Planning Tools

  • GYST Binder: Your Ultimate Tool for Organising Your Life (And Finally Feeling Like a Proper Adult)

    GYST BINDER

    Let’s be real, —life is messy. Whether you’re juggling work, school, home, or all three while trying not to lose your mind, it can feel like there’s never enough time (or energy) to make sense of it all. That’s where a GYST Binder comes in.

    Short for “Get Your Sh*t Together,” this little beauty is your secret weapon to reclaiming control over the chaos.

    Think of it as your personal life binder, bursting with home ideas, life-changing hacks, and a fresh dose of new energy to help you crush adulting once and for all.

    Whether you’re a mom trying to keep the family circus running, a student heading back to university, or just someone who needs a better plan than “hope for the best,” this is your ticket to a more productive, organised, and dare I say it aesthetically pleasing life.

    So, grab a cuppa, because I’m about to show you:

    • What a GYST Binder is (spoiler: life-changing).
    • 10 sections to make your binder work for YOU.
    • DIY tips to create something cute and functional.
    • How to use it every month to stay on top of your game.

    Let’s dive in and get your life in order, shall we?

    A GYST Binder is exactly what it sounds like: a no-nonsense tool to organise your life. It’s like having a personal assistant, except it doesn’t demand a salary or nick your lunch from the office fridge.

    Here’s why it’s such a game-changer:

    • It covers everything from finances and to-do planners to steps to organise your closet (yes, even that black hole of a wardrobe).
    • It gives you space to plan out your goals, organise your work bag, and keep track of life’s admin—without relying on scraps of paper or random notes on your phone.

    This isn’t just about pretty printables and aesthetic home tips (although we’ll get to those).

    It’s about feeling like an actual organised person who’s got their sh*t together—even when life throws you a curveball.

    Amazon Basics 3 Ring Binders, 3 Inch, 2 Pack, D-Ring Organizer for School, Home Office, White
    $16.68

    This plain white binder’s a dream for your GYST setup—it’s got a plastic cover so you can DIY your own front design and keep it aesthetic!

    Buy Now
    I earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you. It's one of the ways I support my blog 🙂
    02/27/2025 11:14 am GMT

    Ready to create the ultimate binder? Here are the 10 essential sections every GYST Binder needs:

    This is your space for budgeting, tracking expenses, and setting financial goals.

    Whether you’re saving for retirement or just trying to stop haemorrhaging money at Starbucks, this section will help you feel less like you’re winging it.

    Keep your money matters in check with these pages:

    • Monthly Budget Overview: Income, expenses, and savings.
    • Expense Tracker: Track daily spending.
    • Debt Repayment Plan: List debts, repayment dates, and progress.
    • Savings Goals: Visual trackers for financial goals like an emergency fund or holiday savings.
    • Bill Tracker: Monthly checklist for due dates and payments.

    Ready to take your GYST Binder to the next level? Check out my post on Life-Changing Habits to Get Your Life Together—it’s packed with tips to help you stay organised and actually enjoy the process!

    No more last-minute takeaway because you forgot to plan dinner. Use this section for weekly menus, grocery lists, and your favourite recipes.

    Bonus points if you throw in a “what’s in the fridge” inventory!

    Stay on top of your meals with these pages:

    • Weekly Meal Planner: Plan breakfast, lunch, and dinner for the week.
    • Grocery List: Organise by categories (produce, dairy, pantry).
    • Recipe Bank: A list of favourite recipes with space for prep notes.
    • Pantry Inventory: Know what you have to avoid duplicate shopping.
    • Meal Prep Checklist: Break down tasks for batch cooking or prepping ahead.
    Washi Tape Organizer Set
    $12.99

    This washi tape set is perfect for adding a pop of colour and personality to your GYST Binder. Cute, versatile, and makes organising so much more fun!

    Buy Now
    I earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you. It's one of the ways I support my blog 🙂
    02/27/2025 11:16 am GMT

    Want to build life-changing habits? This section is where you track your progress.

    Whether it’s drinking more water, cutting back on caffeine, or finally figuring out how to stop hoarding clothes, it’s all here.

    Build better habits with these:

    • Daily Habit Tracker: Track habits like hydration, exercise, or journaling.
    • Monthly Progress Tracker: Reflect on which habits stuck and which didn’t.
    • Routine Builder: Map out morning or evening routines.
    • Gratitude Journal: Combine mindfulness with habit-building.

    If your GYST Binder has you inspired, don’t miss my post on Your 2025 Life Reset Plan—it’s the perfect guide to reboot your goals and routines!

    Stay on top of your space with cleaning schedules for daily, weekly, and monthly tasks. (And yes, that includes finally tackling the shelves you’ve been avoiding.)

    Keep your home spotless with these pages:

    • Weekly Cleaning Checklist: Break tasks into daily, weekly, and monthly.
    • Room-by-Room Guide: Specific to-do lists for each area (e.g., kitchen, bedroom).
    • Decluttering Tracker: Track progress in spaces like your closet or under-bed storage.
    • Seasonal Cleaning Checklist: Big tasks like window washing or deep cleaning carpets.
    GYST BINDER

    Your dreams deserve more than just a mental sticky note. Use this section to map out your ambitions, from career goals to steps to reorganise your life entirely.

    Turn dreams into plans with these pages:

    • Goal Setting Worksheet: Outline goals, milestones, and deadlines.
    • Vision Board: A creative space to visualise your dreams.
    • Monthly Goal Check-In: Reflect on wins and adjust where needed.
    • Bucket List: Long-term life aspirations and steps to achieve them.

    📌 Pin this for later!


    This is your safety net. Add critical numbers, health info, and backup plans.

    It’s the “just in case” section that makes life less stressful.

    Keep critical info handy with these pages:

    • Emergency Contact List: Numbers for family, friends, and services.
    • Medical Info: Allergies, medications, and doctor details.
    • Insurance Overview: Policies, providers, and claims processes.
    • Quick Access Sheet: Space for passwords, PINs, and account details (stored securely).

    Need some self-care inspo to go with your GYST Binder? Check out my post on Lazy Sunday Morning Routine: Self-Care Ideas for a Relaxing Weekend—perfect for recharging before tackling your plans!

    From fitness trackers to doctor’s appointments, this section is perfect for keeping tabs on your physical and mental well-being.

    Track your well-being with these:

    • Fitness Tracker: Log workouts, steps, or active minutes.
    • Meal Logs: Track meals for health or fitness goals.
    • Symptom Tracker: For chronic issues or monitoring new symptoms.
    • Appointment Planner: Space for upcoming doctor or wellness visits.
    • Self-Care Checklist: Ideas for mental health days or downtime.

    Whether it’s lesson plans or your boss’s latest unrealistic deadline, this section will help you organise time and smash those goals.

    Stay on top of tasks with these pages:

    • Project Planner: Break big projects into actionable steps.
    • Deadline Tracker: Visual timeline for upcoming tasks.
    • Weekly Task Planner: Prioritise work-related to-dos.
    • Meeting Notes: Dedicated pages to jot down action points and ideas.
    • Brainstorming Pages: A space for free-flow ideas.
    Peter Pauper Press Essentials Weekly Planner Stickers (Set Of 575 Stickers)
    $5.53

    These planner stickers are a must-have for your GYST Binder—fun, motivational, and perfect for keeping you organised while looking cute!

    Buy Now
    I earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you. It's one of the ways I support my blog 🙂
    02/27/2025 11:17 am GMT

    Life isn’t all about ticking boxes.

    Use this section for affirmations, journaling, or just ideas for a proper pamper night.

    Recharge with these pages:

    • Mood Tracker: Monitor how you’re feeling daily.
    • Gratitude Pages: List what you’re thankful for.
    • Favourite Activities: A go-to list for when you need a pick-me-up.
    • Self-Care Calendar: Plan dedicated time for pampering or mindfulness.
    • Affirmation Sheets: Write and revisit empowering phrases.

    Got extra papers or odd bits you can’t part with? This is your catch-all section.

    Catch-all for your unique needs:

    • Travel Planner: Itineraries, packing lists, and trip budgets.
    • Gift Tracker: Ideas and purchases for birthdays or holidays.
    • Wishlist: A place to jot down things you’d love to buy or experience.
    • Miscellaneous Notes: Blank or lined pages for random thoughts or info.
    • Event Planning Pages: Keep track of parties, gatherings, or appointments.
    Clear Plastic Binder Dividers with Tabs, for 3 Ring Binder
    $7.99

    These reusable plastic dividers are perfect for your GYST Binder or weekly planner—just wipe and reuse, so no need to print the same page endlessly!

    Buy Now
    I earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you. It's one of the ways I support my blog 🙂
    02/27/2025 11:17 am GMT

    Here’s the fun part: DIY-ing your binder to make it fit your life like a glove.

    Are you a pen-and-paper lover, or does your heart belong to digital? Either way, the key is to keep everything in one place.

    Feeling inspired to shake things up with your GYST Binder? Don’t miss my post on Reinventing Yourself in Your 30s—it’s all about fresh starts and embracing change!

    Start simple—maybe three or four sections—and build from there.

    Trying to take on too much at once is a one-way ticket to overwhelm. The pages listed in the previous section are only recommendations, you probably don’t need all of them!

    Aesthetic home tips matter, people! Use dividers, colour coding, and cute stickers to make your binder a joy to use.

    3 Ring Binder Dividers with Tabs - Circle Design (5 Sheets)
    $9.99

    These cute binder dividers are perfect for your GYST Binder—durable, colourful, and make organising your life feel a bit more fun and stylish!

    Buy Now
    I earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you. It's one of the ways I support my blog 🙂
    02/27/2025 11:16 am GMT

    Add pockets for loose papers, zip pouches for random bits, and tabs so you can flip straight to the section you need.


    Your GYST Binder is only as good as how you use it. A monthly check-in will keep it working hard for you.

    How to Check In:

    1. Review Your Sections: Update your budget, tweak your meal plan, and refresh your goals.
    2. Clear Out Old Info: Chuck anything outdated to keep it looking clean.
    3. Reflect and Reset: Celebrate your wins, learn from your misses, and plan for the month ahead.

    Set a reminder on your phone, light a candle, and make it a ritual you actually look forward to.


    This isn’t just about organising challenges or ticking off to-do lists. It’s about showing up for yourself and building a life that feels less chaotic and more you.

    Whether you’re planning an organisation challenge, or just trying to figure out how to be an organised person, the GYST Binder is here to help.

    Go on. Get your sh*t together—you’ve got this!

  • 9 Goals That Belong on Every 2025 Vision Board


    Let’s talk about 2025 goals. This is your year to absolutely boss it—no excuses, no procrastination, and definitely no vague resolutions that fizzle out by February. You’re going big, bold, and beautifully intentional with a 2025 Vision Board.

    And to make sure you’ve got everything mapped out properly, I’ve got a little treat for you: my FREE Personal Development Plan Template. It’s the ultimate tool to turn your vision board into a goal-crushing machine.

    Let’s get into it: these 9 goals aren’t just about sticking some pretty aesthetic pictures on a board (although, yes, it’s going to look fabulous). These are meaningful, actionable goals that’ll guide you to level up in every area of your life.

    Whether it’s finance, health, family, or fun and leisure, this list has you covered. Plus, if you’re not sure which area to focus on, the Wheel of Life in my template will help you figure out exactly where you need a glow-up.

    Let’s get started!

    2025 vision board

    1. A Health Goal That Feels Empowering

    Healthy eating, joyful movement, and feeling fabulous in your own skin—this isn’t about diets or punishment workouts.

    It’s about creating habits that make you feel strong and confident. Add aesthetic pictures of vibrant meals, peaceful yoga poses, or even your dream hiking trail.

    Pro Tip: Use the habit tracker in my template to make tracking this goal effortless. Whether you’re setting six-month goals or daily habits, this tool will keep you on track.


    Mindmellow Vision Board Kit “Dear Future Self”


    2. A Financial Goal for Stability and Growth

    When it comes to 2025 goal setting, money talk is key. Money goals aren’t just practical—they’re liberating.

    Whether you want to save for your dream trip, build an emergency fund, or finally pay off that lingering credit card debt, these belong on your board.

    Add an inspiring picture of your dream savings goal (like a piggy bank bursting with cash or a photo of that Bali villa you’ve got your eye on).

    Get focused: The IMPACT Goals Worksheet in my freebie can help you set financial goals that are intentional and measurable, making them much easier to achieve.


    Aesthetic Cork Board

    2025 Vision Board

    Push Pins


    3. A Goal That Pushes You Out of Your Comfort Zone

    What scares you? Public speaking? Launching a side hustle? Saying “no” more often?

    Whatever it is, 2025 is the year to tackle it head-on.

    Pin monthly quotes or motivational challenge quotes that remind you why you’re doing it.

    Break it down: Big, scary goals can feel overwhelming, but the goal decomposition tool in the Personal Development Plan Template makes them manageable by breaking them into smaller, actionable steps.

    Creating your vision board is all about planning for success, but don’t forget to carve out time for self-care along the way! For some cosy inspiration, check out my post on Lazy Sunday Morning Routine: Self-Care Ideas for a Relaxing Weekend—it’s the perfect guide to recharge and refocus before diving back into your goals.


    📌 Pin this for later!


    4. A Work or Career Milestone

    Your career deserves space on that vision board.

    Whether it’s getting a promotion, transitioning to a new job, or starting your own business, make this a priority.

    Add goals examples like “apply for 10 dream jobs” or “increase my income by 30%.” Include aesthetic pictures of your dream office or logos of companies you admire.

    Plan for success: Map out quarterly goals ideas in my template to break this into manageable chunks. Progress = results.


    5. A Goal That Strengthens Your Relationships

    Friends, family, your partner—let’s make 2025 the year you truly invest in the people you love.

    Your loved ones are the backbone of your life, so don’t neglect relationship goals.

    Think life areas for goal setting like family, friends, or love. Add goal categories ideas like “plan monthly date nights” or “have Sunday brunch with friends.”

    Include pictures of shared moments or confidence goals that focus on being a more present partner or friend.

    Start small: Use the Wheel of Life to assess where your relationships need more love and set goals accordingly.

    2025 Vision Board friendships

    6. A Travel or Bucket List Goal

    Dreaming of sipping wine in Tuscany or chasing the northern lights in Iceland?

    Travel goals are the perfect mix of adventure and manifestation. Add photos of your dream destination or a collage of wanderlust-inducing snaps to your vision board.

    Plan like a pro: Use the goal-setting template in my freebie to map out the practical side—like saving for flights or blocking out time in your calendar.


    Affirmation Card Desk


    7. A Goal That Inspires Daily Mindset Shifts

    Mindset is everything, babe. Whether it’s practicing gratitude, journaling, or tackling negative self-talk, make space for these shifts in your life.

    Pin some confidence goals, monthly quotes, or even an aesthetic picture of a journal on your board.

    Make it stick: The progress tracker in my template helps you see how these small, daily mindset practices add up over time. Spoiler alert: they make a huge difference.


    8. A Creative Goal for Joy and Passion

    What lights you up? Writing? Painting? Knitting?

    Make space for creativity in 2025—it’s not frivolous; it’s essential.

    Add a list of creative projects you’d love to try or pictures that inspire you to get started.

    Keep it actionable: The Impact Goals Worksheet in the template is a fab way to make your creative dreams purposeful and achievable. Let’s turn “I’ll try it someday” into “I did it!”

    2025 Vision Board

    9. A Goal That Gives Back to Others

    Giving back isn’t just good for the world; it’s good for the soul.

    Whether it’s volunteering, mentoring, or supporting a cause you care about, make generosity part of your vision.

    Add a collage of your dream charity project or a picture of a community event you’d love to organise.

    Stay motivated: Use the progress review section to reflect on how giving back enriches your life as much as it helps others.

    Looking for the perfect finishing touch for your 2025 vision board? Check out my post on 30 Inspiring Quotes for Your 2025 Fitness Vision Board—it’s packed with motivational gems to keep you focused and fired up as you work toward your goals!


    Ready to Crush Your 2025 Vision Board Goals?

    Here’s the thing: your vision board is more than just a list of goals. It’s a powerful tool to help you manifest your dream life.

    With my FREE Personal Development Plan Template, you’ll have everything you need to turn those gorgeous aesthetic pictures into real, tangible achievements.

    From the Wheel of Life to the Impact Goals Worksheet, to tools for goal decomposition, habit tracking, and progress reviews, this template is your secret weapon for 2025 goal-setting success.

    So, what are you waiting for? Grab your freebie, start planning, and make your vision board the spark that lights up your best year yet.

    Check out my post on 25 Tips for Women to Stay Motivated and Live a Healthy Lifestyle in 2025—it’s packed with actionable ideas to keep you inspired, energised, and thriving!

    You’ve got this!

    📌 Pin this for later!