While smartphone calendar apps can help with big picture scheduling, a paper planner can help map the everyday nitty-gritties

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People frequently refer to me as organized to a fault, meticulous and yes, a bit type A. My secret to staying on top of deadlines and appointments is not a photographic memory. Rather, it’s a humble 6in x 8in paper planner.

My love affair for physical planners started in elementary school, when I dutifully scheduled my days using a classic spiral-bound agenda.