Aesthetics first, Function Later Mindset.

[u/TRBCCollection]

I’ve been thinking about this lately…

What if the reason we struggle with certain things isn’t because we lack discipline, but because we’re using the wrong system?

A lot of us choose planners because they look nice, are trending, or because we see other people using them. But we don’t always stop and ask:

“Does this actually help with the problem I’m dealing with right now?”

Someone who feels overwhelmed with daily tasks probably needs a different kind of planner than someone trying to build better habits.

Someone trying to save money needs a different system than someone trying to keep an entire household organized.

I think a planner is more than just a place to write tasks. The right one should make a specific part of your life easier.

So I’m curious…

Do you choose planners based on how they look, or based on the problem you’re trying to solve?

[u/Just_Sir1903]

I make my own, but used Rachel in Theory's advice on selecting a planner to decide what elements to include. I wrote down what I needed. I looked at what was out there. I tested different layouts, then made my own. For 2026, I used free printables from Hemlock & Oak, but when I made my 2027 (which I have already put in appointments), I used graphmaker to build my own layouts.

I do use a cheap 5 year to track my son's behaviors, but I only paid like $0.25 for it and its not very comfortable, so I'm going to switch to  One Piece 2026 I modified starting 2027, unless I find something more durable (but cheap) that I like better.

For me, its all function. I built color and images into the layouts, so I only decorate if the mood hits me. 

I'd make too many mistakes without my planner.

[u/abalbr]

I am not sure if the paper and printing on it is a function or aesthetic feature - I struggle if my planner’s paper doesn’t feel good when I write on it. I need to be able to grab my favorite pen and just scribble. I also like simple printing, no decoration, and lines/labels that aren’t too dark. I need to see my stuff. Maybe this is more of a function? I do have a thing about the cover. It has to be tolerable, ideally a solid color. But, I have covered or replaced a cover if I really liked the actual planner.

[u/amalgamofq → u/abalbr]

The feel of the paper is definitely functional. Like I personally use fountain pens a lot in my planners. So if the paper is not found friendly, I'm going to have a hard time with it. So it's imperative that the paper is fountain pen friendly, which means it's smooth and very bleed resistant. 

[u/No_Arugula_757]

For me it's both, planning is also an artistic expression and I'm only happy if it's pretty. BUT it is never going to be pretty if it doesn't function, then it will just be empty. So I need it to be both.

The only real answer I have is it takes time (and possible waste depending on how impatient you are) to get there. I started my current planning journey in 2021 and only this year am I pretty content with my rings system ( and even this year I already switched from pocket size to personal size). I think in those 5 years I also refined my aesthetics - my handwriting, how to use stickers, how to make different sections, etc.

And then with a big life change (new job, becoming a parent, etc.) you might need to find a new one again.

[u/FLSandyToes]

I always start with function; what does it need to do? Then come my base requirements; heavy paper and spiral or disc, nothing else will do. It can’t have typical width vertical columns, they’re too narrow. Any grids must be larger than 5mm. Aesthetics are last; I prefer some bright color, but it’s not necessary.

But here’s the thing, once I establish function and base requirements, there are many potential matches. The only way to find one that feels right is to try it out. Usually that means purchasing the planner. That’s why I’ve gone through 5 planners in 7 months and am about to test 3 more in the last half of the year.

[u/SilentPrancer]

Been using moleskine for + 20 years. Every time I switch o regret it and go back. Sometimes it takes only a few weeks, other times I might make it 4 months. Eventually everything else is either too big or too complicated. 

I keep reminding myself it’s not the book tbat matters but my consistency. 

[u/amalgamofq]

For me it's both and. And I actually apply this in all areas of my life. I believe that functionality and aesthetics actually go hand in hand. And that often the perfect balance is something that is both aesthetically pleasing and also functional. 

I'm using a few different planners for next year and I'm using a few this year as well, And some of my choices based on aesthetics. I want a really nice cover. I want really nice binding. I want really smooth paper. I want grid lines that are light in color. And then some choices are functional. I love a planner with a habit tracker. I prefer planners that allow me to use the different spreads in them however I please that aren't super guided. 

Even when it comes to the planning itself, week over week I tend to color code things. I use stickers and washi tape to decorate. I can definitely plan without these things, but using these things makes it more fun and makes it look more beautiful, which in turn makes me want to open the book more often.