Let’s be honest: most of us buy those Starbucks planners because they’re pretty, not because we’re planning to become meticulous schedulers. At least, that was my initial intention—until I realized it could be the accountability tool I desperately needed.
Now, my Starbucks planner is less about appointments and more about keeping track of my daily battles with self-discipline. Here’s how I use it to monitor three key areas of my life: resisting the urge to smoke, watching my calorie intake, and moving my body.
1. The Smoking Tracker
This is the toughest section to fill out because it demands raw honesty. At the end of each day, I mark whether I resisted the urge to smoke—or if I gave in. There’s no judgment here (okay, maybe a little self-judgment), just a simple note: "Resisted" or "Gave In."
I also jot down what triggered my cravings. Was it stress? Boredom? A sudden existential crisis while folding laundry? Writing it down helps me notice patterns, and when I see several "Resisted" days in a row, it feels like winning a small but meaningful war.
2. The Calorie Counter
Confession: I am not someone who enjoys obsessively tracking every single bite. Instead, I keep it simple. I note down whether I stayed within my calorie goal for the day or, say, let a cake-crumb trail lead me to an unexpected calorie binge.
If I ate healthily, I draw a little smiley face. If I overindulged, it’s a sad face (but with a wink—because humor helps). Tracking this way makes it easier to see how my eating habits evolve without feeling like I’m punishing myself.
3. Exercise Notes
Here’s where I track any movement, no matter how small. Did I walk to the market? Take the stairs instead of the elevator? Dance awkwardly to 90s pop music in my living room? It all goes into the planner.
On particularly lazy days, I write motivational notes to future me: “Remember how good it feels after a walk!” or “No regrets after yoga, only sore muscles!” It’s like past me giving future me a pep talk, which is oddly effective.
Why It Works
The magic of my Starbucks planner lies in its tangible presence. Unlike a fitness app or a note on my phone, this planner stares at me from my desk, silently nudging me to stay on track. It’s not just a tool; it’s a daily ritual.
And because it’s beautifully designed, I actually want to use it. There’s something satisfying about scribbling down my tiny victories in a space meant for coffee lovers with big dreams—or, in my case, people determined to win the battle against their less-than-stellar habits.
A Gentle Reminder
If you decide to use your Starbucks planner—or any planner—to hold yourself accountable, remember to be kind to yourself. The goal isn’t perfection; it’s progress. Celebrate your wins, learn from your slip-ups, and keep showing up for yourself every day.
And maybe treat yourself to a coffee now and then. Just don’t forget to write it down.