Roughly three days before the end of 2021, I got an idea in my head that I needed to buy a planner for the new year. I am trying to become a freelance worker, and I don’t think I can keep everything in order if I don’t have something to write in. I love making lists and keeping track of my schedule, but sometimes it can be challenging for me to continue using planners. Normally I would consider using a regular notebook, but there’s something so blah about using just another writing book.

After checking out a couple different sites that recommend which planner to use, this is the post that sold me on getting a Clever Fox planner. I’ve only had the planner for a few days, but already I have fallen in love with it. The cover is soft, and the color green is a dark hue that makes the planner look super sleek. Its got three different bookmarks, which come in handy for marking the monthly, weekly, and daily pages.

Inside the planner, you’ve got beautifully thick pages that can hold up to the medium-point fountain pen I use, and there is no bleeding through to the backside of the page. All pages are left black for the date, which is excellent for people like me who can be sporadic with their planner usage. Initially, the planner asks for affirmations, things that give you joy, and a spot for habits that you would like to adopt over the next year. Next is a vision board, and then there are two total pages dedicated to goals for all aspects of your life.

The most important part comes next: this is where you can do some serious preparation, down to the hour if that’s what you need. The month calendars give you an area for monthly goals, as well as a place to reflect on what was successful and what you’ll work on the following month. Each month’s side is an area of specific plans of action.

For the week portion of the planner, you can set different habits you want to work on, goals and priorities for that specific week, as well as a work and personal to-do list. At the end of seven days, there is a weekly reflection to discuss what was successful and what areas of life need improvement.

Each day has a schedule you can use and areas to list daily goals, a to-do list, and a small room at the bottom to reflect on how productive your day was.

I’m already so impressed with this planner that I’m getting ready to purchase the budget planner that is also made by Clever Fox. I think I’ve finally found a product that I will continue to use and can genuinely help hone my time management skills.

If you’re interested in buying one, I suggest you look at this one!

Edit: I still love this planner, but my critiques all remain the same as of 6/4/2022