Happy 2016, everyone! I hope everyone had a very happy new year’s eve and that your year is already off to a great start! Have you broken any resolutions yet? (It’s okay if you have. Try again tomorrow.)

Today I want to talk about getting your planner set up for the new year. 

You probably got a shiny new planner, started a new system, or want to clear out what you have. Here are a few ideas to get you ready to tackle all your goals this year.

1. Make a list of what you want 

Sit down and think about what you want from a planner. Then make sure you can do that with the system you want. Once you have everything you need from a planner listed, whether that be in terms of sections or style of planning, you have an end goal to start working towards.

2. Clean out

Get rid of any past months if you’re in a planner that you can do that. Keep them if you want, throw them away if you want, but getting rid of that extra junk will really clear things up. Take out any papers you don’t want or things you want done neater or consolidated. It may turn out you have a bunch of list that can be combined in to one; set those to the side to redo later. Really be unattached and only keep what you absolutely need in your planner. If you need it, but maybe not in your planner, put it aside to find another home for it.

3. Rewrite

I know rewriting anything that is sloppy or is on a paper that doesn’t match always makes me feel better. Just put lists together that need to be put together and generally straighten it up so it looks and feels good to you.

4. Decorate

Refocus your planner to have dividers, paper clips, or anything else for the season or dreams you’re aiming for. Having it be a place that feels and looks good to you will encourage you to visit it more often.

TA-DA! You’re done. Now you can enter the new year organized and with a fresh, clean slate.