With all the planner options out there, it’s difficult to know where to start and what tools to choose. You may have been scrolling through social media trying to get some inspiration to find something that looks like it will work for you. However, the key to success in planning is knowing from the start what your planning style is. This post will help break down some common styles and help you examine what works best for you!

Before we get into it, I just want to say that your planning style is inherent to you and will likely evolve over time. What you like now, may change and that’s okay. You don’t need permission to change your mind.

Planning Terminology

When searching for planning inspiration, you may have seen or used hashtags such as: minimal, creative, functional, etc. The use of these keywords is great when trying to find inspiration, but what does it really mean? It’s important to note that there is a lot of grey area when it comes to classifying planning styles and as such, there are no clear definitions.

For example, it would be an erroneous assumption that creators who classify themselves as functional are not also creative planners. It would also not be accurate to classify creators that love the use of stickers and embellishments as being “dysfunctional”. Planning is a space where there are no clear boundaries and rules don’t really exist.

I truly believe that anyone that’s creating content, no matter the style has a creative mind. Planning style is personal and a matter of perspective. Due to this, I’ll refrain from using such jargon as creative. Instead, I’ll focus on what, I believe, people are trying to convey.

Below, you’ll find a non-exhaustive high-level list of some planning styles. I did my best, but there’s honestly no way to list them all. Think through these keywords one at a time – independently of one another. What would you like to try? What do you steer clear of? What triggers anxiety? Which can you look at and it just feels “right”.

Minimal/Minimalistic: very few embellishments, stickers (if any). Focuses on content. Lots of blank space on page. Color is typically more neutral in tone if used at all. May use of symbols or icons to convey additional context to information.

Maximalist: Many embellishments, stamping, and/or stickers. Far less blank space on page, if any. Loves to use color, neutral or otherwise.

Functional: Typically stays in the planning genre without addition of memory keeping. Focus is on the functionality of the planner.

Memory Keeping: Think planner + scrapbooking combo. Mixed media lovers that may use trinkets, photos, stamps, stickers, & other embellishments.

Neutral: Prefers neutral color palette and occasional pops of color.

Colorful: Bring on all the colors! Bright, bold, neutrals – all of it!

Based on all of this, I would currently describe myself as a minimal/functional/neutral planner. However, I used to be a maximalist who loved memory keeping and super colorful spreads – every spot had to have a sticker!

Let me know in the comments what keywords resonate with you when you think about your planning aesthetic.

Happy Planning!