This 2 Minute Spread Will Organize Your Entire Life.

Simplify Your Planning and Journaling

If an elaborate planning or journaling system feels overwhelming, simplify it rather than blaming yourself. The KISS principle—“keep it simple”—can help make a system easier to use and less likely to be abandoned.

The Two-Page Monthly Spread

Use any notebook and pen you already have. A ruler is optional.

• Left page: Write the month, number each day, and add the weekday. Use it for appointments, events, birthdays, work schedules, and other plans.
• Right page: Write the month and number each day. Use one line per day for a brief memory, mood, or summary.

You can optionally divide the pages into weeks. Habit tracking is another possible addition, but the presenter recommends starting without it.

Keeping plans and daily notes together gives you a quick view of the past, present, and future without switching between notebooks. The one-line limit also keeps journaling low-maintenance. Start with the basic setup, then add space, notebooks, or trackers only if you find you need them.

Presenter and Source

• Presenter: Lilla Björn Stationery. The presenter’s personal name is not stated in the subtitles.
• Source mentioned: Kelly Johnson, credited with originating the KISS principle.