Goal setting doesn’t work without a plan. In fact, a goal without a plan isn’t a goal at all. It is only hopes and wishes. In theory, that means a goal planner is great, right? Find out with this honest Recollections Goal Getter planner review.
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I am a serious planner addict. I loved planners even back in high school when they were mandatory. Even then I covered them in stickers and pictures. They weren’t just a way to organize my life, they were an expression of creativity.
For the past 5 years or so, I have been a loyal Happy Planner user. I love the customization, the accessories, and the fact that I can create my own printables that cater to my lifestyle and planning needs.
I still love the Happy Planner but being on the go more has made me realize how rough I am on my planners. Those little discs simply don’t hold the pages together well for me anymore. Now, I’m trying out new planners to see if I can find one I like that holds up to my busy lifestyle. If you’re looking for the perfect planner for you, I hope my search and honest reviews save you time and money.
Planner Look
It may be shallow, but a planner has to look good for me to even give it a try. I firmly believe that when something is pretty, you are more likely to use it. So how does this one measure up?
Cover
- Although I usually go for something more colorful, this one is still pretty. The gold foiled title is a beautiful reminder of what you’re working for. Also, although not probably not the intention, the map background makes you feel like you can take over the world when you reach your goals.
Pages
- Undoubtedly the pages are beautiful! They are shades of pink and teal that compliment each other wonderfully.
Stickers
- Of course, no planner is complete without stickers and these do not disappoint. They are not only useful but in matching shades to the pages.
Planner Functionality
This planner took some adjusting for me because I am used to creating my own page when there isn’t one to fit my needs. With a bound planner such as this, that isn’t an option.
Monthly Layout
- The monthly layout is pretty standard as far as planners go. You do number it yourself which makes it easy to pick up at any point of the year.
Weekly Layout
- The weekly layout is much different than I have used before. I usually go for a 2-page vertical layout that lets me plan by the time of day. This is the first time I have used a horizontal layout.
Pros:
- It automatically limits your to-do list because you space is limited. That helps a chronic over-scheduler like me.
- You can see your entire week on one page which makes it easy to plan and to execute your week.
Cons:
- Limited space for making it pretty. While not important to some, I like to add stickers and fun stuff. Every sticker you add takes away from the already limited planning space.
- I am more visual so I like to see tasks laid out according to the time of day the get completed. That isn’t an easy option with this planner.
Goal Layouts
- I really love the goal setting pages. They let you collect your goals and whittle them down into smaller tasks. It also gives you pages to track what you’re thankful for as well as what you have achieved thus far.
Cons:
- The goals by month pages seem redundant because you are also given monthly goal pages at the beginning of each month. Instead, I use those pages to track monthly stats. Since they are blank, you could also use them to track birthdays and anniversaries or other important information.
Vision Board
- This is so smart. Keep your vision board close at all times by putting it your planner! These pages are perfect for creating a visual representation of what you’re working towards with your monthly goals.
Extras
- The Recollections Goal Getter planner also has some additional pages that are fantastic. The staying motivated page is great for remembering the reasons behind these goals.
- My favorite is the bucket list because it has space for tons of items. Use it to list everything you want to do, try, and see in this lifetime (or this year if you’re ambitious).
- Lastly, there is a tracker for each month to help you make sure that you are working towards those goals and new habits every day.
- These is also a double-sided folder and pen pouch in the back of the planner. The fold is a must for me but I didn’t use the pen pouch in the back. If you have a ton of planner supplies like I do, it simply isn’t practical.
Does It Help You Reach Your Goals
Out of the 12 goals I set for the month of July, I reached 8.5 of them. That’s pretty spectacular in my opinion. (The .5 is my weight loss goal which I knew going into the month would not be my top priority. I set a goal of 10 pounds and only lost 6.)
The planner does help you reach your goals but like anything, it doesn’t work unless you do. One thing it doesn’t do is give you a strategy for reaching your goals. It gives you a fantastic way to organize all of your goals but no real guidance. Once you organize your goals, my Monthly Goal Setting Planner will help you navigate your way to those goals.
Note:
- I also wish this planner had a monthly reflection page because that is key to achieving your goals. You cannot improve and push farther if you don’t know what worked for you, what didn’t, and why. You can use the single “Notes” page at the end of each month for this. Of course, if you do, then you cannot use it for notes throughout the month. That is the trade off.
Overall, my Recollections Goal Getter planner review is positive. If you already have an idea of how to break down your goals into bite-sized chunks to complete, it is excellent for organizing them. Again, my favorite addition is the vision board right there in your planner. It makes it easy to reference and reinvigorate yourself when the goal getting gets tough.
Next month I’m trying out the new Living Well Spending Less planner (it doesn’t get released until the end of this month). It also promises some big goal motivation and planning so I look forward to sharing that with you!
See where I’m linking up!
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