Why You Don’t Feel Like Planning
I’ve gone through my fair share of planning lulls, where I’d stare at my planner and feel no motivation to write anything down. (Does planner guilt ring a bell?) For a while, I thought something was wrong with me—was I just not cut out for planning all of a sudden? Me–the planner person?
At some point, I realized it wasn’t just me. Whether my planner no longer fit my needs, or I was simply prioritizing life over plans, it was one of six very normal phases a person who owns a planner undergoes. (Note the difference between “a planner person” and “a person who owns a planner!” One is an identity; the other is a tool.) If you’re feeling the same, you might just need to reassess your approach and see which of these six reasons resonate with you.
1. It’s Time for a Different Planner
Sometimes, the lack of motivation to plan comes from using a planner that no longer fits your needs or lifestyle. As we evolve, so do our preferences and priorities. Maybe your current planner feels too rigid or doesn’t offer the flexibility you now need. If you're finding it hard to stick with your usual planning routine, it might be time to switch things up. Here are some general recommendations based on typical planner archetypes:
For the forward-thinking planner.
You love structure and enjoy planning ahead. Having dates laid out helps you stay on top of goals with a clear vision for the year.
Weekly Undated Passion Planner
For the flexible scheduler.
You want the freedom to plan on your own timeline. You prefer structure but without the pressure of set dates, allowing for pauses when life gets hectic.
For the day-by-day organizer.
You thrive with detailed daily focus and prefer to tackle each day individually. This format gives you room to reset and plan with flexibility, no matter the season.
For the creative free spirit.
You love designing your own layout and approach. You need a blank canvas to express your ideas, goals, and plans in a way that’s uniquely yours.
*All of these planner formats are available to try free of charge on our Free Planner Layouts page.
Experimenting with a different planner format—whether it’s more structured or free-flowing—can reignite your excitement for planning. A new layout, fresh prompts, or even a digital alternative could be the breath of fresh air you need to re-engage with organizing your life.
2. Planning Is Your Hobby (Not a Necessity)
For some, planning isn’t just about staying organized—it’s a beloved hobby. If you find yourself not wanting to plan, it could be because you don’t currently need it as a tool to manage your day-to-day life. Perhaps you’re in a season where things feel naturally organized or under control, and planning has shifted from a necessity to a nice-to-have. And that's perfectly okay! Planning doesn’t always need to be tied to productivity. You can give yourself permission to step away from it as a strict system and enjoy it as a creative outlet when the mood strikes, rather than a daily task.
3. You’re Prioritizing Life Over Plans
Life can be unpredictable, and there are times when living in the moment takes precedence over planning every detail. If you’re not feeling like planning, it could be because you’re currently prioritizing life’s experiences over writing them down. Whether it’s spending quality time with loved ones, diving into spontaneous activities, or simply letting go of structure, sometimes it’s necessary to put the planner aside and just live. Remember, it’s perfectly fine to take a step back from planning if your focus is on savoring the present. Your planner will be there when you’re ready to return.
4. You Simply Don’t Feel Like It (Even When It May Be Good for You)
Just like working out, there are days when you simply don’t feel like planning—even though it makes practical sense for you to do so. It’s tempting to skip it when you're feeling unmotivated, but much like exercise, planning is one of those routines that future-you may thank you for. While it might feel like an extra effort now, taking a few minutes to organize your day, set goals, or reflect can have a huge impact on your mental clarity and productivity in the long run. Just like that post-workout glow, you’ll feel accomplished and more in control once it’s done, even if it didn’t feel appealing in the moment.
5. A To-Do List Will Suffice
At times, a full planner spread can feel like overkill, and all you really need is a simple to-do list. If you’re avoiding planning, it might be because a pared-down approach feels more manageable right now. Sometimes, jotting down a few key tasks on a sticky note or digital note is all it takes to keep things moving. There’s no need to force a full planning session if a basic list can serve the purpose. Simplifying your process can reduce overwhelm and make productivity feel more accessible, especially during busier or more mentally exhausting seasons.
6. Your Brain Needs a Break
Lastly, if you don’t feel like planning, it could be a sign that your brain needs a rest. Planning takes mental energy—energy that might be in short supply if you’ve been feeling overwhelmed, stressed, or fatigued. It’s okay to hit pause and give yourself a break from constant planning and organizing. Allow yourself time to recharge and focus on self-care, whether that’s through relaxation, hobbies, or simply doing nothing. Sometimes, the best thing you can do for your productivity is to step back, let your mind reset, and come back to planning when you’re refreshed and ready.
To Plan or Not to Plan?
Your planner is a tool to help you rule life–it’s not a tool that rules you. If you’re feeling disconnected from your planner, remember it’s okay to step back, simplify, or adjust your method in whatever chapter you find yourself. Planning is there to support you—not the other way around. When you’re ready, your planner will be waiting, ready to help you take charge of what comes next.
If it's time for a change, you can explore more aligned planner options at our shop.
AUTHOR BIO
Paula Palomar is a Digital Marketing Copywriter who loves using words to uplift the messaging of mission-driven companies and organizations. In her spare time, you’ll find her practicing yoga or eating churros at Disneyland.