring out what you need will help you to eliminate any planners that don’t fit those parameters. From task management to something that helps you manage projects and track time spent, there’s certainly a planning app that has it all.

2. think of specific requirements

You also need to think about any additional features you may want from your planning app, and whether they are must-haves or whether you are willing to compromise on them. Maybe you want reminders, or the ability to sync your app with your Google calendar. If any of these things are a necessity in your life, be sure to look for a weekly or daily planner app that has them. 

3. research

Don’t just choose the first planning app that you find, but rather do your research. Read reviews, talk to friends, and try to gather a few possible options. While researching, make sure that you add apps that are compatible with your devices, and also be sure to check if the app is paid or not. 

4. test drive some apps

Also don’t feel like you need to confine yourself to one app from the get-go! Try different apps for a few weeks to see which ones you prefer. Remember that many apps have both a free version and a paid version, so that’s another factor to keep in mind. 

Take note of the pros and cons of each, and even consider using different apps for different purposes if you can’t find one that ticks all your boxes. Even if you’ve found an app that you like, there’s no reason why you can’t try other apps to manage your upcoming tasks.

5. look for cross-platform compatibility

As stated earlier, one of the biggest benefits of a weekly planning app is the fact that many apps can sync across multiple devices, so you can use it on your laptop while at work, or on your phone while out and about. 

Some people even like to share their planners with coworkers or spouses for better communication. If this is something that’s important to you, be sure to select apps that can sync.

6. consider integration with other tools

You may also want to sync your planner with your calendar or other tool so that you don’t need to constantly keep manually adding appointments, reminders, and meetings to your planner. You may want to sync Google Calendar events so that your monthly planner and weekly planner are integrated, or have it access your note-taking apps to help you manage various to-do lists.

7. think about the user experience

You also want an app that is intuitive to use, that doesn’t have a million ads, and that doesn’t keep crashing, so user experience is another factor to keep in mind when it comes to selecting a planning app. You need to be able to use it without constantly trying to figure out where things go or how to use certain features. 

Of course, there will always be a learning curve, but in the end, a planner should make your life easier, not harder.

8. don't feel stuck

You may find a planning app that works perfectly well for you, but that doesn’t mean that it always will.

Life is always changing, so you need to allow yourself the grace to find a new planning app if needed. It’s easy to feel like you’re stuck with one app, but that doesn’t need to be the case! If something doesn’t work for you anymore, try something new!

bonus: my favourite weekly planning app

Allow me to quickly shout out my favourite tool: Forzeit. This is a weekly planner that I believe has it all. It has emojis to allow you to mark similar tasks. It has templates you can use so that you don’t need to set your week up from scratch, and it also syncs with your calendar. 

You can move tasks around, use various shortcuts to mark them as done or partially done and have task lists to help you focus on what your next priorities are. If this sounds good and you want to give it a try, click here to sign up for Forzeit.

final words

If you are considering switching to an app to do your weekly planning but feel overwhelmed by the choices, I hope that this post made it easier for you to select one that works for you!