This week we spoke to Nat Buchanan about her career, love for a physical diary, the learnings she is taking away from 2020 & what she is most looking forward to in 2021.

Name: Nat Buchanan

Occupation: Model

2021, it’s the start of something new! What are you most looking forward to about the new year? 

I’m excited to get out of my comfort zone and enter the e-comm world with my partner. We’ve been chipping away at our businesses and getting them ready to launch next year. I’ve learnt so much already from the process and I don’t think there’s anything more satisfying than seeing an idea go from a scribble to something tangible.

What learnings will you be taking away from (the crazy year that was) 2020 & into 2021? Have your experiences in 2020 changed your mindset & priorities in any way?

I think for most of us, this year allowed us to do some introspection and reassess our direction and priorities. I redefined my definition of success and challenged my inner critic a lot more.

I found clarity, simplicity and gratitude out of the chaos, when prior to 2020 I’d felt overwhelmed with a need to do and be more. The BLM movement shook the world and propelled me to find my voice and place in the conversation. I think the self-education and accountability that this movement demanded, is something we must take into the new year (and beyond) to force real systemic change. 

What is one personal, professional or financial goal you will be tracking in your 2021 diary?

Tracking my money. I was probably the most reluctant person on the planet to talk about finances. To me it felt like the last bitter pill to swallow before becoming a fully fledged adult and I lived by the motto, “money comes, money goes”. Whilst I don’t think this is a totally bad way to view money, this year I confronted my financial habits and came out the other side with a lot more clarity and motivation to handle it. Instead of viewing budgeting as a chore, I’m learning to see it as something empowering.

How many years have you been using an An Organised Life Diary?

I used the Travel Diary in 2019 for my Europe trip. It was my first time journalling while travelling and a really therapeutic way to catch memories as they fell. This year, I was gifted the weekly diary and it’s been a must for managing my spontaneous schedule.

What 2021 diary did you pick & why did you choose that style?

I was instantly drawn to the Elissa Barber artist series. I chose the weekly diary with a continuous line drawing of a woman. To me, it felt like my own little alter-ego.

Talk us through that feeling when you first unboxed your new AOL 2021 Diary? What did you notice? 

My first love were books and I think a big part of that love is sensory; the touch, weight and smell of them. I love the immaculateness of a new dairy and the blankness of it. It always makes me dream what future adventures I might fill the pages with.

What is your favourite feature in your 2021 diary & how will it help you stay organised?

It’s unrelated to staying organised but I love the ‘Highlight of the Week' section. I see it as my gentle reminder to find gratitude and the silver lining to my day, no matter how hard a week.

What's one personal or professional project you have been working on or have upcoming that requires you to be organised?

I’m launching a product next year that I’m really passionate about and has helped me personally. I won't give it away, but it’s a blend of bedding and beauty!

What are the top 3 ways you organise your life?

1. Make daily, weekly and monthly lists.

2. I read somewhere that anything that takes less than 3 minutes to do, you should do right away. I’ve tried to adopt this (maybe not with the dishes, sorry Linc), but with things like errands or replying to emails. This way, the to-do’s don’t pile up.

3. A big part of staying organised is prioritising and that means saying no sometimes.

What are your current desk essentials?

My AOL diary, laptop, diffuser, phone, snacks, motivation pin board, and some greenery or artwork to brighten up the space.

Top organisation hack?

I find breaking big goals into smaller, more achievable chunks helps me not lose momentum. 

Get organised for 2021. Start HERE by exploring our 2021 Collection & shop Nat's favourite diary HERE.

Photography by Ana Suntay-Tañedo 

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