I use to keep myself organized using sticky notes; last year, I was introduced to the Erin Condren planner, which is wonderful. This September, as I prepared to order a new planner for next year, I discovered Erin Condren also sells something called a "deluxe notebook"—something of a hybrid between a regular notebook and a planner.
Planing when to have things done for experiments to stay on schedule or when sections of a paper need to be finished to meet a deadline are essential to surviving graduate school. As I looked at the options and features of the notebook, I realized that as a graduate student who has a very simple schedule outside of school, the notebook may be a better choice for me (and eliminate extra weight in bag).
The notebook includes both lined and unlined paper for notes and graphs, as well as, full spread calendars for each of the 12 months of the year. Unlike the planner, you get tons of writing space for notes from meetings, research, related work summaries (I have to take notes as I read or there's trouble), etc. Of course, in the notebook you lose the weekly planning pages that allow you more space for day-to-day planning. In my situation, however, that was wasted space; I may have 1 meeting a day, put most other points of interest on my calendar are deadlines.
The notebook includes both lined and unlined paper for notes and graphs, as well as, full spread calendars for each of the 12 months of the year. Unlike the planner, you get tons of writing space for notes from meetings, research, related work summaries (I have to take notes as I read or there's trouble), etc. Of course, in the notebook you lose the weekly planning pages that allow you more space for day-to-day planning. In my situation, however, that was wasted space; I may have 1 meeting a day, put most other points of interest on my calendar are deadlines.
To make this option more appealing were two more factors: pop-in to-do lists and notebook dividers with dry erase backsides! If you're unfamiliar with Erin Condren products, many of the accessories she sells can be "popped" in and out of the notebooks/planners she sells. The to-do lists and dividers take advantage of this. I use my to-do list as both a to-do list and a bookmark. Like the backside of the notebook dividers, the to-do list is essentially a dry erase board. You can use a permanent marker or a dry erase marker on it, then wipe it away and start over. Perfect for to-do lists, right? Did I mention the notebook dividers are customizable? Mine have motivational quotes on them—I'll need that when I start my next conference paper.
Erin Condren is a little pricey (especially on a graduate student budget), but the idea is definitely something that can be leveraged. Perhaps you can create something. I thought I'd share how I'm motivating and organizing this year, incase its helpful for someone.
Also, if you do want to purchase an Erin Condren notebook, you can use my invite a friend code to get $10 off. I've added some pictures of my notebook below.
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