Best planner covers according to redditors

https://www.amazon.com/Travelers-Notebook-Elastics-Distressed-Standard/dp/B07DHKK17J/

https://www.amazon.com/Travel-Journal-Notebook-Journals-Travelers/dp/B075NKSBC2

It looks cool. It shows it's age due to the leather letting itself get scratched. As you change so will it, and so will your thoughts.

also, one of the most badass men alive, Marcus Aurelius wrote a journal daily. Dude spent half his life in war and was considered one of the greater emperors of Rome.

So everyday I write down everything I want to get done and check off what I completed. For me it’s:

Yoga every single day, whether it’s 7 minutes or 60. Just to build the habit I make sure to get on my mat. I follow Yoga with Adrienne on YouTube and practice at home to save money!

Do skincare routine (cleanser, serum, moisturizer, spf in the day)

Crest whitening strips (only for this month)

Take my vitamins

Spend 15 minutes tidying up

Listen to an educational podcast or audiobook (I also have comedy podcasts I like but shoot to listen to an educational one daily)

Plan my meals for the following week by Thursday of the week prior (even if it’s just acknowledging scheduled dinner plans, it’s not always meal prepped)

I also write my spending goal for the day. Currently I’m on a week of “no spend days” because I’m extra budgeting after overspending but sometimes it’s 20 or 40 or whatever is feasible for me (weekly budget divided by 7 usually works for me).

So I write all these things down and put smiley faces next to the things I complete. I tried writing them on a whiteboard, in a normal notebook and to-do list apps but none of it motivated me until I bought this planner from amazon:

Simple Elephant Planner - Best Daily & Weekly Agenda to Achieve Your Goals & Live Happier - Gratitude Journal, Mindmap & Vision Board - Undated - Lasts 1 Year w/Bonus eBooks & Stickers (Pink) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07DQP1V7Q/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_q-qYCbG7A98T9

I think because it’s pretty and flexible, it made me want to use it! This notebook also has an area for weekly reflection under “successes” and “challenges” so for example my challenge this week is that twice, instead of doing morning yoga I put if off till the evening and didn’t get as much as I wanted out of out. While I probably won’t flip back to this weeks page, writing it down made me acknowledge it and I’ll likely keep it in mind moving forward. In terms of being held accountable with the planner: at first I just didn’t want to not get a smiley next to one of my tasks so would make myself do everything even if it was half-assing it (I’ve done 3 minute yoga practices before and still counted it lol) but eventually my daily structure became second nature and now enjoy having structure. It’s weird- at first it seems like a burden to have another to-do list after work but then becomes a source of pride!

I also have my household supplies and groceries on auto-order on Amazon subscribe & save and Amazon fresh and have automatic deposits into savings / 401k / bills so that’s all taken care of too.

Hope this helps!!

I can't bring myself to spend the money on the more popular leather covers like CS and Foxy Fix, so my "upgrades" are in utility and aesthetics rather than quality. My current favorite is my Webster's Pages TN cover in Diamond White. (Amazon link) Pockets in the front and back, and wide enough for those who like having more than a few inserts. It comes punched with two holes on each end, strung with 4 elastics. I improved it - added a third hole to each end and then mounted grommets on the holes, and then strung it with six elastics. I'm actually surprised by how much I love this thing.

I also have this leather cover, which is really good quality for the price. Unfortunately, I messed up the leather and until I do something with that, it's out of commission. Currently, I'm considering Angelus leather paint as an option for salvaging it. I grommetized that one too. Ever since I got my little grommet kit, I just grommet anything I can. LOL

One area where I've definitely upgraded is my inserts. In addition to using Midori inserts for my weekly and monthly calendars (I used to just print my own), I've been getting Tomoe River inserts on Etsy. So far I've gotten them from Paper Penguin Co. and I've got in order in transit from GoodInkpressions. I've switched to using fountain pens almost exclusively, so good FP-friendly paper has become essential.

I know you've probably thought of this, but just in case not -- is there a reason you can't use something like this book cover, even if you make it yourself out of an old grocery bag or the like?