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Plan a Happy Life™: Define Your Passion, Nurture Your Creativity, and Take Hold of Your Dreams
With cheerful illustrations, colorful photography, and all the good stuff you need to know about maximizing your hours, Plan a Happy Life ™ is a jumpstart to tackle an overloaded schedule and plan a happy and satisfying life. Today's everyday life can be busy, but it doesn't have to be mundane or chaotic! The creators of the Happy Planner® know that the secret to living a happy life is all in the planning. A life bursting at the seams with meaning, fun, and work worth doing doesn't just you have to plan for it. Plan a Happy Life includes strategies, systems, and methods for permanently getting organized, prioritizing what's most important to you, and living intentionally. Here you'll find great ideas Make the most of your most valuable resource--time--and have a blast doing it with Plan a Happy Life.
224 pages, Hardcover
Published August 25, 2020
137 people are currently reading
330 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 58 reviews
February 15, 2021
I’m between a two and three here. I think since the marketing does say it’s a colorful and picture-filled book with planning ideas, it makes sense to give it a three. This book doesn’t have new ideas but it does have good reminders and gives readers time to reflect on themselves. This could be a nice coffee table book or gift—it could be used as a nice workbook for those who want to reflect or plan more.
But as a book itself it seems more like a stripped down memoir or even a stripped down self-help book. To be fair, maybe I’m not the audience. I have already read a lot about planning and habits and growth. So none of the information here is new. Most other books I’ve read on these topics have either explored it with research or personal stories. This book glosses over some personal stories but never delves into anything and it doesn’t have any research, so for me it doesn’t quite work as a fully developed self-help book or memoir. Sometimes too I found the voice irritating. Too many “yuck”s or too much “yes even me!” that fell flat.
I do use Happy Planners and already love planning, goals, and to do lists. I’m someone who still struggles with optimism and perfectionism though. So reading these kind of books are always a nice reminder for me (and thus the second half was more helpful for me personally since they focused on joy and gratitude vs. the benefit of planning).
I would have found the book more interesting if there was more about the development of the business, working with family, and more about her learning these new routine and other helpful habits. If you are looking for a way into the topic of habits and making plans, this can be a nice start, especially if you don’t think it’s for you. This seems approachable, light, and reflective, especially since it includes space to answer questions. If you are looking for anything deeper to fully understand the topics or ways to connect, there are many other books that do it better.
But as a book itself it seems more like a stripped down memoir or even a stripped down self-help book. To be fair, maybe I’m not the audience. I have already read a lot about planning and habits and growth. So none of the information here is new. Most other books I’ve read on these topics have either explored it with research or personal stories. This book glosses over some personal stories but never delves into anything and it doesn’t have any research, so for me it doesn’t quite work as a fully developed self-help book or memoir. Sometimes too I found the voice irritating. Too many “yuck”s or too much “yes even me!” that fell flat.
I do use Happy Planners and already love planning, goals, and to do lists. I’m someone who still struggles with optimism and perfectionism though. So reading these kind of books are always a nice reminder for me (and thus the second half was more helpful for me personally since they focused on joy and gratitude vs. the benefit of planning).
I would have found the book more interesting if there was more about the development of the business, working with family, and more about her learning these new routine and other helpful habits. If you are looking for a way into the topic of habits and making plans, this can be a nice start, especially if you don’t think it’s for you. This seems approachable, light, and reflective, especially since it includes space to answer questions. If you are looking for anything deeper to fully understand the topics or ways to connect, there are many other books that do it better.
October 16, 2020
I am a huge Happy Planner / MAMBI fan I loved the quick audiobook by one of the founders! I have the actual book I plan to sit with it at the beginning of the new year to reflect on my strengths and map out new plans and goals for 2021!
September 2, 2020
I absolutely loved Stephanie Fleming’s new book ‘Plan a Happy Life’. I have read a lot of books about being happy, finding joy, and finding yourself; this book is on the list of one of my favourites! The difference in this book is that she focuses on creativity to find your happy. Using journal prompts, which includes in depth questions that encourage self reflection, steer you towards helping you create a happier life. One thing I like is that she doesn’t push The Happy Planner products (no annoying product plugs) I was a user of The Happy Planner before I read this book so I know how awesome it is. I am working through the journal prompts and look forward to creating a happier life!! A must read. ❤️
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December 28, 2020This isn’t a deep book. It doesn’t break down the science of happiness. But it is a cheerful little gift book filled with bright photos, thought-provoking questions and needed encouragement that happiness and creativity are worth pursuing and an essential part of wellness. And it’s hard not to want to be best planner friends with Stephanie Fleming.
“Creativity is essential to a happy, healthy, productive life. Make room in your life for whatever it is that brings you joy, sets your soul on fire and makes you happy.”
“Creativity is essential to a happy, healthy, productive life. Make room in your life for whatever it is that brings you joy, sets your soul on fire and makes you happy.”
August 29, 2020
This was a great book on finding your dreams and living your best life. There are simple steps that Ms. Fleming writes about that we can all take to create change in our life. I believe anyone can learn something from this book, and recommend it!
September 2, 2020
Graphically, it's super cute, but text-wise, it's more like a women's magazine article.
February 17, 2021
Rounded up to three stars. I had hoped for something that was more like an actual planner but this is more of a self help book. It focuses on the standard things for the most part -- optimism, gratitude, self love, etc. There is a focus on planning for your goals and for happiness and there are spaces in the book to write things like three goals or what you like about yourself. It's also filled with lots of photos of the author and lots of bright pages with cheerful "you got this!" kind of signs.
I read a temporary digital ARC of this book for review.
I read a temporary digital ARC of this book for review.
August 10, 2022
This book was okay - I enjoyed reading it, but there really wasn’t much in the book that I haven’t heard before or read somewhere else. I LOVE my happy planner so I was kind of hoping this book would give me some tips and ideas to use it even better… I learned a few things but overall I wish the book had been better!
January 12, 2023
Love to plan and set goals? Do you want a quick dose of positivity? This is the book for you or ... this would be a great book to gift to a friend in need of a boost. Note: it is geared towards women, some of the messages seemed repetitious at times, and there is space to write down your goals, etc.
October 14, 2020
I liked this book but it was alittle cliche. I really like the author as a business woman and the fact that she has created such a successful and happy business made it enjoyable.
December 27, 2020
This book is a 3.5 stars for me, actually. None of the information is new, but it is all a great reminder.
A friend brought me into the Happy Planner addiction a few years ago when my digital efforts left my brain as soon as I entered anything. Using a Happy Planner for a creative outlet as well as a schedule was what I needed.
Fleming is great at providing questions in order for your answers to ground you and focus on what's important. I would have liked more examples on how others use their creative outlets with their planners to play with and achieve their goals. I did appreciate her sharing her answers for different questions. I think I would have just liked more.
A good gift book or a quick read when you are feeling disorganized and discombobulated.
A friend brought me into the Happy Planner addiction a few years ago when my digital efforts left my brain as soon as I entered anything. Using a Happy Planner for a creative outlet as well as a schedule was what I needed.
Fleming is great at providing questions in order for your answers to ground you and focus on what's important. I would have liked more examples on how others use their creative outlets with their planners to play with and achieve their goals. I did appreciate her sharing her answers for different questions. I think I would have just liked more.
A good gift book or a quick read when you are feeling disorganized and discombobulated.
October 12, 2020
A few good points, and many good reminders of points I've heard before. Would have liked some concrete examples of how she uses the Happy Planner parts and pieces in her search for happiness.
November 19, 2020
Unoriginal, sadly. There isn't much to make this feel like anything more than a rehash of every other personal growth book out there. 😔
January 6, 2023
This gift book reads as a one-on-one conversation with Stephanie Fleming in which she offers her perspectives and advice on organizing happiness in your life while providing thoughtful questions and room for your write-in answers.
"Plan a Happy Life" is for you if: you're looking to add a self-transformation book to your reading list among other books, beginning or picking up your journey to self-help, or if you're like me, are going through ADHD paralysis (any overwhelming feelings, really) and just want to get your brain muscles back in motion. I would also say it's targeted toward my fellow right-brained, female-identifying friends and lovers of all things art and creativity. The content is particularly profound and if you're looking for an epiphany or some in-depth description of the science of happiness, you should look elsewhere. But that's okay, not every self-transformation book I read needs to be thick and eye-opening. I really don't have the attention span for that, it's nice to take a break and relax while reading without feeling the pressure that I need to be some sort of intellectual.
I like the questions that are posed and feel like they can be helpful in my self-transformation journey, particularly when it comes to reflecting. I do wish in her "elements of wellness" she would have included mental wellness between physical and emotional. For my secular friends, there are a few mentions of faith, but I don't feel like it's a driving theme and there's only one question regarding it.
"Plan a Happy Life" is for you if: you're looking to add a self-transformation book to your reading list among other books, beginning or picking up your journey to self-help, or if you're like me, are going through ADHD paralysis (any overwhelming feelings, really) and just want to get your brain muscles back in motion. I would also say it's targeted toward my fellow right-brained, female-identifying friends and lovers of all things art and creativity. The content is particularly profound and if you're looking for an epiphany or some in-depth description of the science of happiness, you should look elsewhere. But that's okay, not every self-transformation book I read needs to be thick and eye-opening. I really don't have the attention span for that, it's nice to take a break and relax while reading without feeling the pressure that I need to be some sort of intellectual.
I like the questions that are posed and feel like they can be helpful in my self-transformation journey, particularly when it comes to reflecting. I do wish in her "elements of wellness" she would have included mental wellness between physical and emotional. For my secular friends, there are a few mentions of faith, but I don't feel like it's a driving theme and there's only one question regarding it.
April 9, 2021
I started scrap booking like many others in the late 90s. One of my favorite companies was Me & My Big Ideas! In 2015 I discovered Happy Planners. I had no idea the creative minds were the same behind the two companies. What a wonderful surprise! I love the products and so I wanted to get to know Stephanie Fleming better by reading her new book, Plan a Happy Life.
Stephanie is approachable and has really good advice on getting your priorities straight. She comes off as your big sister or girlfriend who has had to learn the hard way how to let go for your own sanity of the perfection we are assaulted with daily. She explains how to figure out what you really want and gives you a plan on how to get there.
Her four Ps method is easy to follow through: Purpose, Plan, Positivity (something I feel is often left out), and Persistence (which is the hardest one). There are some really inspiring quotes and my creative juices are flowing. I am going home after work and putting this into action.
Stephanie is approachable and has really good advice on getting your priorities straight. She comes off as your big sister or girlfriend who has had to learn the hard way how to let go for your own sanity of the perfection we are assaulted with daily. She explains how to figure out what you really want and gives you a plan on how to get there.
Her four Ps method is easy to follow through: Purpose, Plan, Positivity (something I feel is often left out), and Persistence (which is the hardest one). There are some really inspiring quotes and my creative juices are flowing. I am going home after work and putting this into action.
February 18, 2021
Plan a Happy Life™: Define Your Passion, Nurture Your Creativity, and Take Hold of Your Dreams by Stephanie Fleming
Publisher: Thomas Nelson
Genre: Self-Help
Release Date: August 25, 2020
Plan a Happy Life™: Define Your Passion, Nurture Your Creativity, and Take Hold of Your Dreams by Stephanie Fleming is great resource!
I've really gotten into digital planning lately, so I was very excited when I saw this book!
This book is filled with tips to increase your creativity and happiness. There are journaling prompts and exercises throughout. There is a whole section on goal setting and planning to set yourself up for success.
I'm so grateful to Stephanie Fleming, Thomas Nelson, and NetGalley for providing me with a free copy of this ARC ebook in exchange for my honest review.
Publisher: Thomas Nelson
Genre: Self-Help
Release Date: August 25, 2020
Plan a Happy Life™: Define Your Passion, Nurture Your Creativity, and Take Hold of Your Dreams by Stephanie Fleming is great resource!
I've really gotten into digital planning lately, so I was very excited when I saw this book!
This book is filled with tips to increase your creativity and happiness. There are journaling prompts and exercises throughout. There is a whole section on goal setting and planning to set yourself up for success.
I'm so grateful to Stephanie Fleming, Thomas Nelson, and NetGalley for providing me with a free copy of this ARC ebook in exchange for my honest review.
September 4, 2021
So. I don’t know how many #planneraddict follow me. But. I’m obsessed with #planners however mine are never cute quite like #happyplannersquad make theirs. When I heard that THE #stephaniefleming had a book coming out. Well. I knew that it was definitely a #musthave for me 🥰 #planahappylife #thomasnelson is such a wholesome book of happiness. It’s great for those that need some positivity in their lives. A cute gift to give to friends. Or yourself. I loved how it was like a friend chattering to me about the things I know yet don’t do or act upon. It’s definitely an aesthetic that you want on your shelves and something to work through. #bookstagram #netgalley #readersofinstagram #happyplanner #netgalleyreview
March 3, 2021
To be fair, I think this is a great book for someone who needs a pep talk or someone cheering them along as they try to find their passion in life. I would surely recommend it as a gift for a young adult just starting out on their life’s journey. That being said, it wasn’t for me and as other reviewers have stated they also wrongly assumed that this was a tie-in on how to impulse your Happy Planner to reach your goals or dreams. There’s a lot of helpful worksheet style activities and also creative prompts. I would give this title a 3.5 star rating.
I thank the publisher for allowing me to review a digital copy of this book through NetGalley.
I thank the publisher for allowing me to review a digital copy of this book through NetGalley.
May 18, 2021
I’ve been a big fan of Mambi and was excited to read this. I was really hoping for more from this book. I loved that there were photos and the topics discussed were interesting. However, they were things that I’ve already heard of doing. Some of the things discussed were things that I’ve already heard and read about. Of course, there are lots of information on planning which I loved. The book felt somewhat of a mix between a self help book and a memoir. I enjoyed learning about Stephanie’s life. I would have loved to learn more about the business and how it was created.
*Thank you Netgalley for providing an arc in exchange for an honest review.*
*Thank you Netgalley for providing an arc in exchange for an honest review.*
January 26, 2022
Stephanie Fleming does a great job of using her own personal experiences to give her readers ideas, tips, and advice on how to turn your dreams into goals. She states in the book many times that these were the things that work for her and that you should do what works for you. She also states that she is not an expert just someone sharing what she has learned and experienced. The book is hands on as there are areas where she has things you can try or helpful lists to make to figure out your goals. She also has a blog with videos and additional worksheets if a person has extra time. There was a lot of great advice and ideas that I will be definitely trying out.
June 30, 2021
I have never been a planner kind of person, but as I have gotten older I realized that I do need a planner. I picked up a Happy Life planner last year and never in a million years would have ever believed that I'd use it. Guess what? I do use it everyday for my daily life and my work life. This book Plan a Happy Life has given me some ideas on how to use my planner more efficiently and I'm very grateful for it. Now is the time to plan your happy life and don't take things for granted. I loved the book and I will continue to use the things that are in the book in my every day life.
December 28, 2024
It’s ok, but don’t waste an Audible credit.
I love Happy Planners. I was obsessed with Happy Planners and stickers for some time, before I switched to bullet journaling, just to save money! But this book was so hard to listen to.
I read this alongside “The Bullet Journal Method” and found that Carol Ryder’s book has more helpful information on how to plan. The narrator of Stephanie’s book was a bit too fake to listen to. And I’m not sure what to take from this, as it was a bit like listening to nails on a chalkboard.
I love Happy Planners. I was obsessed with Happy Planners and stickers for some time, before I switched to bullet journaling, just to save money! But this book was so hard to listen to.
I read this alongside “The Bullet Journal Method” and found that Carol Ryder’s book has more helpful information on how to plan. The narrator of Stephanie’s book was a bit too fake to listen to. And I’m not sure what to take from this, as it was a bit like listening to nails on a chalkboard.
November 9, 2020
This book should be sent home with every new mom, though it is wonderful for women of all ages. In the busyness of life, we can forget ourselves and our individuality. This is an easily read and digested guide that can help even the busiest mom get a handle on the plan for her today and her tomorrow. (Look for my upcoming interview with tips from The Happy Planner at Upstate Parent and WNC Parent.)
February 16, 2021
I don't think its a 4 starts review, more like 3.5ish...
I liked it because it really focuses on the creative aspects and it's not preachy book. I do think that if you listened to her podcast before hand it gets a tiny bit repetitive as I remembered some of the anecdotes in the book from it.
Overall, I like it. It's written very 'light' and I really think the format works. I also like most of the "workshops" she has you do in the chapters....I did try to follow along with the book club but gave up half way thru.
I liked it because it really focuses on the creative aspects and it's not preachy book. I do think that if you listened to her podcast before hand it gets a tiny bit repetitive as I remembered some of the anecdotes in the book from it.
Overall, I like it. It's written very 'light' and I really think the format works. I also like most of the "workshops" she has you do in the chapters....I did try to follow along with the book club but gave up half way thru.
May 4, 2021
The author of this book is the founder of a planner company so you will see lots of references to planning your life with a planner. Nothing about planning a happy life is new compared to other self help books, but I enjoyed the author tone and ideas. They were really great reminders of how to make your life enjoyable for YOU. Plus there were some really nice graphics/images though out the hook which helped to make it colorful and interesting.
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August 31, 2021I'm a big fan of planners and have tried using a Happy Planner so I was excited to read this. I have mixed feelings. Part of me feels like there was a lot of fluff. The other part really liked how uplifting and motivating this was. I also liked that there were some actionable tips throughout. Overall, I think it was a good uplifting and motivational read. If you're looking for something that gets you wanting to make changes for the better, then pick this up.
January 4, 2022
If you’ve never read any other books about living a more intentional life, this one is perfect! It’s a great book for a person who is looking to change their life for the first time. But for someone like me, who’s read a million books about living intentionally, I didn’t get much from it. But I’m still giving it 3 stars because it would be a great foundational book for someone starting their journey to a happier life.
January 4, 2022
I loved this book! Not just because I'm a Happy Planner (since 2016), but because I could totally identify with the author and her own personal struggles with wellness and anxiety. It also inspired me to stop approaching my own creativity with so much expected perfectionism and instead, allow myself to fall in to the joy of the moment and just create whatever is flowing from me. A great way to start 2022 off!
July 21, 2022
2.5. I expected this to be more on how to have a good journal / planner, and less of a generic self-help, so it wasn't my cup of tea. I'm not familiar with the Happy Planner either, so I'm probably not the target audience (it seemed like it was maybe written for fans of the Happy Planner who *really* care to know more about its creator). There were some little things I noted that I might try, but overall not for me.
January 6, 2023
It feels really silly that this book sat on my shelf for years and then I breezed through it in a couple of hours. It is chock full of cliches, but also practical steps for goal setting and a couple of ideas I thought worth writing down. My favorite part was about gratitude. I think for people who enjoy the self-help type book, this will be a hit, and for others it will come across as cheesy. But it was an easy read and I enjoyed going through it on a free afternoon.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 58 reviews