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FAQ

Questions about the system in general, plus each of the three ways to use it.

General
What's the difference between the books, the Google Sheet, and Calendar Bump?

They're the same underlying method in three different formats. The Books are a physical, off-screen system on paper. The Google Sheet is a digital version of that same Parked / Goals / Deadlines / Doing / Admin / Calls / Calendar structure, built to type into on screen. Calendar Bump is a different kind of tool entirely — a free Google Calendar add-on focused on one specific problem: what happens when something gets scheduled over an existing commitment.

Do I need all three, or can I just use one?

Just one is enough. Each format stands on its own. Most people start with whichever matches how they already work — paper if you want off your screen entirely, the Sheet if you live in Google Workspace, Calendar Bump if calendar conflicts specifically are the pain point.

Can I use more than one together?

Yes. A common combination is the Books or the Sheet for goals, projects, and admin, with Calendar Bump running quietly in the background to catch scheduling conflicts on your actual calendar.

Which one should I start with?

If you want to get off screens entirely, start with the Books. If you want the same structure but on your computer, try the Google Sheet demo. If calendar conflicts are your main issue, install Calendar Bump once it's approved on the Marketplace.

Are they made by the same person?

Yes — all three come from Dr. Adam Abramson, built around the same planning method.

Google Sheets
Is the Google Sheet template free?

The paid template is coming soon to Lemon Squeezy and Gumroad. Until it launches, you can preview the structure with the demo sheet or open the master template as a view-only copy.

What's the difference between the demo and the master template?

The demo is a sandbox for clicking around and testing the system risk-free before you commit. The master template link is view-only — go to File → Make a copy to get your own permanent, editable version.

Does it work in Excel, or only Google Sheets?

It's built natively for Google Sheets. It may open in Excel, but formulas and formatting aren't guaranteed to carry over cleanly.

Can I share it with my team?

Yes — it's a normal Google Sheet, so you can share your copy with collaborators the same way you'd share any Sheet, or have each person make their own copy.

Do I need to know spreadsheet formulas to use it?

No. It's built to be filled in like the printed books — the few formulas involved, like the Time Budget summary, run automatically in the background.

The Books
Do I need to buy all three books, or can I start with one?

Each book works on its own — Book 3 (Calendar) is the most popular starting point if you just want your week visible. That said, the three are designed to work together: Book 1 decides what matters, Book 2 makes it active, and Book 3 puts it on the calendar.

What sticky notes do I need?

Mini sticky notes at 0.6" × 2" (15 × 50mm) fit the task lines in all three books. Pick up to four colors and assign each one a category — see the Supplies section on the Books page for our recommended pack.

Can I just write directly on the pages instead of using sticky notes?

Yes — colored pens or pencils work fine. The trade-off is that written text is static, so you lose the ability to move a task from "Parked" to "Doing" to a calendar time block without crossing it out and rewriting it.

Where do I keep the books while I work?

Lay the book open on your desk and secure it flat with large paper clips or binder clips, or clip/pin it open on a bulletin board near your workspace. The goal is to keep it visible, not tucked in a drawer.

What's the size of each book and total system?

Each book, opened and hung on a bulletin board, measures 11" × 17" (28 × 43 cm). Hang all three side by side and the full system takes up about 33" × 17" (84 × 43 cm) of wall space.

How long does each book last?

Book 3 (Calendar) is built as a 13-week visual planning system — roughly one quarter per book. Books 1 and 2 are undated, so they last as long as you need them to.

How much does the full system cost?

All three books are $12.99 each (about $39 total), plus mini sticky notes at around $7 — roughly $46 total plus shipping on Amazon. That covers a full 13 weeks (about 3 months) of weekly planning with Book 3, while Books 1 and 2 keep working for as long as you use them.

Can I customize the categories and colors?

Absolutely. The suggested color mapping in each book is a starting point — swap "Calls" for "Exercise," or "Admin" for whatever your work actually looks like. The system is yours to adapt.

Calendar Bump
Is Calendar Bump free?

Yes — Calendar Bump is a free Google Calendar add-on.

When will it be available?

It's currently pending review on the Google Workspace Marketplace. Once approved, it'll be installable directly from there.

What happens to my primary calendar?

Nothing — it stays untouched. Calendar Bump works within its own dedicated Calendar and Bumped calendars, not your main one.

Does it work with recurring events?

Not yet — recurring events aren't processed in the initial release.

Can I turn off automatic syncing?

Yes. Automatic background sync is optional — you can run a manual "Check for Changes Now" instead, and there's a control to delete automatic-sync data whenever you want.