Building a Holistic Planner Using Rollabind
Posted on January 24, 2011 by LJ Earnest
Categories: Productivity
Mondays are productivity days at SimpleProductivity blog.
Have you ever been frustrated because you can’t find a planner that has what you want in it? Or have you ever looked for a notebook but been unable to find one that works for your pen choice, favorite binding method, or even your preferred hand?
Both of these apply to me. I’ve been looking for a planner…not a calendar/task list/phone book, but a planner where I can actually plan what I want to accomplish. This means that I want to put a copy of my overall year dreamer/planner in there, along with my someday lists and a place for my ongoing projects.
In addition, I want a planner than lies flat (because I am a lefty), handles the pens I like (quick drying ink) and where it is easy to put in/take out pages.
This is no small set of features to match, as any of you who have looked at the various options know.
My best bet was to assemble something myself, but ring binders are no good for my southpaw writing.
Enter a product that was gathering dust on my shelf.
My First Rollabind
I was first introduced to a new type of notebook when I purchased my first Bubble Planner. The binding itself was pitched as being for lefties, and it worked well for me. I used my Bubble for the year, and then went in search of something else that would allow me to have a bit more granular control. But I kept the cover and some of the inside pages.
The binding itself, I came to find out, was called Rollabind.
The Rollabind Concept
Rollabind systems are simply covers, paper and accessories held together by discs. A special punch makes a T-shaped hole in the edge of the paper, and this snaps over the disc.
(There is another similar concept from Levenger.com called Circa)
Moving To A Custom Rollabind Planner
I had a 5 sheet punch I had purchased around the Bubble Planner times. Knowing I could make this work, I purchased an upgraded punch and some bigger disks. I was able to put together my holistic planner in about an hour (printing forms included). I included blank paper, lined paper, copies of my overall planning sheet, and deadline calendars. I also put my year dream planner and some brainstorming forms.
I’ve been happy with it the weeks I’ve been using it because it meets all my criteria.
Have you ever considered a do-it-yourself planner? What pushed you to that decision? How did you implement it? Share below.
Photo by Patrick Hoesly
If you enjoyed this post, please buy me a cup of coffee!
