Scripting and To-Do Lists: How I Make Them Work Together

The other day, I had a comment on my Youtube channel asking how I incorporated scripting into my routine when I also use a Franklin Planner. I have written plenty about my Franklin Planner system, and how much I love it. For the most part, my Franklin system involves to-do lists that are prioritized according to how important I deem something to be. In this fashion, my work gets done every day, with the most important tasks ideally done first.

There are a lot of different factors that come into play here, as sometimes I use the system in this way and other times, I don’t. I usually use a combination that works well for me and that can be adjusted day to day. For example, one day my most important task may be to film videos (my quiet time is in the mornings between 5am - 7am), but there are other days that I prioritize my mental or emotional health by writing my morning pages first thing.

What it comes down to, is my Franklin Planner is my work horse. This is my main planner system - my catch-all if you will, and it’s the most valuable tool in my arsenal for my mental/emotional health and productivity. My motivation is also increased simply by having such a gorgeous planner to start with!

Now I’ve heard a lot of talk about “oh, it’s just another to-do list, there’s nothing that can make you want to accomplish it, and you can only rely on motivation so long”. This is where my stubborn streak comes in and I push through with will power and self-discipline. I have trained my brain to complete my tasks (all of them) to the best of my ability and to ensure I do as much as I can. I sometimes tell myself that if I do this, the next day (or the next week, next month, etc…) will be that much easier, and it’s usually true.

For example, when it comes to tasks like cleaning the washrooms (or doing something I really dislike), I will bribe myself. For example, I won’t let myself open a subscription box until a task is complete, and opening it is my reward.

Now scripting came into my life at the end of 2024. I found Jenny Penton on Youtube and I was very interested in her method of scripting. I think at the time I liked the idea of the leather travellers notebooks and stickers more, but I soon started really enjoying the scripting method as well.

Scripting is writing out your task list in a way that describes a story. We’ve all heard that when you write down your goals, you’re more likely to accomplish them than if you weren’t to write them down. It’s the same concept as writing down an idea - if you don’t write it down, you may forget it - honestly, our short term memories are only so big, and for the majority of us, we simply don't learn that way.

When you script, or write your story for the day, you are describing how your ideal day will go. This is especially true if you script the night before (because honestly, you don’t know how you’re day is going to go - you’re really just hoping for the best here). In a way, when you talk about scripting, you are really manifesting your reality. By writing it down exactly as you intend for it to go, your brain hyper focuses on that and then the situation usually turns out as intended. I find adding affirmations help here as well. You really can trick your brain into a more positive mindset, and by doing so, you can tackle tasks and projects with a more open mind. Before you know it, everything you set out to do for the day will be accomplished and you will have had a great day!

Now, how do I integrate both of these things into my systems? Well, I always planned my Franklin pages the night before. After I’ve completed the days tasks, I will write out my list for the next day. I add my daily themed task, and then anything that I need to carry over from the previous day. (This happens if I’m extremely busy).

Planner Perfect scripting is also done the day prior, but I usually do this in the morning. It’s always part of my morning tasks along with my daily habit tracker. I’m usually pretty aware of what needs to get done at this point, even though it’s early - I do plan weekly of course!

Sometimes I make my scripting a little journal-y - yes, I’m aware that this isn't a word! I will sometimes add thoughts and little additions throughout depending on the day or my mood. If I was planning on baking with my kids that day, I might even leave room for a picture! It all just depends.

I treat my Franklin system as the work horse/tool that it is and the Planner Perfect system is more for my mental and emotional health; physical too if you count the health journal, trackers and daily habits.

I hope that clears up how I use these two systems together. If you have any further questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out to me either through my YouTube channel or by email.

Thanks for reading and we’ll see you next week!

Sandra 💕