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How to Use a Planner Without Wasting Time: A Busy Mom's Guide
Time spent fixing up a planner can feel like wasted time - because it often is. Are we getting any organization payoff from the time we spend writing in and decorating our planner pages? Or do we spend more time shopping for the perfect planner page than we do actually using the planner we set up?
In this short, practical guide, Mystie walks busy moms through the process of setting up a minimum-viable planner of any sort - paper, purchased, digital, bullet-journal. PLUS, she goes over the daily and weekly habits that make the planner actually pay off in self-management and life-management peace of mind.
Stop hunting for planner perfection and get a workable planner in place, then work it. Mystie will show you how.
In this short, practical guide, Mystie walks busy moms through the process of setting up a minimum-viable planner of any sort - paper, purchased, digital, bullet-journal. PLUS, she goes over the daily and weekly habits that make the planner actually pay off in self-management and life-management peace of mind.
Stop hunting for planner perfection and get a workable planner in place, then work it. Mystie will show you how.
- GenresNonfictionFamily
95 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 12, 2022
162 people are currently reading
173 people want to read
About the author
Mystie Winckler
10 books743 followersMystie Winckler married her high school sweetheart, Matt, at nineteen; together they have five children, two of whom are now grown men, but all of whom have been homeschooled from the beginning.
When she’s not teaching, cleaning, cooking, or reading, Mystie publishes articles, podcast episodes, and videos on homemaking cheerfully on her website, SimplyConvivial.com. Her community, Convivial Circle, is a treasure trove of mother-mentors engaged in the work at home to which they’ve been called.
Mystie is also a co-host of Scholé Sisters, a podcast for classical homeschooling moms who are educating themselves while educating their kids.
Whether we’re talking about personal lives, homemaking duties, or homeschooling days, Mystie seeks to return to and live out the motto, Repent. Rejoice. Repeat.
When she’s not teaching, cleaning, cooking, or reading, Mystie publishes articles, podcast episodes, and videos on homemaking cheerfully on her website, SimplyConvivial.com. Her community, Convivial Circle, is a treasure trove of mother-mentors engaged in the work at home to which they’ve been called.
Mystie is also a co-host of Scholé Sisters, a podcast for classical homeschooling moms who are educating themselves while educating their kids.
Whether we’re talking about personal lives, homemaking duties, or homeschooling days, Mystie seeks to return to and live out the motto, Repent. Rejoice. Repeat.
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
September 3, 2022
Love Mystie and her blend of philosophy and practicality.
August 29, 2022
Mystie has the best tips for becoming organized- for Moms! I've been reading her blog and a part her membership for years. There was no new information in this book; but it was a good review of the most helpful tips for having a working planner that you actually look at and use. Would recommed to friends but if you're in her membership the info is right there for you and goes deeper.
September 22, 2024
I know it's not that old, but I wish I had read something like this 20 years ago! Mystie's common sense ideas and practical help on being more organized would have saved me a lot of money and time. I've been using a lot of her resources lately to manage my home (and life) better. This book helped clarify some things for me and was a wonderful encouragement!
January 25, 2025
I got a pretty “Hope” planner as a Christmas gift and was so excited only to open it up and become equal parts overwhelmed. I’m Type-A and I didn’t quite know where to start or how to not use every single checkbox and goals list without it becoming “escapist planning” (see chapter 13). Mystie’s book was also a gift (literally and metaphorically) and helped me figure out the basics I actually needed out of my planner in order for it to be an efficient tool, and then once I got started using the planner her book has helped me fine tune the routines I’ve begun to establish, tweaking and learning as I go.
Favorite quote: “The planner doesn’t make the days less messy. Instead, it helps us cope with and remember to deal with that mess consistently and cheerfully.”
Favorite quote: “The planner doesn’t make the days less messy. Instead, it helps us cope with and remember to deal with that mess consistently and cheerfully.”
February 16, 2025
I don't know if a book has ever made me feel so understood, challenged, but not judged. I know I procrastinate, run late, always feel like there's not enough time because I want to do it ALL and struggle to have realistic expectations. I feel like I've been in survival mode since my oldest child was born 9 years ago (basically). Regular productivity books just make it worse because they're written by people who can sit at a desk and close the door and not have to deal with small children while trying to be productive.
But Mystie is a homeschool Mom of 5 who apparently didn't have it all together early on either. She wrote a book that is to-the-point but relatable, and short enough that I ACTUALLY FINISHED IT in just a month! (I'm terrible at finishing books) She says things that call me out, like "Making an awesome planner doesn't make a new life or a new self at all." "No matter what planner you have, it won't make your plans happen automatically. Action will always take effort, time, and intention."
But she also gets just detailed and practical enough, talking about the difference between routines, projects, tasks, habits, etc. and how to organize all of it with ANY planner. I get tempted by the fancy, pretty homeschool planners every year but they are EXPENSIVE and I never use all of the extras. So I bought a $10 homeschool planner from Amazon and I'm gradually implementing what I'm learning from Mystie and it's helping! I'm optimistic... but bearing in mind all of Mystie's reminders that life is unpredictable and messy and we have to plan on adjusting plans regularly.
But Mystie is a homeschool Mom of 5 who apparently didn't have it all together early on either. She wrote a book that is to-the-point but relatable, and short enough that I ACTUALLY FINISHED IT in just a month! (I'm terrible at finishing books) She says things that call me out, like "Making an awesome planner doesn't make a new life or a new self at all." "No matter what planner you have, it won't make your plans happen automatically. Action will always take effort, time, and intention."
But she also gets just detailed and practical enough, talking about the difference between routines, projects, tasks, habits, etc. and how to organize all of it with ANY planner. I get tempted by the fancy, pretty homeschool planners every year but they are EXPENSIVE and I never use all of the extras. So I bought a $10 homeschool planner from Amazon and I'm gradually implementing what I'm learning from Mystie and it's helping! I'm optimistic... but bearing in mind all of Mystie's reminders that life is unpredictable and messy and we have to plan on adjusting plans regularly.
March 22, 2024
Very short and practical. Glad I didn’t purchase though but read when I was trying out kindle unlimited.
I already use a planner very regularly and this had a few good ideas and reminders. I liked that she had ideas on how to use with different planner methods; the clipboard idea was interesting but I already use exclusively digital and It works for me.
I already use a planner very regularly and this had a few good ideas and reminders. I liked that she had ideas on how to use with different planner methods; the clipboard idea was interesting but I already use exclusively digital and It works for me.
February 3, 2023
Well written, in a friend-to-friend fashion, without being pushy or overbearing, it was a nice read. I especially enjoyed the many options it gave for each tip. I look forward to using the tips it mentioned.
August 13, 2022
Very helpful and practical advice. As a mom to 3 littles and just starting the homeschool journey, this was exactly the advice that I needed to help shape my planning. Although I am generally organized, I tend to be overly ambitious and eventually shut down in my plan making. This book helped give me direction so that I can use my time wisely and ultimately for the glory of God and the joy of others!
December 31, 2022
Quick read, helpful to me (someone who uses a planner pretty faithfully)
March 5, 2023
I did get some valuable information from this book. It reminded me that life happens and not to get so set on a plan and making it happen, regardless of life and kids, that it all falls apart. Planners can’t be “my way or the highway”.
The editing is terrible. There were many grammatical errors, incorrect chapter names, and paragraphs that were copied from one chapter to the next without being updated. Some of the chapters felt like they could have been ordered better.
The other issue that I had was that there were no pictures or examples at all. You are instead directed to look at her website. For a book for busy moms, it seems incredibly counterintuitive to expect a busy mom to have the time to search a website for examples of things that should have been included in the book.
I also felt as though, she could have explained her clipboard planner better. I know that she mentions it in one of her podcast episodes, but it was a few years ago and I don’t have the time or energy to search for it.
I really wanted to love this book. I definitely feel like she gets being a busy mom with multiple littles and wanting to be incredibly organized and put together. But it felt a little like she wanted to turn a few blog posts into a book and rushed to publish. I would love for the book to be updated.
The editing is terrible. There were many grammatical errors, incorrect chapter names, and paragraphs that were copied from one chapter to the next without being updated. Some of the chapters felt like they could have been ordered better.
The other issue that I had was that there were no pictures or examples at all. You are instead directed to look at her website. For a book for busy moms, it seems incredibly counterintuitive to expect a busy mom to have the time to search a website for examples of things that should have been included in the book.
I also felt as though, she could have explained her clipboard planner better. I know that she mentions it in one of her podcast episodes, but it was a few years ago and I don’t have the time or energy to search for it.
I really wanted to love this book. I definitely feel like she gets being a busy mom with multiple littles and wanting to be incredibly organized and put together. But it felt a little like she wanted to turn a few blog posts into a book and rushed to publish. I would love for the book to be updated.
September 20, 2023
Again, Mystie Winkler gets straight to the heart of the matter and explains things simply and quickly. She says that the planner itself doesn't matter as much as getting into the habit of using it and iterating so that we can get to the version that works best for us in the season of life we're in.
This book is SO worth it if you're a planner-aholic like me. I love planners, but I tend to abandon them after a while because they're just not helping me like I thought they would. Mystie says, "Yeah, that's your problem. You can't expect the planner to change you. It's a lifeless object. You need a strategy that works, and then you need to work at it every day...that'll make you more productive and organized." BUT—Mystie don't lie—she CLEARLY states that this process doesn't happen overnight. It's a journey and a process, but it shouldn't be an all-consuming one.
Mystie sets forth the 6 necessary types of planner pages that we need to organize our big picture, our week, and our day. She adds meals and projects and running lists to the mix. She also explains what a weekly review is and lays out the steps to do one.
Honestly, this book was SO motivating. I'd recommend it in a heartbeat for anyone who wants a long-term plan and not just a quick fix.
This book is SO worth it if you're a planner-aholic like me. I love planners, but I tend to abandon them after a while because they're just not helping me like I thought they would. Mystie says, "Yeah, that's your problem. You can't expect the planner to change you. It's a lifeless object. You need a strategy that works, and then you need to work at it every day...that'll make you more productive and organized." BUT—Mystie don't lie—she CLEARLY states that this process doesn't happen overnight. It's a journey and a process, but it shouldn't be an all-consuming one.
Mystie sets forth the 6 necessary types of planner pages that we need to organize our big picture, our week, and our day. She adds meals and projects and running lists to the mix. She also explains what a weekly review is and lays out the steps to do one.
Honestly, this book was SO motivating. I'd recommend it in a heartbeat for anyone who wants a long-term plan and not just a quick fix.
July 29, 2023
Not a mom but I found this very helpful and encouraging. Practical, but also full of really good nuggets of the whys mixed in from a Christian worldview.
“Repeating our work, repeating ourselves, repeating our planning process, is not an indication of futility. It’s an indication that we’re working with living, growing people in God’s world of layered, repeated cycles.”
“The limit of 3 reminds us of our finitude. We cannot do all we want to do.” (regarding a daily top 3 do list)
“Being organized is about being prepared and ready for the day. When we’re organized, we do what must be done with cheerfulness and grace.”
“We should have a general direction, but we don’t know how that will play out - and we don’t need to know how it will play out.”
“Repeating our work, repeating ourselves, repeating our planning process, is not an indication of futility. It’s an indication that we’re working with living, growing people in God’s world of layered, repeated cycles.”
“The limit of 3 reminds us of our finitude. We cannot do all we want to do.” (regarding a daily top 3 do list)
“Being organized is about being prepared and ready for the day. When we’re organized, we do what must be done with cheerfulness and grace.”
“We should have a general direction, but we don’t know how that will play out - and we don’t need to know how it will play out.”
April 19, 2023
This was a helpful little book to get my brain back on track with using my planner. Each chapter details how to utilise each section of your planner, no matter what type you choose. It was nice to realise I was already using strategies like the weekly dashboard and the daily card. Going forward, I’ll try using more lists and a project hub. Mystie takes a no nonsense approach to using a planner, and there’s no pressure to start using every aspect at once! Making it doable is clearly the goal of this book.
November 22, 2023
I loved this! Super practical and you can obviously tell that the author has learned this stuff from experience and not from idealism. Add this to the list of books I’ve read on Kindle and now want a hard copy of.
I’ve been listening to Mystie’s podcasts/videos for quite a while now and was excited to find The Daily Card, The Weekly Review, etc. spelled out and explained more clearly in this little book.
I’ve been listening to Mystie’s podcasts/videos for quite a while now and was excited to find The Daily Card, The Weekly Review, etc. spelled out and explained more clearly in this little book.
July 7, 2024
I’ve been listening to Mystie for several years and taken one of her stand alone classes. This is a super helpful condensed book on what she teaches. I think it is an excellent reference resource. I’m thankful for what Mystie is doing to help women be content and harness productivity in the home for the glory of God. I highly recommend!
October 27, 2022
simple, clear and doable
As a planning drop-out, I thought info about how to do it right would be overwhelming. But Mystie’s ideas are simple, flexible and totally doable. Thanks for making this a free book.
As a planning drop-out, I thought info about how to do it right would be overwhelming. But Mystie’s ideas are simple, flexible and totally doable. Thanks for making this a free book.
October 31, 2022
Having a productivity book that's aimed specifically at Moms was super nice - I didn't have to weed through a lot of stuff that doesn't work for my stage of life. I like the emphasis on taking what you're using and tweaking it instead of throwing everything out and starting over every few months.
February 26, 2023
Surprisingly uplifting and encouraging, even inspiring. I am not naturally a planner girl, but I am working to be more organized so I can do my duties more faithfully. This is helping me get there without making me feel bad for my past (or current) failures.
May 13, 2023
No-nonsense guide to efficient planning with a cheerful attitude
Full of practical help and wise encouragement, this book will help you to look at your plans realistically, organize them effectively and create cheerful momentum in your life.
Full of practical help and wise encouragement, this book will help you to look at your plans realistically, organize them effectively and create cheerful momentum in your life.
Read
October 27, 2022This was free on Kindle and I found it to be an easy and encouraging quick read with some practical tips.
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October 31, 2022Was looking for Tips on setting up planner, not 1 tip (which was "Use the Planner")!
August 9, 2023
informative
A great overview of how to use a planner effectively for managing one’s home and life. Mystie had some great ideas that I’ve not seen elsewhere.
A great overview of how to use a planner effectively for managing one’s home and life. Mystie had some great ideas that I’ve not seen elsewhere.
January 18, 2024
This would be an excellent starting point for new moms or homemakers (anyone, really) who aren’t naturally drawn to or don’t already have systems and a routine.
July 8, 2024
Quite a helpful and practical little book, even if you've been following Mystie for a while.
July 17, 2024
“Simply Organized” and this book combined have really helped my home organization! Great resources.
September 11, 2024
Excellent book for anyone who wants to use a planner
October 10, 2024
Why did I love this book?
Because it made me recognize that a new planner is unnecessary. Settling into the planner I have.
Because it made me recognize that a new planner is unnecessary. Settling into the planner I have.
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews