Planner Lineup & No Buy Update

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[ungluedmom]

From experience, you have to get to month 4. Before that, it's all struggle and convincing yourself it's not working. After month 4, it gets much better.

[ghostyplans]

I broke my no buy to buy an A6 ring binder. BUT instead of buying all the inserts and dashboards, I got an A5 leuchterm from my stash, tore it apart, cut the pages in half, punched them, and made inserts. Then I used some specialty paper from my stash to make dashboards. It actually turned out cute. I’m proud of it! This is the first time (2024 planners notwithstanding) that I’ve broken my stationary no buy since October. I’m proud!

[danitaielle]

I don't know if I have ever commented before but I've been watching for so long.

I love how flipping real you are. You change your mind and tell us your struggles and I love it. You are so down to earth and open with everything and I want you to know how appreciated it is. It makes me feel so much better knowing that it isn't just me who struggles with these things.

I'm sorry you're frustrated with your planner. I think if I was in your position changing the challenge to a low buy or a no-spend where you can use the money you get from selling stuff, so you're not spending any new money. Or even a combination of both. I don't think there is anything wrong with changing your mind, that's human and if anyone has issues with it they can do their own challenge.

I think you should do what brings you joy. No buy, low buy, high buy. Whatever it is I'll keep watching and enjoying.

[funastacia]

I noticed over time that I start to itch for new stuff when im no longer mindful and present, when I can no longer enjoy what’s in front me, because I don’t see it. It’s hard to put into words, I just know this feeling in me. Once I manage to ground myself again, and my attention returns to my present moment, I usually again find the joy and satisfaction in whatever is in front of me. It’s almost like I try to deal with the discomfort that being not present (being in the past or future worries) brings to me but trying to ‘fix’ my environment, but there’s nothing wrong with my environment — im just not in it.

[VeganOrganizer]

I'm super impressed with your iron will but I'm not surprised you're grumpy because I tried a no-buy month last summer (just a month, mind you!) and it made me miserable haha. I'm in favour of turning your no buy into a low buy if you start feeling like you can't take it any more. Either way, wishing you happy planning!

[kimp]

I tried a no buy a few years ago and failed. I think it felt like deprivation which I learned is a trigger for me. I used it as a learning experience and this year I’m trying a low buy which is working better. I hope you figure out what works best for you. It’s all a process.

[annatee]

my friend, perhaps you can grab one of your previous hobo A6's and redate it and fill it out! I do that all the time with unfinished planners and journals; I do like having things be in order, like for a planner to only be for a specific year (for example) but I also HATE wasting blank books and that is way more important to me at the end of the day. In reality, I don't even look at my old planners too much so I also don't mind going back into a half empty one and using it again :) Redating stuff is so much fun and redecorating areas to cover old calendars and what not gives function to decorative planning! A fun way to also use up your stationary collection <3 And if you enjoy the A6, you can allow yourself to buy a new one in the future :)

[lisafreeman]

When I am stressed, I buy a new planner, or cover, or inserts. It's a stress reaction for me. Take care of yourself and thank you for lovely videos.

[angiepayne]

Hi Sam! I love your updates and planner ideas! I say just buy the honey pocket plus rings. Just switch from no-buy to low-buy, or call it reasonable mental health fund/money per month. IDK lol I think no-buy is way to strict for most people. It isn't worth your own rules, especially if it isn't about the money, to get that mad and worked up. I know exactly what you are talking about, because I have been there myself. I am not judging at all! lol It is easier to see what other people are doing and share advice you could use yourself as well. Just put a monthly dollar amount per month that you think is reasonable, and call it your mental health fund/low buy. 🙂💚🧡💛 I feel your dilemma. I look forward to hearing from you again! Take care.

[karenrondot]

Maybe print out some freebie deco pages in your warm and cozy colors and scatter these through your planner. Free is still no-buy!

[alicem]

I have found writing out all of this stuff- anywhere- really helps to get out the frustration. Half way through- I realize I sound almost like a drug addict rationalizing buying something and I’m able to laugh it off and not buy it. I think I spent 6 pages writing pros and cons on buying sterling ink notebooks. I sounded crazy for half of it and then I started talking myself down. Also referring to an inventory of what I do have reminds me I e got plenty to work with. You can do this, Sam.

[JustScribble]

If you apply a leather conditioner to your apricot and let it sun a bit and then condition again it will darken and get warmer in tone. Then you will get closer to the color you want and it’ll continue to do so as you use it. Then you can add some warm tone decor and it’ll feel better. I can’t use black covers all year only certain times. They aren’t uplifting and don’t bring me the same joy and positive vibes. So darkening your apricot and then using it will get you there without spending.

[rine]

I let myself have a budget each month. $50 for lower income or $100 if I earn more than planned. I also don’t give myself grief if I overspend, but I wait at least 24 hours plus before buying stuff now. Then if I still want it after that time, I buy it if it’s within my monthly budget. You’re doing great. Give yourself grace!

[numberedpages]

I think the thing that’s nice to hear from you through this process is your awareness of your own thoughts and feelings as they happen. Yes, the rules are restrictive, it is a challenge, right? It’s very hard at first not to be able to get that happy-new-things feeling regularly, when we’re so used to it being at least a monthly occurrence. There’s all the anticipation, the shopping and looking for just the right thing, then the payoff when it finally arrives and it’s wonderful. Then the feeling fades and we want to do it again. I’m not saying that’s bad, but it’s good to be aware of what’s happening, and understand that quitting it is cutting your brain off from what was a reliable source of dopamine. If you want to stick with the no buy, I would try to find other ways to find that delight and joy. Maybe related to planning, maybe not.

Aside: I’ve also been super tempted by the a6 hobonichi lately, and also pulled out an a6 notebook I already have to play with. And honestly, I do prefer the flexibility of a blank notebook!

I’m impressed you’ve been doing so well with the no buy! I failed on one day and impulse-ordered stickers, but I’ve resisted giving up, and have gotten back to no buying! (Is failing at no-buy technically a low-buy? Not sure, but I’m tracking a “streak” for myself, and trying to make it longer and longer). So much of this for me is learning to sit with discomfort, and getting creative with what I already have, to create that ‘new’ feeling for myself.

Sending empathy ❤

Oh, and you mentioned the Apricot cover isn’t honey colored? I wonder if it’s still worth trying, to see if it feels better than the black right now?

[marcyodell]

Bless your heart 😂 I can never give myself rules - I will absolutely REBEL. I feel you, girl. ❤

[hethrudolph]

I feel this so so much. I'm not on a planner no buy...and I haven't bought anything in 2024...but I relate so much to what you said about feeling happy and motivated by slaying your dragons. I have gotten up at 415 for 95 days in a row to journal and work on a novel that I've been wanting to write forever. 95 days consecutively! I even got up super early on Thanksgiving and Christmas to be consistent. I have 9 kids. It's so hard. Do I feel proud? Do I have dragons slaying vibes? No. I'm so disappointed. I'm a night owl not an early morning person. I hate getting up at 415. I thought the dragon slaying vibes would kick in at some point. They haven't. Yet I also know if I stop I will be so angry with myself. It sucks. I feel trapped. I understand your vibe. Sorry I don't have a solution just want you to know ur not alone😢

[martabessler]

Sam... you are victorious even if you decide to treat yourself to a new planner cover. You have implemented lasting changes to your spending habits. And that is the key. The ability to being mindful of what you are bringing into your home. This is not an easy feat. You will not go down a rabbit hole of spending by one purchase. There is absolutely nothing wrong with changing the parameters that you have set for yourself such as switching from a no buy to a low buy. You have the discipline and skill set to make this successful and it will give you flexibility with still meeting spending goals. So far this experience is making you question everything instead of being able to enjoy your hobby. Which tells me this isn't working for you and that's okay. Feel all the feels get the cover and tweak your restrictions. You got this Lady❤

[tortagialla]

Relate to a lot of your feelings and I think the issue is thinking add to cart will solve the issue, even though it doesn’t really. You are doing well and thanks for sharing!

[tinabrown]

I feel that with this being a no buy goal you've set for yourself then maybe don't make it also a year where you get rid of everything. That way you have more available options and you don't feel so limited. Keep your covers don't continue to sell them.

[yolandafernandez]

❤We love you Sam, thank you for being authentic! Buy the cover! You deserve it!!