Franklin Covey Planner Guide

The Franklin Covey Planner is a paper-based time management tool developed by Hyrum W. Smith and first introduced in 1984 by Franklin International Institute, Inc. This Franklin Covey Planner Guide is a main component of Smith’s time management system. Many of Smith’s ideas were influenced by Charles Hobbs, who pioneered a similar organizational tool called the Day-Timer, which preceded the Franklin Planner.

I have used the Franklin Covey Planner Guide for over 15 years! I first used this planner when I started my career teaching Self Development courses at Micron Technology. I have been using it ever since.

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Who is this Planner For?

This is an excellent option for professionals/small business owners seeking tools to improve productivity and prioritize effectively in demanding work environments. Entrepreneurs who manage multiple roles, projects, and goals simultaneously and need a clear system to stay on track. College students and educators who want to balance academic responsibilities, extracurricular activities, and personal development.

Goal oriented people who focus on self-improvement, personal growth, and achieving long-term goals. Those who want to align their daily activities with personal values and mission statements. Busy Parents who juggle family responsibilities with personal and professional commitments and need help organizing priorities effectively. And finally, Time Management Enthusiasts who enjoy using analog tools and find satisfaction in writing, tracking, and reflecting on paper. Those who prefer a tactile, distraction-free alternative to digital planning apps

Benefits of the Franklin Covey Planner Guide

So- why should someone use a Franklin Covey Planner Guide when our phones can do so much?

Using the Franklin Planner guide instead of a phone offers distinct advantages that cater to specific preferences and needs. Here are some reasons to consider using the guide:

Reduced Digital Distractions: Phones can be a big source of interruptions like notifications and social media. A physical planner provides a focused, distraction-free environment for planning.

Enhanced Mindfulness: Writing by hand can help improve memory retention and clarity, making goals and plans feel more intentional and meaningful.

Customizable and Tangible: The Franklin Planner allows for greater customization with sections for priorities, notes, and long-term goals. Its physical presence can serve as a constant reminder of your commitments.

Backup to Technology: Unlike a digital system, a paper planner doesn’t rely on batteries, apps, or updates. It’s always accessible and immune to technical glitches.

Encourages Goal Alignment: The Franklin system emphasizes aligning daily tasks with personal values and long-term goals, which can create a deeper sense of purpose than many digital apps provide. Word of Caution– I realized early on that I could be too excessive in my planning. I was spending more time planning, then taking action!

Sense of Accomplishment: Crossing off tasks on paper can feel more rewarding and satisfying than tapping a checkbox on a screen. This is where I can get a bit excessive- sometimes, I will even write little tasks down (Like taking out the garbage), just to cross it off!

The Calendar Layout: The monthly calendar lets you see everything you have planned at a glance. This is one of my favorite features! With the calendar on your phone, you have to go into each day to see the tasks. I like being able to see all the tasks/events I have for the entire month all at once.

Integrating Goals into the Planner Guide

Now this is the part of Franklin Covey that is extremely valuable! This Planner guide is designed to seamlessly integrate your goals into daily planning, so you have alignment with your long-term vision. Here’s how you can use it effectively:

Define Your Values and Mission

Begin with the planner’s sections on values and mission statements. Then- write down your life purpose and what matters to you most. These will become the foundation for setting meaningful goals.

Set Long-Term Goals

To help with setting long term goals, use the Goal Planning pages to break your goals into specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART) goals. Then, categorize each of these as personal growth, career, relationships, or health.

Align Weekly Priorities with Goals

Now that you have your goals, review them at the start of every week. Use the Weekly Compass feature to identify roles (e.g., parent, professional, friend) and set one or two key goals for each role to focus on that week. This is a great approach that will help to keep you focused on those areas of your life that really matter!

Break Goals into Daily Tasks

Transfer weekly goals into your daily planning pages by identifying specific actions to take each day. Use the prioritization system (A, B, C) to rank tasks based on importance and urgency, ensuring goal-related activities take precedence.

Track Progress

Use the planner’s tracking features to log achievements, milestones, and reflections. Review your progress regularly, adjusting tasks and timelines as needed.

Reflect and Plan Ahead

At the end of each week or month, reflect on what worked, what didn’t, and how your activities contributed to your goals. Use this insight to refine your plans and set fresh goals or milestones.

By consistently integrating goals into your daily and weekly planning with the Franklin Covey system, you’ll create a structured approach to achieving what matters most while staying aligned with your personal values.

Features & Function

The Franklin Covey Planner offers a comprehensive set of features designed to enhance time management, goal setting, and organization. Key features include:

Daily Planning Pages

These daily planning pages give you space to record appointments, tasks, and notes. There is a also a column for Task prioritization using the ABC System (A for critical tasks, B for important, C for less urgent).

Weekly Compass

This is a resource you can use for setting weekly priorities based on personal roles (e.g., professional, family member, friend). This is a great way to align tasks with values and long-term goals.

Monthly Calendars

One of my all time favorite features! Monthly calendars provide an overview for planning events, deadlines, and milestones. There is also room to include notes and reflections.

Goal Planning Sections

These are dedicated pages to write and break down goals into actionable steps. Emphasizes alignment with personal values and mission statements.

Mission and Values Statement Pages

Space to define your core values and personal mission, ensuring goals and tasks align with your overall purpose.

Flexible Formats

The planner is available in various sizes (compact, classic, monarch) to suit different needs. The Formats include daily, weekly, or undated options for flexibility.

Built-In Tracking Tools

Tools for tracking habits, progress, and accomplishments over time. Space to reflect on successes and areas for improvement.

Accessories and Add-Ons

There are options for additional inserts like budget trackers, meal planners, or wellness logs. Compatible with binders, tabs, and dividers for customization. You can opt for a planner with inspirational content- Motivational quotes and prompts to encourage self-reflection and focus.

Summary- Franklin Covey Planner Guide

The Franklin Covey Planner Guide is amazing planning system that allows you to align your daily tasks with your values, mission and goals in life! I love the practicality and how the planner places such a strong emphasis on values-based planning.

Get the benefits of setting goals, reducing distractions, and getting a sense of accomplishment from crossing off tasks that are intentional and meaningful. So many features- daily/goal planning pages, the Weekly Compass, mission and value statement pages, tracking tools and beautiful motivational quotes to keep you inspired!

So, If you are strictly a digital guy or gal- I encourage you to give this planner a Go!