I Gave Up on Instagrammability: Finding Ways to Enjoy Planner Decoration Without Trying Too Hard

When you search for "#plannerdecoration" on Instagram, a long line of stylish photos appears. Feeling envious, I also used to upload my planner decorations to Instagram for a while.

For example, something like this

Or something like this...

Objectively speaking, it's not bad, but I don't think it's exceptionally photogenic either. To put it nicely, I wonder if the finish is just "a little above average."

The number of "likes" was around 10 to 25. Amidst that,I got tired of taking photos and thinking up captions while being conscious of how photogenic it looked.

As a result, I cleanly gave up on aiming for Instagrammability.

That said, I still have a desire to make my planner look somewhat cute, so I have been through a lot of trial and error.

In this note, I will introducethe process of how I, having given up on Instagrammability, came to enjoy planner decoration without trying to be something I'm not.I hope it helps.

Two reasons why I gave up on Instagrammability

It's a mystery whether this is of interest to you readers, but first, I will introduce the reasons why I gave up on Instagrammability.

1. Because it's a hassle

In the first place,taking photos for Instagram is a hassle.

Planner decoration already takes a fair amount of effort, but for the sake of photography, I have to line up the stickers and pens I used, find a bright place, and after I'm done shooting, put the stationery back in its original place.

It's a hassle just thinking about it.

Furthermore, I have to think about captions too.

Ah, it's such a hassle.

2. Because I don't have the financial leeway

Like the popular people on Instagram,I don't have the financial leeway to buy stickers, masking tape, stamps, pens, and so on in bulk.

This is a personal reason, but I am a single mother. In addition, I am a freelancer whose monthly income fluctuates.

Even at a 100-yen shop, buying 10 sheets of stickers at once is realistically difficult.

It goes without saying, but there are other expenses in life.

So, if I buy stickers, two or three sheets at a time is my limit. Considering I want to upload them to Instagram regularly, that's just not enough, is it?

My ideal is "planner decoration without trying too hard"

In the first place, why did I even think about sharing my planner decorations?

Hmm, I don't think it's either of those.In my case, I'm fine as long as I can enjoy decorating my planner within a reasonable range and feel satisfied myself.

In other words, it's not for "someone else," I just want to enjoy it myself.

How to enjoy planner decoration without trying too hard

Even though I've given up on Instagrammability, I don't want to compromise on that, so I've been through a lot of trial and error.

From here on, I'll share the methods for planner decoration without trying too hard that were born from those results.

■ Monthly Page | The theme is "simple and cute"

If I decorate the monthly page too much, it seems like it will be hard to see my schedule, so Imake use of the white space.

Once I've written down my schedule, I add a little accent with Deco Rush.

If there are empty squares for days that have passed, sticking on small stickers or cut-up masking tape makes it look festive.

■ Free Pages | "Deciding what to write" is the trick to keeping it up

For the free pages,if you decide on the content beforehand, you won't have to worry about what to write, which makes it easier.

For example, this is what the daily page of my favorite 'Hobonichi Techo HON' looks like ▼

For planner decoration, I just stick washi tape or stickers in an alternating pattern before writing anything, and that's enough.

I love making my headings look like ribbons. It might look difficult at first, but after doing it two or three times, you'll be able to do it while humming a tune.

Let's enjoy our planners based on what we value

I became a freelance writer after a relapse of depression, and I've been working with the motto of 'living a happy life without trying too hard.'

It's the same with planners; if you base it on what you truly value, I think you can enjoy it without any strain.

I also think it's important to find a balance, like 'what to give up and what to achieve.'

First, it might be good to re-examine what is 'important' to you. Once you know that, you might find your own 'way of keeping a planner without trying too hard.'

Afterword

I had a chance to have tea with a younger friend the other day. I opened my planner to check my schedule.

Then, she caught a glimpse of the inside and complimented me, saying, 'Naho-san, your planner is so cute!'

I was genuinely happy.

It seems my ideal has already come true.

▼ The note I uploaded the other day. I hope to continue writing about ways to enjoy planner decoration without trying too hard.