Our paper loving hearts don't want to admit it, but the pressures of the digital world are creeping into our lives. The busier we get the harder it is becoming to keep track of all the things we have going on. Many of us now need to use some form of digital planning for work and/or home life. Whether it's a shared calendar, a digital planner or a full online project management tool, there are several options when it comes to integrating a hybrid planning system. 

So how do you incorporate these digital tools along with your paper planner and which is the right one to choose. We are breaking it all down to discuss the options, benefits and tips to use them alongside the paper planner you love. 

Much like finding the right paper planner, first you need to figure out what your needs are and how you want to use the tool. Whether it’s out of necessity, experimentation, creativity or productivity, there are many reasons a digital option could be useful. 

Let’s take a look:

CALENDAR/SCHEDULING TOOLS

Options:

• Google Cal, iCal, Fantastical, Outlook, Artful Agenda, Cozi 

Benefits:

• Portable and easy to use, great on-the-go option

• Works great for long term planning and scheduling, infinite dates

• Great for time blocking and color coding 

• Inexpensive or free to use 

• Easy to share with others 

Hybrid System:

• Standard Vertical Layouts, Horizontal Layouts, Daily Layouts

Tips:

If you are using a digital calendar tool, consider complimenting it with a paper planner that offers more writing space for tasks and ideas rather than just a paper copy of your schedule

DIGITAL PLANNERS

Options:

• MakseLife, Goldmine & Coco, Bloom Planners, Amplify, Passion Planner

Benefits:

• Familiar style of planning, easy transition

• Allows you to get creative and decorative 

• Easy to customize, user friendly 

• Large variety of sticker, decor and accessories 

• Interactive with hyperlinks 

Hybrid System:

• Standard Vertical Layouts, Horizontal Layouts, Hourly Layouts 

Tips:

Depending on the layout you are using in the digital planner, you may want to consider a different one for your paper planner to compliment it. If you are using a digital planner for your schedule then maybe use a paper planner for memory keeping, goals or vice versa. 

PROJECT MANAGEMENT TOOLS

Options:

• Click Up, Notion, Trello, Asana, Airtable, To Doist

Benefits:

• Plan ahead and see the big picture on projects and tasks

• Store endless amount of information, links and attachments in one place

• Easy to share and collaborate with others

• Works well for work or home life

• Many offer free plans for a single user

Hybrid System:

• Standard Vertical Layout, Hourly Layout, Daily Layout

Tips:

A well chosen and organized project management tool can really boost your productivity and keep everything in one place and easy to find. Requires some initial learning and setup but it will pay off in the long run. Since these tools are best for task and project planning, compliment with more of a scheduled/structured paper planner.