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48 Laws of Power: A Case Study

6/4/2020

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Law 47
Do not go past the mark you aimed for.  In victory learn when to stop.
INTRO
I did not know much about this topic, and though that as planners it was natural to go above
, and beyond in our actions such as projects, goals, and life goals.  I want to learn when enough is enough, and how this law can help us as planners to accomplish greater things.
By doing further research into the topic I can better assess myself as a planner, and give insight to other planners like myself about goals, and goal planning.  This topic is important to study because most planning people are goal oriented, and once they meet one goal they try to aim higher, and higher.  It is important to find out whew as planners do this, and if it really helps to aim higher or if we should make completely new goals based on reaching a singular goal.  This study will advance new knowledge and new ways of understanding because making goals, how we set goals, how we plan, and how to move forward are important to the planning community.  I hope that this case study will shed light on how these things can be updated, and how planning in general can be changed to be better, and lead to better, more powerful planning sessions and life goals.

QUOTES ON LAW 47

"There is nothing more intoxicating than victory, and nothing more dangerous."

"Understand: In the realm of power, you must be guided by reason.  To let a momentary thrill or an emotional victory influence or guide your moves will prove fatal."

"When you attain success, step back cautious.  When you gain victory understand the part played by the particular circumstances of a situation, and never simply repeat the same actions again and again."

​"History is littered with the ruins of victorious empires and the corpses of leaders who could not learn to stop and consolidate their gains."

"Success plays strange tricks on the mind.  It makes you feel invulnerable while also making you more hostile and emotional when people challenge your power."

"Power makes you less able to adapt to circumstances.  You come to believe your character is more responsible for your success than your strategies and planning."

"The powerful vary their rhythms and patterns, change course, adapt to circumstances, and learn to  improvise."

"People who go past the mark are often motivated by desire to please a master by proving their dedication."


LAW 47
The moment of victory is often the moment of greatest peril.  In the heat of victory, arrogance and overconfidence can push you past the goal you had aimed for, and by going too far you make more enemies than you defeat.  Do not allow success to go to your head.  There is no substitute for strategy and careful planning.  Set a goal, and when you reach it stop. 
​As a planner this law is completely contradictory to everything I stand for as a planner.  Why do we plan higher after reaching our goals?  I started planning in my late 20's and had so many goals for myself.  As I keep setting goals for myself I kept feeling like I needed to acquire more stuff for my planner.  At this point I am around seven years into planning journey, and the amount of stuff that I have accumulated is pretty crazy.  I currently set goals for several areas of life including home, school, and relationships.  

LITERATURE REVIEW  
The 48 Laws of Power contributes the three laws that this case study is based on.  This book explains the meaning of the laws, historical significance, and how the laws can be applied in life.  
Illimitablemen.com has done extensive research into the 48 laws, and how they can be applied.  The book does not include any information on how to succeed through use of the laws, but gives historical references to look back on, and 
dissect.  There is not much research done on the topic unless you delve deeper into machiavellianism.  While reading excerpts of "Management" by Richard L. Daft I found ways of setting goals that companies would use, but can definitely be used as personal goal setting.  The Harvard Business Review also has many articles about goal setting, planning, and how to be most effective.  However, throughout the HBR Podcasts it was never brought up to exceed expectations, but to focus on issues at hand, and not feeling guilty if you fail.  The HBR classic article by Jim Collins talks about how companies should use, and keep up to date on catalytic mechanisms.  This specific article can be related to personal use as well.  

CATALYTIC MECHANISMS
Catalytic mechanisms are to visions what the central elements of the U.S. Constitution are to the Declaration of Independence-devices that translate lofty aspirations into concrete reality."

"Catalytic mechanisms share 5 distinct characteristics:
  1. A catalytic mechanism produces desired results in unpredictable ways.
  2. Distributes power for the benefit of the overall system, often to the great discomfort of those who traditionally hold power.
  3. Has teeth.
  4. Ejects viruses.
     5.   Produces an ongoing effect."​

CREATE A CATALYTIC MECHANISM
Don't just add, remove.
Create don't copy.
Use money, but not only money.
Allow your mechanism to evolve.
Build an integrated set.

CATALYTIC MECHANISM QUOTES
"Take 3M for decades, its executives have dreamed of having a constant flow of terrific new products.  To achieve that end, in 1956, the company instituted a catalytic mechanism that is by now well known: Scientists are urged to spend 15% of their time experimenting and inventing in an area of their own choice."


 "A catalytic mechanism should be a idiosyncratic adaptation, if not a wholesale creation, for a unique situation."

"New catalytic mechanisms sometimes produce unintended negative consequences and need correction."

"One catalytic mechanism is good; several that reinforce one another as a set is even better."

"Catalytic mechanisms alone will not create greatness; they need a dream to guide them but if you can blend huge intangible aspirations with simple tangible catalytic mechanisms then you'll have the magic combination from which sustained excellence grows."

"Personal catalytic mechanisms have all the benefits of organizational mechanism: They put bite into good intentions, dramatically increasing the odds of actually being true to your personal vision instead of letting your dreams remain unrealized."

METHOD
I selected Law 47 to study because as someone in the planning community this law seems to go against common thoughts and beliefs that are held among planners.  The strategies that I have used to research this topic includes the internet, reading the book The 48 Laws of Power by Robert Greene, and from reading several other books related to Law 47 as well as online articles or studies pertaining to this book or specific law.

HARVARD BUSINESS REVIEW PODCASTS

If/Then Planning

563: Escape Your Comfort Zone

504: 
Achieve Your Goals Finally

IMPORTANT QUOTES FROM THESE PODCASTS

"What's much easier for your brain to do is to do replacement behaviors."

"What happens is we set goals for ourselves and then we choose actions all day long, everyday that support those goals, and often, those choices we're making are not fully conscious choices.  Our brains are guiding us because your brain knows what your goals are."

"We're constantly making choices to try to get closer to all of our goals, and a lot of them run on autopilot, but in order for your brain to make good choices about what to do at every point during the day-again, largely unconsciously we're making these choices - it [your brain] really needs to know very specifically what it is you want to achieve."

"It uses a lot less willpower to follow through on a plan you already have than it does to try to spontaneously make the right choice in that moment when you are vulnerable."

"Goal setting and planning how you're going to reach a goal should always be a process that is an evolving process."

SPECIFIC GOAL SETTING STEPS
  • Pick a couple things to prioritize.
  • Be really specific.
  • Really focus on replacement behaviors, and making new habits out of those behaviors.
  • Have a plan for temptation.
  • Be flexible.
The following is from Management by Richard L. Daft
- Planning is the most fundamental of the four management functions.
- A goal is a desired future state that the organization wants to realize.
​- Planning is the act of determining goals and defining the means of achieving them.
- A plan is a blueprint specifying the resource allocations, schedules, and other actions necessary for attaining goals.

DISCUSSION
The research problem I have been investigating is the 47th law of The 48 Laws of Power by Robert Greene which states: "Do not go past the mark you aimed for.  In victory learn when to stop."  I have done extensive research about goal setting, and my own experiences not only as a planner, but as a goal setter.  
While reading parts of Management by Richard L. Daft I found that personal and organizational goal setting criteria aren't all that different.  Even listening to multiple episodes of the HBR Podcast and interviews nowhere does the information say to reset goals.  On the contrary, why should we stop goal setting, and how do we set higher goals if we have to stop?  Are we going to plateau, and "be all we can be?"  These findings were pretty unexpected because  it is burnt, and trained into our brains at a very young age that we should always aim higher with our goals after we have 
achieved them.  We do this with weight loss, saving money, and many other goals that we might have in our lives.  Lets see how this translates to goal planning in general.

GOAL PLANNING
  1. 1.  Develop the plan.
    -define mission / vision.
    -set goal.
    2.  Translate The Plan.
    -define tactical plans and objectives.
    -develop a strategy map (mind map).
    -define contingency plans and scenarios.
    -identify intelligence teams (your tribe).
    3.  Plan operations.
    -define operational goals and plans.
    -select measures and targets (task tracker).
    -set stretch goals.
    -crisis planning.
    4.Execute the plan.
    -management by objective.
    -performance dashboards (how the plan is going).
    -single use plans.
    -decentralized responsibility (delegate).
    5.  Monitor and learn.
    -hold planning reviews.
    -hold operational reviews.
-Nowhere in these goal planning steps did it mention to reset your goals.
-Robert S. Kaplan and David P. Norton "Mastering The Management System", Harvard Business Review (January 2008) pg. 63, 77.

CONCLUSION
My conclusion to this case study is that law 47 of the 47 Laws of Power is justified in saying to stop once you have reached your victory whatever that may be.  All of the research that I have done for this post over a few years time have shown me that nowhere in planning content that I have seen about goal setting does anyone talk about resetting goals for higher achievement.

Let me know in the comments:  Do you normally keep reaching for new achievements after reaching a goal or do you start a whole different goal?
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Whimsical Holiday Planning Intro

5/31/2020

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Welcome to a brand new December blog series here at Createyou86.  This is my favorite part of the year.  The Holidays!  This series is going to be all about what happened in 2021,  and how I am moving forward into 2022.  There will be 10 posts not including this post as the introduction.  
​There will be posts about planning, self-care, organization, wedding planning, meal planning, and so much more.  Some of the posts will have YouTube videos included in the post so be sure to check those out as you read through.  At the end of the series I will put all of the available YouTube videos in one post, and you can always check out my YouTube Channel Cy86design.  I really hope that you enjoy this series because I have been planning it all year, and am very excited for you to experience it.  

Wishing you all a very happy holiday, and a happy healthy New Year!
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Conversations With My Planner Girl Self #4

5/31/2020

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Welcome to the last post in the Conversations With My Planner Girls Self blog series here at Createyou86.  I wanted to do a quick post, and let you know all of the planners that I have been using for June.
  1. Standard Pumpkin Spice Foxy Fix (Podcasting, and Blogging)
  2. Personal Van Der Spek Touch Me (Every Day Carry)
  3. Recollections Mini (Podcast Ideas)
  4. A5 Carpe Diem (Homebinder)
  5. Personal Color Crush Webster's Pages Light Pink (Personal Care)
  6. I bought a Miguel Ruiz notebook this week for a commonplace book.
  7. I purchased a Moterm Standard in Litchi Coffee Grey (because I miss using a travelers notebook, and it comes with tons of extra goodies.)(watch out for a Youtube unboxing when it arrives.)
​I am really looking forward to July because for the planning community July has become important with #OneBookJuly, and I take part every year.  This will be the next series happening here at Createyou86.  I have also been podcasting each week.

​Let me know in the comments: Have you ever taken part in #OneBookJuly ?  
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Conversations With My Planner Girl Self #3

5/31/2020

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​Welcome to another post from the Conversations With My Planner Girl Self blog series here at Createyou86.  If you are new to the planning community this post is specifically to you. This post will tell you how to set up a planner.   It will be something that I wished that I had when I first started planning in one simple post.  Most bloggers make it near impossible to find the meat and potatoes of their post, but here it is!

HOW TO SET UP A PLANNER IN 7 EASY STEPS
  1. Pick your planner, and date your inserts (if they aren't already dated for you.)
  2. Name your sections if you are using a ring binder, or name/identify your books if you are using a travelers notebook type planner.
  3. Mark bills or paydays.  This can seem repetitive (and is exactly why I don't use a monthly planner, but you do whatever makes you comfortable.)
  4. Birthdays/anniversaries. 
  5. Extracurricular activities, school meetings, work items.
  6. Work, school, vacations, Dr. Apts., pet care, car upkeep.
  7. Set up your first couple of weeks for the year by forwarding your info to the weekly spreads to the new planner before the new year begins so that you are ready to go. 

How simple was that?  I wish I had something that was as simple as that when I was setting up my first planner.  I searched YouTube for hours looking for the "right setup" for me when it was as simple as putting things where I needed them.  I hope that this is helpful in your new planner journey.  Your Planner Style Podcast Episode

Let me know in the comments: How long have you been planning?  Did you wish you had something like this as a new planner to help you?
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Conversations With My Planner Girl Self #2

5/31/2020

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​Welcome to the second post in the Conversations With My Planner Girl Self blog series here at Createyou86. This post will be all about my new Homebinder.  What is a homebinder?  You might be thinking.  I consider a homebinder a catch all for anything that has to do with my home or vehicle.  This is a planner that will be staying at home.  This planner is A5 so that I have plenty of room to write, and log any pertinent information.  For my binder I purchased a Carpe Diem A5 binder for $10.00.  Carpe Diem was having a spring clearance sale, and I purchased a pack of monthly dividers for $2.00 which I taped together to create my 12 dividers, and a pack of three clear bookmarks for $1.00.  Twelve dividers may seem like a lot of dividers, but I am using all but one of the sections.  I used the Carpe Diem tab sticker pack to rename the dividers.  Here are my sections
  1. Lists.
  2. Home needs (larger purchases that we want to make for the home (bookcases, etc.)
  3. Monthly budget.
  4. Home decor tracking (mostly holiday).  I live in a one bedroom apartment, and storage is scarce.  I want to make sure I'm not purchasing too many things for one holiday that I then have to find storage for.
  5. Family medical information.
  6. Favorite recipes (for when we have no idea what we want.  This also includes a $75/ week meal plan.)
  7. Vehicle maintenance.
  8.  Cleaning Schedule (as well as a declutter checklist for spring cleaning or otherwise.)
  9. Blank section (If you have any ideas please let me know in the comments!)
  10. Holiday planning (Thanksgiving and Christmas.)
  11. Life plans, and organization (trips etc.)
  12. Notes (note paper.)
I have only been using this for about a month, but I have loved filling out all of the information, and knowing that I have it all in one convenient place in my home.  Also with an A5 there is still plenty of room to add more if I need to.  Also be sure to check out my FIRST PODCAST in a year and a half.  It is associated with this series so definitely check it out. 

Let me know in the comments below if you have a home binder, and what yours consists of.
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Conversations With My Planner Girl Self #1

5/25/2020

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Welcome to a brand new blog series here at Createyou86.  There will be four installments.  One for each week in June so make sure you come back to hear some of the things I have conversations with myself about my planners.  The first time that I did one of these was on The Createyou86 Podcast.  You can check that out HERE .  This series will be an opportunity for me to get deeper into why I plan, what it does for me, and when I need planning the most among other things.

I started planning in 2014 after a photo came through my Instagram feed.  I saw a planner with some stickers on it, and a Filofax hashtag.  I purchased my first Filofax, and the rest is history.  I still have that red Filofax Domino.  Planning evolved from there for me into something that I could do to keep control in my life.  Not only for myself, but for others around me.  I used stickers, and decor all over.  Looking back at memories that pop up on Facebook or Instagram I tend to laugh at what kind of decor I had used.  I still use stickers, but I haven't used washi in a long time, and I have more than I know what to do with.  While in this strange time I am still trying to keep up my planning even if it is for the most simple things.  I have found this meme in every planner group, and it kind of irks me.
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This irks me because some weeks I find myself planning more than I had in previous weeks, and months.  I know people are homeschooling so that's a tons of stuff to put in your planner, and people working from home is another reason.  People are also ordering a ton of stuff off of Amazon, and other sites so they have plenty to keep track of.  I am super guilty of this.  I have ordered shelves (2), makeup, desk organization, and a few other things.  Boredom, and late nights get the best of me.  I ordered planner items from Wish one morning around four AM.  My planner is still very useful to me.  Come fall it'll be even more useful when school starts back up for me.  I have tried several sizes, and styles of planners, but I always return to my favorite which will always be personal size.  Planning will return to normal soon, and planner spreads will be full of appointments again.  I plan to stay sane, and I plan to move forward when the rest of the world is standing still.

Let me know in the comments why you plan.  Let's be honest with out planner girl selves.
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Planner Anti-Haul 2020

5/17/2020

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Welcome to another post here at Createyou86.  This is an annual post as of December 2018.  I don't think it matters what month it is posted in because things change in the planner community so frequently that favorites, and dislikes change frequently as well.  You can hear the podcast episode where I did my first Planner Anti Haul HERE.  A Planner anti-haul is just a list of items that based on my current likes, and dislikes are products that I will never purchase from the planner community or items that I have purchased that I was disappointed in or regret purchasing.  Some of the items remain the same, but some have changed. My list is as follows:
  1. ​Planner printable.  This includes planner pages, and stickers.  This is mostly because I don't have a printer that prints double sided, nor do I have a sticker printer, and I don't want to have to cut them myself.  I'd much rather give my money to a company that can do this for me.
  2. ​Kawaii anything.  Sometimes Kawaii looks cute, but that is rare that I feel that, and it kind of weirds me out to be honest.  Plus so many of the stickers look the same to me.  It really is a trend that I just can't get into.
  3. ​Stickers.  Let me explain.  Specifically List stickers (with the hearts), Foiled stickers, and Glossy stickers.  I have never actually used a list sticker in my entire time of planning except in my blog planner where it gives me the perfect amount of spaces to plan a blog series, but I don't really consider listing to be planning.  I know that probably sounds a bit crazy, but it is just how my brain works. I think that foiled stickers look messy, and hard to read, and glossy stickers make it impossible to write anything unless you are using a sharpie, and even then they have a tendency to smudge.  
  4. Disney anything.  I have been to Disney more times than I can count or care to, and Disney is just too childish for me.  while I have all kinds of wild stickers in my planner Mickey, and Minnie aren't characters that I would ever be proud to show off.  Disney hasn't ever been apart of my personal or planner personality, and I don't see it happening anytime in the future.
  5. Happy Planners.  While I own a few Happy planners, and sticker books there is a lot that the company needs to improve.  I highly dislike the disks because they are not secure, the pages bend near the disks, and the disks break.  I am using a happy notes notebook for just that, notes, and as a lefty I find it extremely hard to write with the disks.  I also find most of their products too childish.  They really should listen to their customers, and offer more neutral, adult looking planners.  They also do 3,000,000 different HOT MESS releases per year, and most of the sticker releases are repeats throughout the sticker books.  No other planner company feels the need to do this, and they do just fine.   Suffice to say I won't purchase anymore happy planners due to the mere fact that they are cheaply made, and people end up changing out the rings to metal disks made by other companies anyway.
While these are my dislikes right now they could definitely change further into the year.  I hope that you enjoyed this post, and that you get a chance to check out the podcast from a few years ago that inspired this post.  That podcast was a lot of fun.

Let me know in the comments below.  What are some of your planner anti-haul items so far for 2020?

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Must Have Planner Items 2020

5/3/2020

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.Welcome to another post here at Createyou86.  I wanted to talk about some of my must have planner items for 2020.  This will differ for most people, but I always find myself reaching for the same products over and over again.  While I am definitely a decorative planner I consider myself a minimalist in that I use the same products almost every week.  Of course there are  tons of shops that I love, but I tend to stick to ones I truly enjoy, and purchasing from them only once or twice a year, and I try to keep everything as affordable as possible.  I created a list of my top five essential planner items that I  have reached for repeatedly in 2020.

2020 Planner Essentials
  1. Good quality pens
  2. Personal sized planner (size does matter)
  3. Stickers or sticker kits
  4. Quality post-it notes (even though I don't use many)
  5. Good quality crafting scissors or a paper cutter

​I know that these items will never be essentials for every planner out there, but they are good starter items, and even after years of planning I still find myself needing or wanting the essentials that I started with.  I hope that if you are a new planner that this post has helped you with what some essential items might end up being for you.  

For those seasoned planners, and new planners alike let me know in the comments what your planner essentials are at this stage in your planning journey.
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How Has My Planning Changed Over Time?

4/26/2020

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Welcome to another post here at Createyou86.  I wanted to do some self-reflection on the way that I plan.  While I consider myself very consistent, I did go back to 2018 to see how things have changed as the seasons of life have changed over time. 
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The last week that I used my Personal Filofax Malden to plan July 29, 2018.
When I was planning in my Personal Filofax Malden I was still using horizontal Filofax WO2P inserts, and using stickers.
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This is the week of October 16, 2019 where I used personal vertical boxes for a few months because I bought the wrong inserts at the end of 2018.
I bought the wrong inserts at the end of 2018, and for $3.55 I decided that I would give them a try.  I found the placement of the boxes to be very confusing.  I used a personal wide for a full year in my Foxy Fix Spice Leather, and I loved the experience.
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This week in my Personal VDS Planner with Filofax horizontal WO2P inserts. I have been planning in this for 6 weeks.
This is truly my comfort zone even when there isn't a ton to plan.   I never find that I run out of room, there is plenty of room to use stickers, and those stickers keep me organized, and let me focus on what is important within that day. 
I can honestly say that my planning is very consistent.  Even with school being the busiest seasons for me  I will always enjoy horizontal  inserts.  This is just how my brain works.

Let me know in the comments what your favorite layout for your planning includes.
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Its Been A While: 2020 Planner Update

4/20/2020

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  Welcome to the Createyou86 Blog.  The last time I posted here was January 1, 2019.  It has been almost a year and a half, but to be fair I was feeling a little burnt out with a few different projects I was working on.  I was also recovering from a spinal fusion done on June 12, 2018 which failed, and lead to other issues.  It was recommended by my lawyer to cease most social media postings, and because of my injury I cannot return to my previous job sector so I decided to go back to school, and I only have five more classes until I receive my Associates Degree in Drug and Alcohol Counseling.  As soon as that ends i'll swiftly move onto my Bachelors, and so on.  I am still planning.  I think I always will.  It keeps me sane.  
The world is a very different time, and space right now with COVID-19 running rampant.  This girl here was actually tested, and it came back negative thankfully. 
I am currently using a Van Der Spek Touch Me in personal in the color Tabac.  The same week I also purchased a personal Original Filofax in nude.  I LOVE the Filofax WO2P inserts.  I know a lot of people don't, but I always have so those are the inserts that are currently in my VDS.  This past weekend I purchased some review process printable inserts from Kendra Bork.  I am newly obsessed with her Youtube Channel. Here are a couple of photos of my new VDS planner.  You can find more on my Instagram profile @Createyou86.
I hope that you enjoyed this post, and that you are as excited as I am about seeing more posts each week.  What are you doing during quarantine to keep up with planning? Let me know in the comments.  I know this is a hard time for planning, but there is still plenty to be planning!
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Review: 30 Days To Understanding The Bible

1/28/2019

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Welcome to another product review here at Createyou86.  This product is really great for someone who might need or want a deeper understanding of the Bible, but who is not wanting to, or doesn't have the time in their busy lives to deep dive into re-reading the Bible itself.  This book will give that person a deeper understanding in only 15 minutes a day!
This book is broken down so that anyone can easily understand the Bible.  Some of the features that I think are great include:
  1. That both the Old Testament, and New Testament are covered.
  2. The arc of Bible history that helps you visualize the Bible's overarching themes.
  3. The story of the Bible, summarizing Genesis through Revelation in just a few pages.
  4. The core beliefs of the Christian faith, focusing on the teachings that have united Christians for the last 2,000 years.
  5. 13-week plan that provides teachers creative and effective tools for teaching the Bible in 30 days.
  6. BONUS CONTENT that was previously removed, and now restored from the original edition. 

I have included some photos from the book to showcase some of the study guides, and self tests that are available in each chapter.
​
If you or someone you know are struggling with understanding different themes within the Bible I highly recommend this book.  If you are looking for some more information about this book I also recommend checking out this short YouTube video.  You can find this book for $19.99 which is a great price for something that simplifies the bible. 

If you found this post useful definitely share it with someone who you feel could benefit from it!

LET ME KNOW IN THE COMMENTS BELOW: What topic do you struggle with most in studying the Bible?
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Join the Createyou86 After Chat Amino by clicking this photo!
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I was provided this product for free from Flyby Productions in exchange for an honest product review.
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2018 Planner Anti-Haul & Podcast

12/20/2018

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Welcome to another Blog post here at Createyou86.  It has been a while since I posted anything about planning, and organization, and there is good reason for that.  I have been back in school, and still in recovery from surgery, but mostly school.  The amount of work was out of this world, but I finished off the semester with a 3.566 GPA which is very exciting.  
Tonight I had an amazing conversation with Lucinda from Organized Planner Chic on The Createyou86 Podcast, and the conversation was all about our 2018 Planner Anti-Haul.  This episode is all about items that we will never purchase in the planner community, and things that we don't really understand within the planner community.  I got this idea from The Planner Girl Chatter Podcast and I not only thought that it was extremely funny, but I liked the conversation that was had surrounding the planner community.  I had so much fun doing this episode that I decided that it needed an accompanying blog post.  My anti-haul list, and the full podcast episode is posted below.  
I really hope that you enjoy this post as much as I enjoyed creating it, and podcasting about it.  This is a great post if you are looking for gift ideas for your planner friends for the holidays, or if you might want to create your own anti-haul list as well.
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CLICK THIS PHOTO TO VISIT LUCINDA AT THE ORGANIZED PLANNER CHIC YOUTUBE CHANNEL
  1. Erin Condren Planners / Happy Planners (I'm a ring planner through and through)
  2. Crappy hand-drawn / Not cut correctly stickers
  3. Disney anything
  4. Tiny Travelers Notebooks (micro and key-chain size)
  5. The face cup from Target (it was available for a short time at Five Below for $5)
  6. The same clip-art being used by Etsy shops (enough said)
  7. Normal paperclips, and weird designed metal paperclips (bikes, circles, spirals, envelopes etc.)
  8. Glossy stickers / Kawaii stickers / Heart checklists (give us some variety)
  9. Simply Gilded washi tape (hype/pre-orders/reselling for hundreds of dollars)
  10. No white space planning (too busy, not enough room to plan, are you saving the pages that you spent money on for all of those stickers?)
  11. Washi Tape (I'm over it.  I have too much of it, and i made a promised that when i filled my washi bag that I would stop  buying it.  I have reached maximum capacity.  Depending on where you get your washi from it can be pretty crappy quality.  Paper washi that you have to cut, and take off of the paper (Hobby Lobby) sucks!, and in 2019 I am committed to shopping my stash.
  12. Puffy stickers (literally nobody uses these in their planners because they take up room, and you can't write over them when you turn the page.  Please stop putting these types of stickers in subscription boxes!)
  13. Floral Kits (The Planner Society is very unapproachable because it is all florals.  I don't know many people who want to have to use florals in their planner every month.  It gets old!  The only floral kit i bought twice was the Amore kit from Sara Elizabeth Plans on Etsy)
  14. Planner bands (I don't get the concept, and it seems super annoying to have to close your planner by using one of these.  I feel like if you need a planner band you should probably look into Travelers Notebooks!)
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LET ME KNOW IN THE COMMENTS BELOW: WHAT IS YOUR #1 ANTI-HAUL ITEM?

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Product Review: Beloved 365 Devotions For Young Women

12/3/2018

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Welcome to another product review here at Createyou86.  This product is such a beautiful book.  It is 365 days of devotionals for young women.  If you would like to learn more about this beautiful book for young women please keep reading.

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Product Review: NIV Adventure Bible (Polar Exploration Edition)

12/3/2018

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Welcome to another product review here at Createyou86.  I can't believe that it is already December!  Where has the year gone?  December is a great time to pick up a new Bible for the new year, and to gift give Bible's to younger children for the holiday's too.  I have more information about the number one Bible for kids if you keep reading, and it is one of the best Bible's that I have seen so far!

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Art Journals Product Review (Faith)

11/16/2018

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Welcome to another special product review here at Createyou86.  I am in love with these journals.  They all have their own personalities, and would each be perfect for the art lover in your family.  For those of you that love Bible journaling these art journals are perfect.  I will be reviewing each of the three journals in this post including photos, and my thoughts on each.

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Product Review: The Spirit Of God Illustrated Bible

9/19/2018

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Welcome to another product review here at Createyou86. The Spirit of God Illustrated Bible brings to life more than 40 Bible stories that help readers understand that God’s Spirit has been with us since the beginning of time and continues to be with us today. From the glory of creation through the powerful letters of Paul, God’s Spirit is living in his people. Old and New Testament stories such as Adam and Eve, Abraham, Joseph, the Baptism of Jesus, and Pentecost come alive with dramatic illustrations by Fernando Juarez and moving text by Doris Rikkers. With a cover that sparkles and shines with foil, this is a special storybook Bible that will appeal to both children and parents alike.
         Doris Rikkers is a freelance writer and editor who has written many bestselling children’s books and Bibles. Although she loves the ocean, she lives in Grand Rapids, Michigan, surrounded by her books, her flower gardens, and her family and friends.
           Spanish artist Fernando Juarez illustrates children’s books and works as an art supervisor at the Madrid studio Ilion Animation. The company produces 3D feature films for children. Fernando has three kids himself, and if he has any time left after work and family, you might catch him playing guitar in a rock band.
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6 Reasons i love this Bible: 
  1. Perfect for a baby shower.
  2. Only $17.99 which is super affordable for a full color 311 page hardcover book.
  3. The graphics are beautiful.
  4. Very easy to read, and understand.
  5. The perfect size to travel with.
  6. Includes the Old, and New Testament.
I have really enjoyed this product, and i highly recommend it for young children who are learning to read as an introduction to the Bible that they can read on their own, and create their own stories with  pictures if they aren't reading yet.  If you are interested in purchasing the Bible visit this link to learn more, and view a FREE sampler of the book itself.
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Let me know in the comments below: What is your favorite version of the Bible?  Mine is ESV (English Standard Version.)
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#2 September Studies: How Am I Planning My College Classes?

9/7/2018

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Welcome to the second post of the September Studies Blog Series here at Createyou86.  I am very excited to be doing this post because i am very excited to be back in college.  I am doing distance learning through a Nevada College., and i am taking three classes this semester.  I am taking two right now, and the third starts in October.  
There are four items i have purchased for every class (all of which can be purchased at the dollar tree), and i will continue to purchase these four items for each class i take until graduation.
  1. 3 ring binder with a clear window front, and back.
  2. 1 subject notebook.
  3. 2 pocket folder.
  4. Clear page protectors.
let me explain how i am using these items.   

1. I created a three binder for each class by putting a photo of the cover of the required textbook in the clear window front of the binder, and typed the name, and number of the class, and put it in the spine of the binder.   

2.  I like to have a labeled one subject notebook for each class even though i am doing distance classes i am required to do a lot of definitions, and writing them down before typing the assignment out will help me study.  I also store the notebook in each binder, but not on the rings.  

3.  Sometimes i like to print articles, or other papers for classes so i like to keep a 2 pocket folder in the binder front folder for later use.  

4. Lastly, i intend to keep all of my papers that i write for each class even though they will be done on the computer, and submitted via the computer.  I will print each main paper out, and put it in the page protectors for later use.

I hope that these are useful tips for you this semester, or even for your kids if you have them.  This system really helps me to stay on task, and know where all of my papers are for any class, at any given time.  

​LET ME KNOW IN THE COMMENTS: Are you back in school this semester?  Or do you know someone who is?
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#1 September Studies: Back To School At 32!

9/1/2018

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Welcome to the first post of my favorite yearly blog series September Studies.  This series holds a special place in my heart because September is my blogiversary month, and i always look forward to celebrating.  This is also the beginning of the change into the season that i love FALL!  I love pumpkin flavored, and scented everything except for pie, and i love fall colors, and weather.  I can't wait to put a hoodie back on.
This September i find myself in a new season in life.  I have gone back to school at 32 years old.  You might be asking why i have done this, and the hardest, and most honest answer is because i can't rely on my body to do what i want it to do anymore.  What does that mean?  I had spinal fusion surgery twelve weeks ago, and i am scared that i may not be able to continue to do the job that i have been doing for 13 years.  Childcare.  Let me explain.  When you think of a daycare teacher do you think of a glorified babysitter for your kids or other's kids?  Well we don't think of ourselves that way.  We go into work everyday excited to see each kid no matter who they are, or if they give us a hard time throughout the day.  We are excited to teach young minds new things, and watch them group throughout the year.  However, the job is grueling.  You are constantly moving, bending, lifting, and twisting.  These are all things that i have been restricted from doing for the last twelve weeks, and it really puts things into perspective now that my body may not work for me in the same way that it has in the past. 
​I am pursuing a Bachelors in Social Sciences, and began classes this week.  I am excited to continue my college experience.  Lets hope that school #5 is the lucky one!!
I hope that you stick around for the September Studies Blog series, and that you enjoyed this post.

LET ME KNOW IN THE COMMENTS BELOW:
Did you go back to school this week?  How are you feeling about planning out the semester?

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Mood Board June 2018 / Back Surgery Update

6/27/2018

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Welcome to the second post for June on the Createyou86 Blog.  The month of June has been quite a journey.  On the 12th i had major back surgery, and i am now two weeks post-op.  I have been using a walker, and had my followup doctors apt. today where the doctor said everything looks great, and that i should just keep up what i'm doing currently.  My recovery will be around 3 months. 
           On the other hand i have been wanting to do an updated mood board because i haven't done one in quite a while.  Below you will find my updated mood board.  The colors are kind of all over the place, but i really love fall a lot more than i do summer.  All photos are linked so feel free to click through them, and check out where they came from .

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Thanks for checking out my updated mood board.  Be sure to stick around for #onebookjuly2018 which will be taking place over on my YouTube channel next week. 

LET ME KNOW IN THE COMMENTS BELOW:  What is your favorite color palette above? 
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Planner Collection Update - June 2018

6/4/2018

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Welcome to a planner update here at Createyou86!  I know...it has been a long time!  I have been in, and out of work with an injury, and i am finally having surgery next week.  I have decided that my planner collection at this point is just that....a collection.  I have so many different brands, colors, and types of planners, and i love it.  We will be moving soon, and hopefully i will be able to display them behind my desk at some point.  
     This past month (April/May) I decided that i wanted to get some planners that i have had my eye on for a long time (my planner unicorns!)  I had some extra money, and took the leap!  
First I purchased a Filofax personal Malden.  This planner is literally beautiful beyond words.  I have wanted it since i started my planner journey, and I am currently using it as my personal planner where i keep all of my appointments, and schedules etc.  I really do love the Filofax inserts (I know tons of people don't), but i have never had an issue with them, and i actually prefer the setup of them over any other planner setup that i have tried.  
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The next item that i purchased for myself was a Foxy Fix Travelers Notebook.  I purchased this TN because i have wanted to try a Foxy Fix since forever ago when i found out about their company.  I purchased a B6 Lush Black Beauty Couture.  Both of these planners are an investment, and beautiful all at the same time.  At this point i am secure enough in my planning that i know i love personal, and B6 planners.
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Here is a secret that nobody else knows.  After my surgery next week i will be releasing a new exciting e-mail list.  I am working on Createyou86 as a business, and increase my knowledge as an entrepreneur, which i can't wait to unvail.  If you don't follow my Instagram yet be sure to follow for some fun updates.  You can also join the Planning With Createyou86 VIP Group

I hope that you have enjoyed this post, and that you are looking forward to some changes coming to Createyou86. 

Let me know in the comments below: WHAT COLOR IS YOUR PLANNER?

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