How to Find Your Functional Planning Style (Without Losing Your Mind)
Hey boo! 👋🏽
So you bought the planner. Maybe even five planners (no judgment here—we’ve all been there 😅). You’ve got the inserts, the stickers, the pens that make you feel like you have your life together… but somehow, things still feel chaotic. Like you’re using your planner, but it’s not really working for you.
Sound familiar?
Let’s talk about it. Because finding your functional planning style is the game-changer you didn’t know you needed. It’s not just about having a cute layout—it’s about finding a system that supports your real life. The messy parts, the full days, the forgotten appointments, and yes, even the moments where you’re like “What day is it again?”
First Things First: What Is a Functional Planning Style?
Think of it like your planner’s personality—except it’s really your personality, expressed in how you plan. Your functional style is the way you lay things out, organize your tasks, and structure your days to actually get things done.
Some of us love a super detailed, time-blocked spread. Others need a big ol’ to-do list and some white space to breathe. There’s no one-size-fits-all—just what fits you.
Now Let’s Talk Functionality (a.k.a. What You Actually Need)
So here’s the thing: we tend to get caught up in what’s “cute” or what other people are doing. But what matters most is how your planner helps you function. Like, in real life. Not Pinterest life.
Here are some questions to ask yourself:
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Do I need a place to brain dump all the chaos?
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Do I thrive with structure and hourly breakdowns?
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Do I want everything in one place—or prefer to keep things separated by category?
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Am I overwhelmed by too many boxes and prompts?
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Do I forget to look at my planner once I’ve written things down?
Once you answer those, you’re already halfway to discovering your functional style.
Quick Functional Planning Styles You Might Relate To:
Let’s break down a few common ones (no labels—just vibes):
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The Lister: You love a good ol’ checklist. Brain dumps, running to-do lists, and post-its everywhere. You need space to get it all out and then move it around.
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The Blocker: You live by time-blocking. If it’s not on the schedule, it doesn’t exist. You thrive with structure and love a clean layout with dedicated hourly slots.
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The Hybrid Queen: A little of this, a little of that. You like sections—maybe top 3 priorities, a little space for notes, and a tracker or two. You like your planner to multitask, just like you.
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The Minimalist: You keep it simple. No fluff. You want to see what needs to be done, check it off, and move on with your day.
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The Decorator (Function-First Edition): You like pretty, but not at the expense of productivity. Stickers are cool, but they better not cover your tasks!
Tip: Experiment Without Pressure
The key to finding your style is trying stuff out. You do not have to commit to one format forever. Use sticky notes to test layouts. Print out sample inserts (hey boo, we’ve got you covered with Fancy Plans Co. printables). Try one style for a week and then switch it up. Pay attention to what works and what frustrates you.
Planning is personal, and it’s okay to change it up as your life shifts. (New job? New baby? New level of “I can’t keep doing it this way”? Yup. Time for a planning refresh.)
Don’t Be Afraid to Ditch What’s Not Working
Just because a planner is pretty doesn’t mean it’s functional for you. If something’s not helping you stay on top of your life, it’s not the right setup—no matter how many YouTubers swear by it.
Give yourself permission to say, “This isn’t it,” and move on. You’re not “failing at planning”—you’re just figuring out your flow. That’s what real productivity looks like.
Final Thoughts (aka your planner pep talk 💕)
You don’t need to overhaul your whole life to get your planner to work for you. You just need to listen to what you actually need and be willing to try different things until something clicks.
And if you need a little help figuring it out, grab a few freebies from Fancy Plans Co., and give yourself grace. Because honestly? You’re doing amazing, sweetie.
Happy planning!