When I first started planning, I bought six different Happy Planner sticker books.

Ten years later, I have not used half of them.

I thought stickers were part of becoming “a planner person.” If I had the books, I would automatically be consistent, creative and organized but I found out that is not how it works.

The Sticker Excitement Phase

When you begin planning, everything feels possible.  You see colorful layouts online. You watch flip-through videos and you convince yourself that this next sticker book will finally make the system click.

But here is what I've learned over time:  You do not use as many stickers as you think you will.

What I Actually Use

I plan in rings. Function first is my goal!

Most weeks I use:

  • One or two functional stickers...maybe
  • Maybe a small header
  • Often just pen

That is it.  I do not decorate full layouts. I do not layer boxes. I do not theme ever and my planner still works.

The Real Question

The better question is not “How many sticker books should I own?”

It is:  How many stickers do I realistically use in a week?  If the answer is two or three, you do not need twenty books.  You need one small collection of stickers you actually reach for.  I must admit though, I get that funny quip my mom always said, It's not about the needing, it's about the wanting!

If you already have too many - it's okay!  There's no judgement from me!  Sticker buying is part of the learning curve.  I am a functional planner when I'm using my rings - but when I get in the mood to play in my Stalogy, give me all the things!

Instead of buying more, try this:  pull out one book and only use that book for a month.  Notice what you reach for.

You may discover you prefer clean pages or that you like simple headers.  You may discover you barely use them at all.  That is not failure. That is knowledge.

Your planner does not need to be decorative to be effective.

It needs to be used. If stickers help you show up, use them, but if they distract you or sit untouched for a decade, let them be optional.  Planning is about managing your life. Not collecting supplies. Use what supports you. Release what does not.

Now I am curious — how many sticker books do you actually use?