Confession time: I have planner commitment issues.
For years, I bounced between paper planners and digital tools like a supernatural creature torn between realms. One minute, I was swearing my undying love to Erin Condren with her fancy layouts and sticker-ready pages. The next, I was setting up elaborate digital dashboards, convinced that this time, this time, I had found “the one.”
Spoiler alert: Neither fully worked.
Turns out, I need both—because my brain is a chaotic mix of “let’s color-code this” and “just write it down before you forget.” So now, I use a hybrid planning system that keeps me (mostly) organized without making me feel like I’m betraying one method for another.
And because I clearly have no shame, I do my weekly planning live on Twitch so people can witness my struggle in real time. (Come for the planning, stay for the inevitable distraction where I start talking about werewolves instead.)
So, if you’ve ever found yourself in a planner identity crisis, let me show you how I make both digital and paper planning work together!
Why I Use Both Digital & Paper Planning
I know, I know. Some people swear by digital tools and others clutch their paper planners like ancient grimoires of knowledge. I respect both. But here’s why I use both:
- Digital planning keeps me on track. Zinnia lets me organize my monthly and weekly layouts without hauling around a five-pound planner. Plus, I can move things around without scribbling all over my pages like a mad scientist.
- Paper planning keeps me focused. My Rocketbook (which is erasable, because I also have commitment issues with my to-do lists) helps me stay present with my daily priorities. If I write it by hand, it sticks in my brain better.
- Combining them keeps me sane. Digital = structure. Paper = flexibility. I need both, because my life is a blend of structured schedules (teaching Kindroid, writing, Twitch streams) and chaotic creative energy (paranormal romance plots at 2 AM, anyone?).
My Digital Planning Setup
Right now, I use Zinnia for my monthly and weekly planning. Why? Because it’s digital but still feels like a paper planner. I can design pages, move things around, and even add stickers when I want to pretend I have my life together.
How I Use It:
My Paper Planning Setup
For daily planning, I use my Rocketbook—which is basically magic. You write on it like a normal notebook, scan pages into the cloud (Google Drive, email, wherever), and then erase it like some futuristic spellcaster.
How I Use It:
I love this system because it feels flexible. If my week changes, I don’t have to redo a whole planner layout—I just wipe my Rocketbook clean and start over. PLUS!!! It works with Frixion pens for immediate erasing!
How I Sync Both Systems Together
Step 1: Digital First for Big-Picture Planning
At the start of the month (or week), I map everything out in Zinnia. This includes deadlines, content schedules, and my Twitch streams.
Step 2: Paper for Daily Focus
Each morning, I take what’s important from my Zinnia plan and write my top tasks in my Rocketbook. This keeps me from getting lost in the endless sea of digital notes.
Step 3: Weekly Sync & Adjustments
I do a weekly planning session live on Twitch, where I go over what worked, adjust anything that’s changed, and prep for the upcoming week. This is my time to check in with myself (and my audience) to make sure I’m actually moving toward my goals.
Finding a System That Works for You
If you’re struggling to decide between digital or paper, my advice? Don’t choose—combine them.
The key is to adapt your system to your brain, not the other way around. What works for me might not work for you, but experimenting is part of the fun!
How Do You Plan? Let’s Chat!
Are you Team Digital, Team Paper, or living that Hybrid Life™ like me? Let me know in the comments! And if you ever want to see a live look at my planning chaos, join me on Twitch for my weekly planning sessions.
Now, if you’ll excuse me, I need to go write “Write words. Please.” in my Rocketbook… again. 😅
