How Often Should I Change My Planner Inserts?

This question makes me smile because I think people are expecting a very official answer.

Like there's some secret planner rule that says...

"You must change your inserts every 90 days."

I promise there isn't.

The real answer is...

Whenever it makes sense for you.

I've seen people use the exact same setup for years because it works perfectly for them.

I've also seen people change things every season because life keeps changing.

Neither one is right or wrong.

Personally I use a monthly, a weekly, a note/running to-do list, and a bill pay consistently and that has not changed in probably 8 years. My weekly changes from time to time and that is why I love undated inserts. 

There are a few times I usually tell people to take a look at their planner.

When life changes.

Maybe the kids are back in school.

Maybe you started a new job.

Maybe you're planning a vacation.

Maybe you're training for a race.

Maybe you're in a season where life just feels extra busy.

When your life changes, it's a great time to ask, "Is my planner still helping me?"

Sometimes the answer is yes.

Sometimes you realize you need more notes pages or a different weekly layout.

When you're not using something anymore.

Can I give you permission to take an insert out?

If you've been carrying around a habit tracker for six months and you haven't looked at it in weeks, it's okay to let it go.

That doesn't mean you failed.

It just means it's not what you need right now.

Your planner isn't meant to make you feel guilty.

It's supposed to make life easier.

When you find yourself wishing for something.

This one happens all the time.

You'll think...

"I wish I had more room for notes."

Or...

"I really need somewhere to keep track of our meals."

Or...

"I keep writing this on sticky notes."

When you catch yourself saying, "I wish my planner had..."

That's usually your sign that it's time to add a new insert.

At the beginning of a new season.

I know a lot of people who naturally refresh their planners four times a year.

Not because they have to.

Just because it feels like a good time to check in.

What's working?

What isn't?

What do I need over the next few months?

It's a nice little reset without having to start over.

Here's how I know it's time.

People ask me this all the time, and my answer is always the same.

If your planner is making life easier... don't change a thing.

If your planner feels frustrating... change something.

Maybe it's one insert.

Maybe it's your weekly layout.

Maybe you just need more notes pages.

The beauty of a Traveler's Notebook planner isn't that you can change everything. It's that you don't have to. You can make one small change, close your planner, and keep moving.

I think that's one of the reasons so many of us have loved this system for so many years.

Your planner doesn't expect you to stay the same.

Why should it?