Erin Condren Functional Planner Flip Through | July 2025

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My July Planner Recap: lessons learned!

This was the very first full month in my Erin Condren dashboard layout LifePlanner, and I’m excited to share what’s working and what isn’t. The overall theme I learned this month? I need to keep it simple. Here’s a look at how I used my planner in July and what I’m changing to make it more functional for me.

What Worked This Month

• Financial Planning Pages: I like having my sinking funds and monthly bills tracker in my planner. It helps me see what I’ve paid and what deposits I’ve made, especially since I sometimes break up my savings deposits throughout the month. Using the PlannerKate checkmark stickers (sheet V-64-B) is a system I’m going to keep.
• Monthly Goals Page: Using the notes page that faces the monthly tab for a copy of my tending list is a practice I love and will be doing going forward. It serves as a great reminder of the goals I’m working on.
• Formula 1 & Verse of the Month: I like having my Formula 1 schedule and my verse of the month on my dashboard page.
• Weekly List-Making Space: I like having the larger space for lists on the weekly dashboard pages.

What Didn’t Work This Month

• Monthly Goals Page: I didn’t like how crowded and busy the July goals page looked. I don’t need a breakdown of monthly tasks here because I reference my PowerSheets to create my tending list instead.
• Annual Goals Pages: I had used PlannerKate full sticker sheets to cover the May monthly spread that came in this planner, but I didn’t end up using them.
• Using a Bold Marker: I used a dual-tip marker for my July tending list and on my dashboard, and it was just too bold and made things look messy. I’m switching back to my Pilot Frixion erasable pen.
• A “Busy” Monthly Spread: I started July by putting icons and times for recurring events on my monthly spread. Paired with colorful stickers, it was way too busy and I just don’t like it.
• A “Messy” Dashboard: For July, I tried a patriotic theme with lots of colors and decorative stickers. It ended up looking jarring and does not look calm to me. I also had a to-do list on the dashboard that I didn’t even use or check off.
• Sticker Kits: I tried a PlannerKate sticker kit for the 4th of July week. While it was fun to try, it was ultimately overwhelming for me. I am not a sticker kit user!

My Key Lessons from July

• Keep it Simple: I say it to you all the time, but I’m really saying it to myself. I need to simplify my planning.
• Visual Presentation Matters: A busy-looking page feels chaotic to me, even if it has less written on it than a calmer, more streamlined page. How I feel about my organization is directly tied to the visual presentation.
• There is a Sticker Limit: I love looking at decorative stickers, but using too many in my own planner is overwhelming. My personal limit seems to be functional scripts and simple BW icons.

My Plan Going Forward

• A Cleaner Monthly Goals Page: I will continue using the notes page for a copy of my Tending List but will use a finer pen for a much cleaner, less bold look. I will also no longer break down my monthly action items on this page, as I do that elsewhere.
• A Toned Down Monthly Spread: I will be using less color and won’t be so extra on my monthly view to keep it from looking too busy.
• A More Functional Dashboard: For August, I have already set up my dashboard to include my monthly menu plan, which is essential as we head back into a busy school season.
• Adding Photos: I got a Canon Ivy photo printer for my birthday, so I am thinking about adding some photos to the tab pages throughout my planner.

Watch the Full Flip-Through

You can see a full flip-through of my planner and hear more of my thoughts in the video below.

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