Digital Planning for Beginners
Welcome to Digital Planning for Beginners! We’ll take you through all things digital planning for beginners (and experts), including the basics on what you need to get started, how to succeed with digital planning, and more.
What to expect in this blog:
- What is Digital Planning?
- How to switch from paper to digital planning?
- What do you need to start digital planning?
- What is the best device for digital planning?
- What is the best app for digital planning?
- What is the best digital planner?
- How to succeed with digital planning?
- Digital Planning for Beginners FAQ
What is Digital Planning?
Digital planning refers to the process of using digital tools, software, or applications to organize, schedule, and manage tasks, events, and goals. It encompasses a wide range of activities, from simple to-do lists and calendars to more complex project management systems. Digital planning for beginners typically involves transitioning from paper planning.
Digital Planning is typically done on a tablet, but can be done on a phone or computer, too. Many people use a stylus (such as Apple Pencil, for iPad), but you can also type in your digital planner if your application and device supports this.
How to Switch from Paper to Digital Planning?
A paper planner, also referred to as a physical planner, diary, or agenda, is a concrete tool typically presented in the form of a bound book or notebook. Its purpose is to assist individuals in managing their schedules, tasks, goals, and various life aspects. Renowned choices encompass planners from Franklin Covey, Michael Hyatt, and Full Focus.
Digital planners offer many of the same features as their paper counterparts, such as calendars, to-do lists, goal trackers, note-taking areas, and more. However, they provide additional benefits that leverage the capabilities of digital technology.
Visit the OneNote Planner Shop
Visit the ReMarkable Planner Shop
Visit the GoodNotes/Samsung/Scribe Shop
Digital planning offers several advantages over traditional paper-based planning methods. It allows for greater flexibility, as users can easily update and modify their plans on-the-go using smartphones, tablets, or computers. Additionally, digital planning tools often offer features such as reminders, notifications, and collaboration options, making it easier for individuals or teams to stay organized and on track.
What You Need to Get Started with Digital Planning For Beginners?
In today’s digital age, organizing your life has never been easier thanks to digital planning. With the right tools and techniques, you can streamline your tasks, schedule, and goals, all from the convenience of your favorite device.
Whether you’re a seasoned planner looking to transition from paper to digital or a newcomer seeking to boost productivity, getting started with digital planning requires just a few key components and a willingness to explore the possibilities.
Getting started with digital planning is relatively straightforward. Here’s what you’ll need:
Device: You’ll need a device to access digital planning tools. This could be a smartphone, tablet, laptop, or desktop computer. Choose a device that you’re comfortable using and that fits your lifestyle and workflow. Some popular options include iPad, Samsung Tab or phone, ReMarkable, Onyx Boox, and Amazon Scribe. Need help deciding? Check out some comparisons:
Internet Connection: While not always necessary, an internet connection can be helpful for syncing your digital planning tools across multiple devices and accessing cloud-based features.
Digital Planning App or Software: Choose a digital planning app or software that suits your needs and preferences. There are many options available, ranging from simple to-do list apps to comprehensive project management platforms. Consider factors such as user interface, features, compatibility with your devices, and whether you prefer a free or paid solution.
Account: Some digital planning tools require you to create an account to use their services. This typically involves providing an email address and creating a password. Make sure to choose a strong, secure password to protect your information.
Once you have these basic components in place, you’ll be ready to start digital planning! Experiment with different features and workflows to find what works best for you, and don’t be afraid to adjust your setup as needed over time.
Visit the OneNote Planner Shop
Visit the ReMarkable Planner Shop
Visit the GoodNotes/Samsung/Scribe Shop
What is the Best Device for Digital Planning?
The best device for digital planning depends on your personal preferences, workflow, and mobility needs. Here are some popular options:
Smartphone: Smartphones are highly versatile and portable, making them ideal for on-the-go planning. They offer access to a wide range of digital planning apps and can easily sync data across multiple devices.
Tablet: Tablets provide a larger screen compared to smartphones, offering more space for detailed planning and organization. The iPad is a popular option. They are great for digital planners who prefer a touchscreen interface but want more screen real estate than a smartphone provides. E-ink devices like ReMarkable, Amazon Scribe, and Onyx Boox are popular options, too.
Laptop: Laptops offer the most flexibility in terms of functionality and software compatibility. They are well-suited for users who prefer typing and multitasking, as they can run full-featured planning software and other productivity tools simultaneously.
Desktop Computer: Desktop computers provide the largest screen size and computing power, making them suitable for users who require advanced planning features and prefer a traditional keyboard and mouse setup. They are especially useful for users who spend extended periods at a desk.
Ultimately, the best device for digital planning for beginners (or experts) is one that fits your lifestyle, preferences, and budget. Many digital planning tools are designed to work seamlessly across multiple devices, so you can easily switch between them based on your needs. Consider factors such as portability, screen size, input method, and software compatibility when choosing the right device for your digital planning needs.
Need help narrowing down device choice? Check out our handy guides and overviews:
What is the best app for digital planning?
The “best” app for digital planning ultimately depends on your specific needs and preferences. If you’re looking for the best app for digital planning for beginners, we recommend choosing an app that you are familiar with already. If you’re brand new, that’s ok, too! All of these apps are pretty intuitive.
Here’s a brief overview of each:
OneNote: OneNote is a powerful note-taking app developed by Microsoft. It offers a wide range of features, including text, handwriting, drawing, audio recording, and clipping web content. OneNote is highly customizable, allowing users to create notebooks, sections, and pages to organize their notes and plans. It’s available on multiple platforms, including Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android, and offers seamless syncing across devices via OneDrive.
GoodNotes: GoodNotes is a popular note-taking app for iOS and macOS devices, known for its smooth handwriting experience and extensive annotation tools. It’s well-suited for digital planners who prefer handwritten notes and sketches. GoodNotes supports PDF markup, handwriting recognition, and organization features such as notebooks and tabs. It also offers iCloud sync for seamless access to your notes across devices.
Samsung Notes: Samsung Notes is a pre-installed app on Samsung Galaxy devices, optimized for the S Pen stylus. It offers a variety of writing and drawing tools, as well as features like handwriting-to-text conversion and PDF annotation. Samsung Notes integrates with Samsung’s ecosystem, allowing users to sync their notes with Samsung Cloud and other Samsung devices.
Noteshelf: Noteshelf is a note-taking app available for iOS and Android devices, known for its realistic handwriting experience and extensive customization options. It offers a variety of paper templates, handwriting styles, and annotation tools to suit different planning styles. Noteshelf supports syncing with cloud storage services like Dropbox, Google Drive, and iCloud, allowing users to access their notes from anywhere.
Penly: Penly is a newer entrant in the digital planning space, offering a simple yet intuitive interface for note-taking and planning. It features basic drawing and writing tools, as well as organization features like notebooks and tags. Penly is available for iOS devices and offers iCloud sync for seamless access to your notes.
Ultimately, the best app for digital planning depends on factors such as your preferred platform, desired features, handwriting experience, and integration with other tools and services. It’s a good idea to try out a few different apps to see which one best fits your needs and workflow.
Need more help deciding which app is best for digital planning? Check out some comparison guides and overviews:
Visit the OneNote Planner Shop
Visit the ReMarkable Planner Shop
Visit the GoodNotes/Samsung/Scribe Shop
What is the Best Digital Planner?
With your device in hand, it’s time to choose a planning system for beginners (or experts) that resonates with your goals and lifestyle. Whether you’re a student, professional, entrepreneur, or executive, Key2Success has a solution tailored to your unique needs.
Personal Edition: Designed for personal growth and development, this edition empowers individuals to track goals, manage tasks, and cultivate positive habits to enrich their lives.
Professional Edition: Geared towards advancing careers and maximizing productivity, the professional edition offers tools for goal setting, time management, and strategic planning to excel in the workplace.
Business Edition: Ideal for entrepreneurs and small business owners, this edition provides comprehensive frameworks for long-term planning, team collaboration, and goal alignment to drive success.
Executive Edition: Catering to leaders and executives, this edition focuses on organizational strategy, team leadership, and performance optimization to achieve ambitious objectives and foster growth.
Visit the OneNote Planner Shop
Visit the ReMarkable Planner Shop
Visit the GoodNotes/Samsung/Scribe Shop
We have a lot of video content to help with digital planning for beginners! Check out our YouTube.
How to Succeed with Digital Planning?
Succeeding with digital planning for beginners (and experts) involves developing effective habits, utilizing the right tools, and staying organized and focused.
Having the right accessories can help with digital planning for beginners.
Here are some tips to help you succeed with digital planning for beginners:
Choose the Right Tools: Select digital planning apps or software that align with your preferences, workflow, and goals. Experiment with different tools to find what works best for you.
Set Clear Goals: Define your objectives and priorities for digital planning. Whether it’s increasing productivity, managing tasks more efficiently, or improving organization, having clear goals will help guide your planning efforts.
Establish a Routine: Set aside dedicated time each day or week for digital planning. Consistency is key to staying organized and on track with your goals.
Break Down Tasks: Break larger goals or projects into smaller, manageable tasks. This makes them easier to tackle and allows you to track progress more effectively.
Use Reminders and Notifications: Take advantage of reminder features in your digital planning tools to keep you on schedule and ensure important tasks don’t fall through the cracks.
Sync Across Devices: If you use multiple devices, ensure your digital planning tools sync seamlessly across them. This allows you to access your plans and information wherever you are.
Stay Flexible: Be open to adjusting your plans as needed. Life is unpredictable, and circumstances may change, so it’s important to remain adaptable and flexible in your approach to planning.
Review and Reflect: Regularly review your plans and progress to see what’s working well and what needs improvement. Reflecting on your experiences can help you refine your planning strategies over time.
Limit Distractions: Minimize distractions while planning by turning off notifications or finding a quiet, focused environment. This will help you maintain concentration and productivity.
Seek Support and Accountability: Consider sharing your digital planning goals with a friend, family member, or colleague who can provide support and hold you accountable. This can help you stay motivated and committed to your planning efforts. Join the Key2Success community on Facebook for support and more!
Sign up for customized training: Branden offers one-on-one coaching and training. Whether its digital planning for beginners training or you’ve been at it a while and want to get the most out of your planner, the Key2Success team is here to help!
By incorporating these strategies into your digital planning routine, you can increase your productivity, stay organized, and achieve your goals more effectively. Digital planning for beginners is a fun time to explore a new world of achievement!
Visit the OneNote Planner Shop
Visit the ReMarkable Planner Shop
Visit the GoodNotes/Samsung/Scribe Shop
We’ve covered a lot in our digital planning for beginners overview, but read on for some FAQ…
Digital Planning for Beginners FAQ
Digital planning for beginners doesn’t have to be stressful. Here are some common questions that digital planning for beginners have:
How do I install my planner?
Please review the Installation Guide for OneNote HERE.
Goodnotes HERE.
NoteShelf HERE.
ReMarkable HERE.
Noteability HERE.
Samsung Notes HERE.
Supernote HERE.
Amazon Kindle Scribe HERE.
On how many devices can I sync my planner?
It depends. Read more HERE.
Do I need a new planner every year?
Think of the planner like a paper planner made digital. Each year, you will need to purchase a new planner. Not only do the dates change, but we also add features and update pages. Read more HERE.
Where can I find Branden’s YouTube tutorials?
Click HERE.
Thanks for reading our digital planning for beginners guide! If you have any questions, our team is here to help!
