It’s no secret that I’m a huge planner girlie. I just started using Google Calendar to share my schedule and important appointments with my husband, but I live for a written planner. Something just feels so official about writing down your goals and routines.
It’s also a very intentional way to get organized and make active progress toward your goals for the year. According to research by the University of California, people who wrote their goals down were 42% more likely to achieve them than those who didn’t.
Over the years, I’ve tried many planners. One of my favorites, The Living Well Planner, was discontinued a while back so I’ve been on the hunt for a worthy replacement. I thought it would be fun to share some of the best planners for goals and habits for 2025.
The Importance of Planning and Organization
In today’s fast-paced world, the significance of planning and organization cannot be overstated. As we all juggle multiple responsibilities, from work commitments to personal aspirations, the ability to plan effectively becomes crucial for success.
A well-structured plan not only provides clarity and direction but also enhances productivity by allowing you to focus on what truly matters. Without a solid plan, it’s easy to become overwhelmed, resulting in missed opportunities and unfulfilled goals. (Believe me, I know)
Plus, the act of planning cultivates a sense of accountability. When goals are clearly defined and documented, we are more likely to hold themselves responsible for their progress. This accountability is important when you’re looking to stay motivated especially when challenges or distractions come up (because we all know they will!).
Each time a task is completed or a goal is achieved, it reinforces the habit of planning and encourages you to continue striving toward your goals.
Benefits of Using Physical Planners in the Digital Age
One of the primary benefits of using a physical planner is the tactile experience it offers. Writing things down by hand engages different cognitive processes than typing on a screen, which can enhance memory retention and comprehension.
Also, physical planners provide a distraction-free environment. In an age dominated by notifications and constant digital engagement, paper planners offer a sanctuary where you can focus solely on their thoughts and tasks. This lack of distractions can lead to deeper reflection and more thoughtful planning by removing the temptation to multi-task or get sidetracked by digital devices.
Best Planners For Goals and Habits in 2025
1. CleverFox (Available on Amazon)
The CleverFox Planner is all about helping you set and achieve your goals with intention. Known for its habit trackers and productivity-focused layout, this planner is a favorite among people who love visualizing their goals.
A few years ago, I used the budget planner version and I really liked it for keeping track of our daily transactions. But for the day planner, I really like how it helps you zoom out and look at the bigger picture while also mapping out your daily tasks
There are pages for an end-of-month overall review, vision board, and short and long-term goals planning sheets.
Pros:
- Goal-Oriented Layout: Includes sections for personal goals, work goals, and habit tracking.
- Undated: You can start using it anytime—it doesn’t have to be January 1st.
- Compact and Portable: Its sleek design makes it easy to carry.
- Budget-Friendly: Offers premium features at a reasonable price point.
Cons:
- No Hourly Schedule: Lacks the detailed time-blocking feature some professionals prefer.
- More Compact: This planner is a little smaller than I’d like since I prefer a full notebook size. But it’s still one of my top recommendations due to the way it’s organized.
- Limited Writing Space: May not be ideal for those with extensive daily plans.
CleverFox is ideal if you’re looking for a functional yet compact planner to help manage both short- and long-term goals.
Where to Buy: CleverFox on Amazon
2. The Life Planner
For those who prioritize spiritual wellness alongside their daily planning, the Life Planner offers a unique combination of organization tools and faith-focused functions. I used this planner for a year and I really liked how it has sections for daily planning as well as your spiritual goals and habits.
There’s room to put your notes from church and devotions. This planner is also undated so it’s easy to customize.
Pros:
- Faith Integration: Includes sections for prayer, gratitude, and weekly sermon notes.
- Wellness Focus: Weekly check-ins encourage reflection on key areas of your life.
- Durability: Made with high-quality, gold-foil binding and thick paper.
- Undated Flexibility: No pressure to start at the beginning of the year.
Cons:
- Short Timeframe: Covers only six months, requiring you to repurchase if you want year-round planning.
- Niche Audience: Best suited for users who incorporate faith into their daily lives.
If spirituality is central to your life and your goals, the Life Planner is an excellent choice.
Where to buy: Life Planner from Christian Planner
3. Day Designer Planner
The Day Designer is designed to help you balance your personal and professional lives effectively. This is a planner I used for a few years in a row after the Living Well Planner was discontinued.
You can get this planner online or at most Targets and it’s really stylish and flexible. I like the daily planning sections where you can map your day out by the hour and you can also set your top three priorities for the day. This planner includes daily prompts and a convenient to-do list section which is great for getting through errands or taking care of tasks around the house.
Pros:
- Detailed Daily Pages: Hourly scheduling from 5 AM to 9 PM for precise time management.
- Goal-Setting Features: Includes worksheets to help align daily tasks with long-term goals.
- Inspirational Additions: Each day features motivational quotes to keep you focused.
- Beautiful Covers: Available in both minimalist and artistic designs.
Cons:
- Size and Weight: Bulkier and heavier than most planners, making it less portable. (But I love the bigger-sized planners!)
- Price Point: More expensive compared to similar planners.
Perfect for meticulous planners who want detailed control over their schedules, the Day Designer is a premium option worth considering.
Where to buy: Day Designer Planner
4. Bloom Daily Planner
Bloom Daily Planners are perfect for creative people who value aesthetics and lightweight functionality. Known for its bright, colorful designs and user-friendly features, the Bloom Planner is all about helping you stay motivated and productive every day.
This full-size planner has large weekly planning pages as well pages dedicated to habit tracking, monthly bill tracking, your goals and values, and more.
Pros:
- Customizable Styles: Wide range of sizes, colors, and layouts to choose from.
- Goal Alignment: Features sections for goal-setting, vision boards, and affirmations.
- Community-Focused: Comes with access to free motivational printables.
- Budget-Friendly: Affordable without sacrificing functionality.
Cons:
- Basic Layout: May lack advanced features like time-blocking and hourly breakdowns.
- Limited Durability: Soft covers can show wear and tear over time.
Where to buy: Bloom Daily Planner
5. Plum Planner
The Plum Planner is perfect for those who want complete control over the layout and functionality of their planner. This planner is probably the most customizable one I’ve seen. You can customer the layout from horizontal to vertical, as well as the cover.
You can also add custom events to your calendar such as pay days, birthdays, anniversaries, and more. Plus, you can add on pages for to-do lists and budget trackers. Plum Planners has several options from the basic day planner to planners for teachers and students and lifestyle planners.
Pros:
- Fully Customizable: Choose from daily, weekly, or monthly layouts, and add on extras like meal planning templates.
- Planner Accessories: Offers a wide variety of planner accessories to personalize your planner even further.
- Refillable Pages: Once you have the cover, you can purchase only the pages you need for each year.
Cons:
- Pricey Add-Ons: The additional pages and accessories can quickly add up in cost.
- No Goal-Oriented Features: Lacks specific sections for goal-setting or habit tracking.
Where to buy: Plum Planner
6. The Pland Studio Planner
A vision board meets daily planner, the Pland Studio Planner focuses on integrating goal-setting and habit tracking with beautiful design. This planner comes with yearly monthly planning pages as well as weekly tracking and extra sections for gratitude, brainstorming, lists, and more.
It’s perfect for who are looking to gather all their thoughts and plans in one organized space.
Pros:
- All-in-One Layout: Includes goal-setting, habit tracking, meal planning, and self-reflection prompts.
- Hourly Scheduling: Half-hour increments allow for detailed time management.
- Premium Features: High-quality hardcover, rose-gold accents, and thick 120 GSM paper.
- Gift-Ready: Comes in elegant packaging, perfect as a gift.
Cons:
- Heavy Design: Its weight may be inconvenient for users on the move.
- Learning Curve: The detailed sections might feel overwhelming for beginners.
If you’re looking for a planner that combines productivity and life reflection, The Pland Studio is a stunning option to consider.
Where to buy: The Pland Studio Planner on Amazon
Summary
Ultimately, the choice between digital and traditional planners often comes down to personal preference and lifestyle. Many people even choose to blend both methods, utilizing digital tools for quick access to schedules while maintaining a physical planner for deeper reflection and goal tracking.
Regardless of what you choose, the key is to find a planning system that resonates with you and supports your aspirations.
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