When it comes to organization, structure can be a person’s best friend. Structured planners are a great way to keep on top of tasks, goals, and life in general. But, like with anything, there can be a downside. In this article, we’ll discuss the pros and cons of structured planners, and why it might not be for everyone.
Structure Provides Comfort
One of the main reasons people turn to structured planners is for the comfort it can provide. Knowing what is expected of you each day, and the tasks that need to be completed can be a great way to stay on track and organized. It can also help to reduce stress and anxiety, as you don’t have to worry about forgetting something important.Structured planners can also be helpful if you are someone who has difficulty staying on top of tasks. Having an outlined plan of what needs to be done can help you stay focused and motivated, and ensure you don’t get sidetracked. It can also be a great way to make sure you are stuck to a routine and not wasting time.
Structure Can Constrict
While structure can be a great thing, it can also be a bit restraining. If you are someone who likes to be spontaneous and go with the flow, a structured planner may not be for you. It can be difficult to stick to a plan, and if you find yourself being too rigid and not allowing for any flexibility, it can be easy to become overwhelmed or frustrated.For those who are more creative or have more abstract tasks, a structured planner may not be the best option. As structured planners are typically based on a linear system, they may not be able to accommodate more creative tasks that don’t have a specific timeline or goal. For example, if you are an artist or a writer, a structured planner might not be the best option as it won’t be able to help you manage your creative process.
Structured Planners Can Be Expensive
Another downside to structured planners is that they can be quite expensive. Depending on the type of planner you choose, and the features you want, the cost can range from a few dollars to hundreds of dollars. You may even need to purchase additional supplies such as pens, stickers, and other accessories, which can add to the cost.
What If You Miss a Day?
For those who use a structured planner, missing a day can be a real issue. If you are someone who likes to have structure in their life, missing a day can throw off your whole plan and make it difficult to get back on track. It can be hard to get back into a routine, and it can feelings of guilt or failure.If you do find yourself missing a day or two, don’t worry! Try to get back on track as best as you can and don’t beat yourself up about it. Everyone has off days, and it’s important to remember that it’s okay to make mistakes and give yourself some grace.
What If You Don’t Fill In the Boxes?
For some people, the idea of filling in the boxes of a structured planner can be daunting. It can be overwhelming to look at a planner and try to figure out where to start, or to just sit down and get started. If this is something that you struggle with, these types of planners can add to anxiety and low self esteem.If you find that a structured planner is too rigid for you, it might be worth giving some alternatives a try.
Completion Anxiety
Finally, for those who use structured planners, there can be a lot of pressure to complete tasks and goals. This can lead to feelings of anxiety and stress, as you may feel like you are constantly falling behind or not meeting your own expectations. If you find yourself feeling this way, it’s important to take a step back and remember that it’s okay to take regular breathers and give yourself a break once in a while.It’s also important to remember that a structured planner doesn’t have to be the only way to stay organized. There are a variety of other options such as bullet journaling and digital planners that can be just as effective. It’s all about finding what works best for you and your lifestyle.Overall, structured planners can be a great tool for organization, but they can also increase anxiety during a vulnerable period. It’s important to consider the pros and cons before committing to a structured planner, and to make sure it’s the right fit for you and your lifestyle. With the right approach, a structured planner can be a great way to stay on top of tasks and goals.
Tomorrow: which planners I prefer and why
Howling Yeti 
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