From Overwhelmed to Organized: How The Jam Planner Helped Me Combat New Year Anxiety

Have you ever had every intention of being organized for the new year, only to have your discipline and consistency derail those plans? Maybe you even treated yourself to a planner from Marshall’s or Target, thinking this year would be different—only for it to sit unopened in your bag or desk. That was my reality for years. Every January, I resolved to get organized and start the year strong. But as life happened, my well-intentioned planner would end up forgotten in a bag I rarely carried. I’d start with enthusiasm, only to become overwhelmed as the days passed—because I lacked an effective system. Sound familiar? If so, no judgment here.

So, how can you remain consistent, stay organized, and stop wasting money on yet another unused planner? For me, the answer was a mindset shift and trying something new: digital planning with The Jam Planner—a tool created by two Black mental health professionals.

And let me be honest: I wasn’t using my iPad much either, so this gave me a reason to dust it off and make it part of my routine.

The Result? Since using a digital planner, I’ve felt more motivated and less overwhelmed. Unlike in the past, when New Year’s motivation fizzled out by February, I now approach the year with clarity and focus.

The key difference: I stopped being busy and started being productive.

Let me be clear—buying a digital planner didn’t magically solve everything. I had to pair it with intentionality and commit to changing how I approached my goals. Purchasing The Jam Planner was a deliberate step toward reclaiming control over my time and energy.

I refused to spend another year:

• Constantly on edge.

• Frustrated with myself.

• Feeling like my day was controlling me.

That’s why I explored digital planning—and I haven’t looked back.

How Do You Know It’s Time to Shift and Get Organized?

Here are five signs that it might be time to approach the New Year differently:

1. You’re overwhelmed by your to-do list. Tasks keep piling up, and it feels like you’re drowning in responsibilities.

2. Your priorities feel unclear or scattered. You’re busy but not necessarily productive, leaving you disconnected and unfulfilled.

3. You’re stuck in a cycle of procrastination and frustration. Bursts of motivation are followed by long periods of inactivity, leading to guilt and stress.

4. You dread the New Year instead of looking forward to it. Anxiety about repeating old patterns outweighs the excitement of starting fresh.

5. You lack an effective system to track goals. Whether it’s planners, sticky notes, or apps, nothing seems to work consistently, leaving you feeling chaotic.

Taking Action: My Digital Planning Journey

Recognizing the need for change is just the first step. Taking action is when we go from Overwhelmed to Organized.

For me, trying The Jam Planner was a game-changer. Unlike paper planners that end up gathering dust, The Jam Planner made planning an interactive, creative, and enjoyable process. Not to mention I was able to utilize the planner on the go. Now I know what you may be thinking, "You can do that with a paper planner". While you are correct, I have found that it's much easier to just grab my iPad than to attempt to grab my paper planner, pens, stickers, markers, and any other items I desire to make my planner creative.

Here’s what worked for me:

• A visual reminder of my priorities. Writing down tasks wasn’t enough—I needed a system to connect them to my larger goals.

• Flexibility with structure. The planner let me balance focus with the adaptability I needed to manage unexpected challenges.

• Personalization. I could design it to reflect my personality, which made using it feel more like self-care than a chore.

Practical Strategies for Using a Planner to Combat New Year Anxiety

If you’re ready to explore digital or traditional planning, here are some strategies to get started:

1. Start with a brain dump. Clear your mental clutter by writing down everything on your mind—then prioritize what matters most.

2. Set clear, achievable goals. Break big goals into actionable steps. For instance, “Drink 8 glasses of water daily” instead of a vague “Get healthier.”

3. Time block your schedule. Dedicate specific time slots to tasks. Treat them as non-negotiable appointments.

4. Reflect regularly. Spend a few minutes daily or weekly reviewing what worked and what didn’t.

5. Use the “Three Priorities” rule. Identify three must-dos for each day to ensure progress.

6. Plan for rest and flexibility. Overplanning leads to burnout. Build in downtime to recharge.

7. Make it a habit. Pair planning with a routine, like morning coffee, to make it automatic.

8. Celebrate small wins. Use your planner to track milestones and give yourself credit for progress.

9. Incorporate accountability. Share your goals with someone who can cheer you on or check-in

10. Customize it. Make your planner work for you by adding colors, stickers, or personal touches.

Final Thoughts

True transformation doesn’t happen overnight. It’s built through small, intentional steps taken consistently over time.

This New Year, give yourself permission to reflect, reset, and realign with what truly matters. It’s not about perfection—it’s about showing up for yourself in meaningful ways.

If you’ve been feeling stuck, anxious, or out of control, let this be the year you try something new.

How do you stay organized and intentional at the start of a new year? I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments!

Here’s to a more organized, peaceful, and purpose-filled year ahead.