"I don't attribute all of the changes to writing the planner, but through the concrete records, my progress became trackable," says Gao.
In 2016, Gao began to upload videos about making planners by the name Bushimen. She graduated from the University of Auckland two years before, and was searching for a job but didn't get a satisfying one. She followed makeup bloggers on YouTube, and decided to become a planner blogger.
Her videos are mainly about tips on making planners, stationery recommendations and her own experience of making different kinds of planners. The videos have helped her attract more than 48 million fans on Sina Weibo.
Pulalapu, a user on knowledge sharing platform Zhihu, who also follows Gao on social media, says: "Her planner system, and layout logic are very clear. Beginners or those who have made planners for a long time can be enlightened by her videos."
Gao has been inspired by makeup bloggers, especially their easy-to-understand approach, and she hopes to emulate their successful style.