Small Squares, Big Plans: Using Graph Paper to Stay on Track
- happyplaceplanning
- 1 day ago
- 4 min read
Today, we’re sharing functional ways you can use our graph inserts for the Erin Condren LifePlanner monthly dashboard.
We offer three different size inserts, designed to perfectly fit each of the boxes on the Erin Condren monthly dashboard page:
Boxes 1 & 2: 12 boxes tall × 14 boxes wide
Box 3: 27 boxes tall × 13 boxes wide
Box 4: 8 boxes tall × 28 boxes wide
Each size opens up unique planning possibilities, whether you love tracking habits, setting goals, or keeping life organized at a glance. Let’s dive into specific ways you can use each of the three graph inserts based on size.



📊 Boxes 1 & 2: 12 × 14 Grid (Small but Mighty)
These two boxes are the same size, making them perfect for repeatable systems and side-by-side tracking. With 168 squares total, they’re ideal for visual progress and daily routines.
1. Habit Tracker
Use each row for a habit and each column for days.
Track things like:
Water intake
Vitamins
Exercise
Reading
No-spend days
Skincare routines
Fill in a square each day to see your consistency grow. Use a pen to make a check mark or dive deeper into patterns with mini-transparent dots by marking why you missed a habit for the day (sick, work, etc)

2. Mini Budget or Spending Tracker
Turn each square into a dollar amount ($5, $10, or $20).
Color in squares as you spend or save to create a quick monthly snapshot of your finances.

3. Work or Productivity Tracker
Perfect for business owners, students, and busy planners.
Track:
Orders packed
Clients served
Assignments completed
Social posts created
Projects finished
Each filled square represents progress.
4. Mood & Energy Log
Create a color-coded system to track how you’re feeling.
Example:
Blue = Calm
Yellow = Happy
Red = Stressed
Green = Energized
Over time, patterns start to appear.
5. Wellness Challenge
Use the grid for fitness or self-care challenges.
Each square can represent:
10 minutes of movement
100 steps
One stretch session
One glass of water
📈 Box 3: 27 × 13 Grid (Your Monthly Power Panel)
This taller grid gives you 351 squares—plenty of room for deeper tracking and long-term goals.
1. Monthly Goal Progress Tracker
Break a big goal into manageable pieces.
Examples:
Savings goals
Debt payoff
Business targets
Reading goals
Each square represents a step closer to success.
2. Content & Planning Calendar
Use rows for weeks and columns for content types.
Plan out:
Blog posts
Social media
Emails
Promotions
Videos
See your entire content strategy at a glance.

3. Academic or Study Tracker
Great for students and homeschool families.
Track:
Study sessions
Subjects
Assignments
Test prep
Reading hours
4. Health & Medication Log
Use rows for weeks and columns for routines.
Track:
Medications
Supplements
Symptoms
Appointments
Therapy exercises
5. Reading or Learning Log
List books, courses, or topics along the side and fill in progress as you go.
📐 Box 4: 8 × 28 Grid (Wide View Planning)
This long, horizontal grid is perfect for timelines, overviews, and weekly-style layouts.
1. Weekly Habit Strip
Assign each column to a habit and each row to a week.
Track up to 28 habits or routines in one place.
2. Weather Tracker
Use 4 boxes per day; write the date, use a weather icon for box 2, write in the low temperature in box 3, and the high temperature for the day in box 4.

3. Meal Planning Overview
Use columns for days and rows for meal types.
Track:
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Snacks
Meal prep days
4. Project Timeline
Map out a project from start to finish.
Track:
Launches
Renovations
Events
Moving plans
Big personal goals
🌟 Putting It All Together: Your Monthly Dashboard System
One of the best ways to use our graph inserts is to create a personalized dashboard system.
For example:
Box 1: Spending and Savings
Box 2: Habits
Box 3: Project Progress
Box 4: Weather Tracker
This setup gives you a complete snapshot of your month on one page.
🛍️ Where to Use & Shop Our Graph Inserts
Our graph inserts were designed and sized to fit inside our Monthly Kit Dashboard or within the Erin Condren Colorway Dashboard.



Our tiny transparent icons or other transparent stickers work well on this layout, too! We recommend the weather icons and the colored mini dots to get started!
Final Thoughts
Graph inserts turn your monthly dashboard into a powerful planning tool. Whether you’re tracking habits, growing a business, managing a household, or focusing on wellness, there’s a grid layout that works for you.
The beauty of graph planning is flexibility—you can change it up every month based on your season of life and priorities.
Ready to start mapping out your goals, routines, and dreams? Our graph inserts are here to help you do it—one square at a time.



