When it comes to important dates, they go in my phone, on my kitchen calendar and in a diary, because I absolutely hate not knowing what I've got coming up. On top of this, I always look for anything that adds some positivity to my day, even if I'm stressed out of my mind.
This is why I jumped at the chance to give Mal Paper's Daily Goal Setter a try.
I know what you're thinking - who starts a diary in July? The goal setter isn't like your normal diary though, it doesn't have dates already included and it runs for six months instead of 12, so you can start it at any point throughout the year and pick it up as and when you need it.
It also isn't just about what's happening on any given day, it allows you to set yourself goals, celebrate your accomplishments - no matter how small - and understand what is important on a day-to-day bases and what you can let slide. I'd say it's quite similar to a bullet journal except the structure is created for you, making life much easier for the busy.
To finish off the super pretty and classy look, it has two ribbon book marks in different shades of grey so you can use them to save different pages. I use one for the calendar at the start so it's easy to find appointments while the other ribbon is marking my place as I move through the days.
Inside the back cover is a document holder, which really comes in handy for those lists that I still end up writing. I've also found this helpful for popping receipts in that I need to keep, as my purse is always crammed full of every loyalty card under the sun.
However, I've not had any problems with the goal setter in any of these regards. The paper is nice and thick so there's minimal (if any) chance of ripping a page accidentally. I also love that it makes that really satisfying sound when you flick through the pages, you know, the one that only good quality, quite stiff paper makes (okay, maybe I'm a bit of a book nerd).
For me, a big thing about any book or notepad that I write in is how it feels to actually write in it. Cheap paper can feel scratchy, which takes away from the enjoyment I feel at actually writing. The pages of this planner are super smooth so it feels nice to write in whether you're using a biro or a fountain pen. I've also had no issues with running ink or smudging - a big win for my hurried note making!
You can write down the five most important tasks of the week, five tasks of secondary importance and additional tasks. All of these tasks have a check box at the end so you can check them off once completed.
At the bottom of these pages is a section where you can review your week. I have to get much better at looking at the positives from the week and making a note of these, as I keep getting too bogged down with what tasks I didn't complete and would rather see the bright side.
You can also rate your week on a scale of one to ten, although I have to admit that I've not really done this as I am always useless at this type off rating.
When it comes to what goals I've included, a lot of them are fairly simple - such as remembering to hoover - but this has been really helpful, as I'm always being told by the husband that I do too much. Seeing the most important and secondary tasks written down has made me realise that I already have enough to do, so I've been trying to take my time and actually make time for myself.
I have been including some self care tasks in my most important tasks section, such as going swimming, as I think this is just as important as making sure I write or complete something at work. It also makes me feel better about doing something for myself, after all, it is a task that I've set myself to complete.
In addition to setting tasks, you also have space to write three things you're grateful for and three daily affirmations about yourself. I find the grateful bit easy but still need to work on the daily affirmations, especially as I tend to fill these in in the morning when I need caffeine to perk myself up a bit.
To end the day, you can make a note of great things that happened today and then rate the day. I like that this is included as you can use the goal setter to almost sandwich your day, starting on a positive note and ending on one, even if you didn't get all of your daily tasks ticked off.
I used the daily planner both for work and for my personal life, which has reduced the sheets of paper I'm using to make notes and means everything is in one place. It also lets me see when a day is far too busy to cram anything else in, as well as enjoy those days that are a bit quieter.
Often, inspirational or positive quotes can be pretty cheesy and when I see them on signs they make me cringe a bit. However, the ones included in the planner are really lovely without the cheese factor. I've enjoyed just flicking through to find quotes, as well as coming across them throughout my week.
I really think this little touch adds to the value of the goal setter as a whole, which is already great when you consider how attractive, well made and high-quality it is.
It's still early days, but I'm looking forward to seeing how I get on with adding some positivity to every day and keeping track of my tasks while also pacing myself. I can definitely see myself getting a new goal setter every six months, especially as they are really reasonably priced for everything they include (although I'm hoping a few more colour options come around!).
If you would like to treat yourself to one of Mal Paper's Daily Goal Setters, you can get one here for just £20.95.
*While this product was provided to me for free by Mal Paper, this blog represents my real opinion and views.