National Planner Day

A group of diverse individuals gathered around a table full of colorful planners, pens, and washi tape, with smiles on their faces as they plan and decorate together.. — National planner day illustration

Welcome to the wonderful world of National Planner Day! Grab your pens, stickers, and colored markers, because we're about to dive into the amazing history of this special day.

When is Planner Day?

It's national planner day on the 1st August.

The Birth of National Planner Day

On August 1st, 2020, the internet exploded with excitement as people from all walks of life celebrated National Planner Day. With 290 mentions online, it was clear that planners had become more than just organizing tools; they were a way of life.

But how did this day come to be? Well, it's a tale as old as time (or as old as the internet, at least). As people started sharing their beautifully decorated and meticulously planned pages on social media, the planner community grew. They connected over their love for organization, creativity, and the satisfaction of checking off tasks.

With the rise of planner influencers and dedicated planner hashtags, it was only a matter of time before they demanded recognition in the form of a national day. And on that fateful day of August 1st, National Planner Day was born, giving us all a reason to celebrate our love for planners.

Why Planners Are More Than Just Calendars

Some may see planners as mere paper or digital tools to keep track of appointments, events, and to-do lists. But the planner enthusiasts know that they are so much more. They are personal journals, creative outlets, and a place to dream and manifest.

Planners allow us to express ourselves and reflect on our lives. Whether it's adding inspirational quotes, doodling, or using different color schemes, planners are a playground for our imagination. They become a documentation of our memories, goals, and aspirations. Plus, who can resist the satisfaction of crossing out completed tasks with a bold marker?

Embracing the Planner Lifestyle

If you're new to the planner world, don't worry! National Planner Day is the perfect opportunity to dip your toes in the colorful and organized waters. Start by choosing a planner that speaks to you. With an abundance of options out there – from minimalistic designs to whimsical themes – you're sure to find one that sparks joy in your heart.

Once you have your planner in hand, let your creativity run wild! Decorate the pages with washi tape, stickers, and your favorite markers. Use it not only to plan your appointments but also as a space for goal setting, habit tracking, and self-reflection.

Join the Planner Community

The planner community is a supportive and inclusive group of individuals who share their planner creations, tips, and tricks. By joining this community, you'll find inspiration, make new friends, and maybe even discover new planner hacks.

Connect with fellow planner enthusiasts on social media platforms using popular planner hashtags like #PlanWithMe and #PlannerAddict. Participate in planner challenges, where you follow daily prompts to create unique pages. And don't forget to share your own creations as well!

History behind the term 'Planner'

1765

The Birth of the Daily Diary

In 1765, the term 'planner' had not yet been coined. However, this was the year when the concept of planning and organizing one's schedule into a daily diary truly took root. The Scottish lawyer and writer, Sir James Steuart, published 'A Plan for Conversing study of history In Every Branch of Useful Knowledge', which encouraged individuals to keep a daily record of their thoughts and activities. This marked the birth of the practice of documenting and organizing one's life on a daily basis.

1806

Birth of the modern calendar

In 1806, the modern calendar, as we know it today, was born. The Gregorian calendar had brought about significant changes in how time was measured and organized, revolutionizing planning as well. With the introduction of standardized dates and months, people began to rely on planners to keep track of their schedules and important events.

1913

The emergence of personal organization

In 1913, the term 'planner' first emerged in the context of personal organization. With the advent of the industrial revolution and the increase in complexity of daily life, individuals started to feel the need for tools to help them keep track of their schedules, tasks, and appointments.

1840

The Emergence of Personal Organizers

In 1840, the concept of personal organization and planning began to take shape with the introduction of personal organizers. These early tools were mainly paper-based and included diaries, calendars, and notebooks. They provided individuals with a way to jot down their daily schedules, appointments, and tasks.

1711

The Birth of the Day Planner

In 1711, the first known instance of the word 'planner' appeared in English. It was derived from the French word 'planner', meaning 'to plan'. This word found its way into the English language, signifying the concept of organizing and scheduling activities. Although the use of planners was not widespread at this time, it laid the foundation for the term's future development.

1812

The start of planning as a concept

In 1812, the word 'planner' first emerged as a term to describe someone who engages in the act of planning. During this time, planning referred to the process of organizing and arranging tasks or events in a systematic manner. The term 'planner' became associated with individuals who had a talent for organizing and strategizing.

1765

The birth of the term 'planner'

The term 'planner' first appeared in the English language in 1765, derived from the word 'plan', which was introduced from the French word 'plan' meaning a diagram or a map. Initially, a planner referred to a person who devised or made plans.

1939

The Birth of the Modern Planner

In 1939, the iconic Swiss company, Moleskine, released the first-ever commercial planner. The Moleskine Planner became an instant hit among artists, writers, and intellectuals due to its quality and simplicity. With its durable cover and compact size, this planner allowed individuals to organize their thoughts, appointments, and creative ideas all in one place.

1765

Origins of the term 'planner'

The term 'planner' originated in 1765 from the Latin word 'planus,' which means flat or level. It was initially used to describe a level surface upon which maps and diagrams were drawn for various purposes, such as city planning or architectural design.

1775

Origin in the French Language

The term 'planner' has its roots in the French word 'plan,' which means a map or a diagram. It was first used in the English language in 1775, borrowed from the French for its meaning related to organizing and arranging.

1910

The Birth of the Term 'Planner'

In 1910, the term 'planner' first emerged in the English language to describe a person or tool used for organizing and planning. It was derived from the word 'plan,' which means to arrange or outline in advance. The term quickly gained popularity as more people recognized the need for structured organization in their lives.

1908

The birth of the daily planner

Fast forward almost a century, and in 1908, the first daily planner is said to have been introduced. This innovative tool aimed to provide individuals with a structured way to keep track of their daily schedules, appointments, and tasks. It quickly gained popularity as it empowered people to manage their time more efficiently.

1850

The Rise of Personal Organizers

By the mid-19th century, personal organizers started becoming more popular. These early versions of planners were small bound notebooks that individuals used to keep track of their schedules, appointments, and important information. However, they were not as widely accessible or commonly used as they would be in the future.

1924

The birth of modern planners

In 1924, the first modern planner, known as the Filofax, was introduced. This small, portable, and customizable organizer quickly gained popularity and became a staple tool for professionals and individuals seeking better organization in their lives. The term 'planner' became associated with this kind of personal organizer.

1910

The rise of Filofax & portable planners

In 1910, the Filofax company was founded by J.C. Parker. This marked the beginning of the portable planner revolution. Filofax's signature loose-leaf system allowed users to customize their planners by adding or removing pages, making them incredibly versatile. This invention sparked a trend, and soon, people from all walks of life were carrying their planners wherever they went.

1812

Introducing the concept of personal planners

In 1812, personal planners started to gain popularity. These were small, portable notebooks that individuals used to record their daily tasks, appointments, and important notes. The concept of using a planner as a personal organizational tool began to take hold.

1812

The Emergence of the Daybook

In 1812, the 'daybook,' a precursor to the modern-day planner, made its debut. This early version of a planner served as a ledger for recording daily business transactions, appointments, and reminders. Daybooks were primarily used by merchants and businessmen to keep track of their activities and financial transactions, helping them stay organized amidst their busy schedules.

1858

Introduction of the Daily Planner

In 1858, Benjamin Franklin introduced the concept of a daily planner, which he called 'The Franklin Planner.' It consisted of a simple organizational system to plan and track daily tasks and goals. Franklin's planner became popular, and its success contributed to the widespread adoption of the term 'planner' to refer to such personal organizing tools.

1980s

The Rise of Personal Digital Assistants

During the 1980s, personal digital assistants (PDAs) started gaining popularity. These handheld devices, such as the PalmPilot and Newton MessagePad, featured digital calendars and task management tools. With the ability to sync with computers, PDAs marked a significant shift towards digital planning and organization.

1919

The role of planners in city development

In 1919, planners gained prominence when the Town Planning Institute was established in the United Kingdom. This marked the beginning of professional city planners who focused on urban development and land use. The term 'planner' started to be associated with professionals responsible for creating and implementing plans for cities and regions.

1908

The Rise of the Personal Organizers

In 1908, the first known personal organizer, known as a 'Filofax,' was introduced by a British company called Norman & Hill Ltd. The Filofax consisted of loose-leaf pages with various sections for notes, addresses, and calendars. The term 'Filofax' was derived from the combination of the file-a-fact and index. This innovative product offered individuals a portable and customizable system for keeping track of their appointments and important information.

1990s

Digital Revolution and Online Planners

With the advent of the internet and the widespread use of personal computers, online planners emerged in the 1990s. Services like Yahoo! Calendar and MSN Calendar allowed users to create and manage their schedules online. The convenience of accessing planners from anywhere with an internet connection made online planning a popular choice.

1923

Filofax and the Rise of Personal Organizers

In 1921, a British company called Filofax was established, specializing in manufacturing personal organizers. They introduced a range of refillable planners with customizable sections like calendars, to-do lists, and contacts. Filofax played a significant role in popularizing the use of planners as essential tools for organizing personal and professional lives.

1929

A boost from the financial world

The term 'planner' received a significant boost in 1929 with the Wall Street Crash and the subsequent Great Depression. Financial planners emerged as professionals who specialized in helping individuals and businesses navigate the tumultuous economic landscape. The term gained widespread recognition and respect as people sought expert advice to safeguard their financial futures.

1950s

The rise of daily planners

During the 1950s, daily planners started to gain prominence. These planners featured dated pages with sections for to-do lists, appointments, and notes, offering a comprehensive solution for managing one's daily life. The term 'planner' became synonymous with these daily planning tools.

1921

The Franklin Day Planner

In 1921, the invention of the Franklin Day Planner revolutionized personal organization. Developed by Benjamin Franklin's grandson, this planner featured a system that allowed users to categorize their tasks, events, and notes into designated sections. It became widely popular and sparked the modern-day trend of using planners as effective time management tools.

1957

The introduction of personal planners

The concept of personal planners emerged in 1957 with the introduction of the Filofax, a popular brand of personal organizer. This marked a shift in the meaning of the term 'planner' as it began to refer to a tool or system used by individuals to organize their schedules, appointments, and tasks.

1860

Evolution of the modern-day planner

With advancements in printing technology, the first mass-produced, pre-printed planners became available in 1860. These planners featured predefined sections for dates, days of the week, and notes. They were often bound in leather covers and were primarily utilized by businessmen and professionals.

1921

Filofax Introduces the Modern Planner

In 1921, the British company Filofax revolutionized the concept of planning with the introduction of their iconic personal organizers. These leather-bound planners featured a flexible ring binder system that allowed users to customize and update their schedules easily. Filofax's planners gained popularity and became symbolic of efficient organization and productivity.

1921

Rise of the 'Day Timer' concept

In 1921, a man named Jacob L. Bromwell came up with a groundbreaking concept known as the 'Day Timer.' This concept revolved around the idea of organizing time and tasks within a specific time frame, typically a day. The 'Day Timer' presented a new approach to planning by focusing on the allocation of time for various activities, helping individuals become more efficient and productive.

1980

Digital Planners and Personal Computers

With the rise of personal computers in the 1980s, digital planners started to emerge. These electronic devices and software applications provided users with a more efficient way to plan and organize their lives. Digital planners revolutionized the concept of planners, allowing for easier editing, reminders, and syncing across devices.

1980s

The rise of personal planners

During the 1980s, personal planners gained immense popularity. Inspired by the daily planner concept, personal planners were compact, portable organizers that allowed individuals to keep track of their appointments, to-do lists, contacts, and more. This development revolutionized personal organization and became a symbol of the fast-paced, goal-oriented lifestyle of the time.

1921

The Birth of the Modern Planner

In 1921, the term 'planner' was officially coined by the brand E. A. Covey. Covey's 'Planner Pad' was a breakthrough in personal organization. It introduced the concept of dividing the day into timed intervals, allowing users to allocate specific time slots for various tasks and appointments. The Planner Pad also featured separate spaces for daily, weekly, and monthly planning, which provided users with a comprehensive view of their schedules and goals.

1984

The rise of digital planners

With the advent of technology, digital planners started gaining popularity in 1984 with the release of the Apple Macintosh computer. The term 'planner' expanded its definition to include software applications and electronic devices that provided functionality similar to paper planners but with added features and convenience.

1984

The Digital Age of Planning

With the advent of personal computers and digital technology, planning took a significant leap forward. In 1984, the release of the Apple Macintosh computer paved the way for digital planning applications and software. This marked the beginning of a new era in planning, as digital planners offered more versatility, interactivity, and convenience.

1930

Franklin Planner introduced

In 1930, Hyrum W. Smith introduced the Franklin Planner. Inspired by Benjamin Franklin's commitment to organizing and time management, the Franklin Planner became immensely popular due to its user-friendly layout and emphasis on goal-oriented planning. With its unique system of prioritization and task listing, it enabled users to achieve their objectives effectively.

2007

Smartphones Deliver Planner at Fingertips

The introduction of smartphones revolutionized planning and organization once again. In 2007, Apple unveiled the iPhone, which integrated a powerful planner app, enabling users to have their entire schedule, contacts, and reminders conveniently accessible in their pocket. Smartphones became a game-changer for people on the go, redefining the way we plan our lives.

1980s

Digital Planners and the Technological Shift

The advent of personal computers and electronic devices in the 1980s brought about a revolution in the planning industry. Digital planners emerged, combining the functionality of paper planners with the convenience of electronic technology. Companies like Apple and Microsoft started developing software and applications that allowed users to plan and organize their lives digitally, leading to a new era of planner technology.

1980s

Digital planners enter the scene

In the 1980s, with the advent of personal computers, digital planners began to appear. These software-based tools allowed users to organize and manage their schedules digitally. The term 'planner' expanded to include both physical and digital versions, reflecting the changing landscape of personal organization.

1921

Introduction of the Filofax

In 1921, the Filofax was introduced in the UK. This compact personal organizer revolutionized the way people used planners. It allowed users to customize their planning system by adding and removing inserts, such as calendars, to-do lists, and address books, based on their needs.

Present Day

Planners in the Modern World

Planners have continued to evolve and adapt to the needs of individuals in the modern world. With the rise of smartphones, there has been a surge in mobile planner apps that offer seamless integration with calendars, reminders, and other productivity tools. Furthermore, planners have become customizable and artistic, with various designs and layouts available to suit different preferences. Today, planners remain indispensable tools for those seeking to stay organized and plan their daily lives effectively.

1980s

Rise of electronic planners

The 1980s marked the rise of electronic planners, also known as personal digital assistants (PDAs). These handheld devices combined the functionality of a planner with digital technology, allowing users to store and organize their schedules, contacts, and notes electronically.

2000s

Digital planners take the stage

In the early 2000s, the advent of digital technology paved the way for the emergence of digital planners. With the rise of electronic devices, such as smartphones and tablets, people increasingly turned to digital platforms and applications to manage their schedules and tasks. Digital planners provided enhanced flexibility, accessibility, and integration with other tools, transforming the way people organized their lives.

2000s

The planner revolution

In the 2000s, planners experienced a resurgence in popularity, with a focus on creativity, mindfulness, and personalization. The rise of bullet journaling, a method of combining planning, journaling, and artistic expression, further propelled the popularity of planners. The term 'planner' became associated with a wide range of beautifully crafted and customizable tools.

1980s

Digital planners emerge

The 1980s witnessed significant advancements in technology, leading to the emergence of digital planners. The advent of personal computers and handheld devices like PDAs (Personal Digital Assistants) brought planners into the digital age. Digital planners offered new features such as reminders, syncing capabilities, and built-in organization tools, making planning more accessible and convenient.

1984

The Digital Revolution

The advent of digital technology in the 1980s revolutionized the concept of planning and organization. The introduction of electronic planners and personal digital assistants (PDAs) such as the Palm Pilot marked a significant shift towards digital planning tools. These devices allowed users to store and synchronize their calendars, contacts, and notes electronically, providing a more efficient and compact solution for managing schedules on the go.

2010s

Digital and Analog Harmony

In recent years, a notable trend has been the convergence of digital and analog planning. Many individuals have embraced the concept of bullet journals, which combine handwritten notes and traditional planner layouts with symbols and rapid logging techniques. Bullet journaling allows for a creative and personalized approach to planning, bringing together the best of both digital and analog worlds.

Present

The versatile role of planners today

In the present day, the term 'planner' encompasses various forms and functions. It continues to represent professionals involved in urban and city planning, while also referring to personal organizers and digital tools. Planners have become an essential part of our lives, aiding us in organizing and managing our daily activities, whether in a physical or digital form.

2007

The Rise of Smartphone Planners

In 2007, the introduction of smartphones paved the way for a new era of planners. Mobile devices equipped with planner applications allowed users to carry their organizational tools wherever they went. The convenience of having a planner on a device that doubled as a phone, messaging system, and internet browser catapulted the popularity of smartphone planners.

2007

The Rise of Smartphone Planners

The introduction of smartphones revolutionized the way people plan and organize their lives. In 2007, Apple's iPhone, along with other smartphones, began offering planner applications that allowed users to not only manage their schedules but also synchronize them across multiple devices. The convenience of having a planner in one's pocket at all times further propelled the popularity of planning and increased its accessibility.

Present

Planners as a Lifestyle

Today, planners have become a lifestyle for many individuals. From physical planners to digital apps, people rely on these tools to manage their daily lives, set goals, track habits, and achieve personal and professional success. Planners are no longer just scheduling tools but have also become a means of self-expression and a way to prioritize self-care and mindfulness in a fast-paced world.

2007

The Era of Smart Planners

In 2007, the smartphone era brought about a new chapter in the history of planners. With the introduction of smartphones, planning and organization became seamlessly integrated into people's everyday lives. Mobile apps like Apple's iCalendar and Google Calendar transformed traditional planners into dynamic, intuitive digital tools. Smart planners now offer features such as automatic reminders, event synchronization, and real-time updates, further enhancing productivity and time management.

2007

The rise of smartphone planners

The introduction of smartphones in 2007 revolutionized the way people planned their lives. With the integration of calendars, task managers, and note-taking apps, smartphones became the go-to planners for millions of individuals worldwide. Mobile planners offered the convenience of carrying a planner in the palm of their hands and created a significant cultural shift in how people organized their lives.

2007

Transition to digital planning apps

In 2007, Apple revolutionized the concept of planning and organization with the launch of the iPhone and the App Store. This led to a surge in the development of digital planning applications that offered users a wide range of features, including reminders, task management, and syncing capabilities across devices.

Present

The planner renaissance

Today, planners have experienced a renaissance, with people embracing both digital and physical formats. The demand for aesthetically pleasing, customizable paper planners has grown significantly. Many individuals find joy and satisfaction in using planners as a tool for self-reflection, goal setting, and time management.

Did you know?

Did you know that the most common mistake made by new planners is using too many stickers and not leaving enough room for actual planning? Finding that perfect balance between functionality and creativity is the key to planner success!