Before Buying that Shiny New Planner, Consider This

POV: Me, in Target, affectionately touching 2026 planners.

I went to Target to pick up a few groceries. But the next thing I knew, I had wandered into the office supply section. Even if I don’t need a new planner, it’s hard to resist the pull of a unique weekly layout. When deep in my planner-addict era, I would take pictures of planners in the store for inspiration. And don’t get me started with MochiThings.

After many years of planner nerdery, here are some of my favorite reflections from my blog:

I’ve Totally Revamped My Bullet Journal! Here’s What I Did to Make It Better.

How to Tell if a Weekly Planner is for You

And the crafty may like:

Free Minimal Half-Page Planner Printables + Free Half-Page Planner Index & Notes Printables

Nowadays, I don’t use a planner daily. Where I currently am in my life doesn’t demand it, and my intuition does the heavy work of shaping my day. In a related but slightly different direction, my latest podcast episode about bridging digital notes with analog notes might give some ideas on how to keep paper planners and digital planners in sync.

Different seasons of life call for different things, so if you don’t feel like you need a planner, or if adding one into your routine would only cause more stress, there’s no shame in that. It’s possible that only a journal is needed to keep things straight.

When it comes to moving through the door that opens into next year, use tools and methods that are simple, that inspire love, and feel beautiful. Processes and materials that feel good to return to are easier to keep up with. And maybe that can be achieved by having no plans at all.

Happy 2026 Planning!

~Arcadia Page

Intuitive Writer/Artist/Creative Rebel ⚡

P.S. I recently did an interview with Bold Journey Magazine: An Inspired Chat with Arcadia Page. Not only do I share thoughts on healing from the defining wounds of my life, but also give a peek into what my daily routine is like.

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