How Using a Physical Notebook Improved My Digital Productivity and Well-being
Summary:
The creator shares his experience of replacing several digital apps with a physical notebook to reduce screen time and improve focus. He notes spending 12 hours daily on screens led to feeling overwhelmed and difficulty concentrating. He decided to embrace physical journaling for self-reflection, finding it more beneficial than digital methods like Apple's Journal app, which he felt lacked the physical engagement and satisfaction of seeing notebooks fill up. He highlights two initial mistakes: forcing himself to write daily, which turned it into a chore, and striving for perfection in his notes, which is impractical for genuine thought processing. For habit tracking, a physical notebook proved more effective due to the tangible satisfaction of marking tasks. However, for dynamic tasks like calendars and to-do lists, digital apps like iCloud Calendar and Things 3 remained superior due to their flexibility for modifications and widespread access. Ultimately, the video advocates for balancing digital and analog tools, using physical notebooks for reflective and habit-building tasks to foster deeper engagement and reduce digital overload, without fully abandoning essential tech for organization.
Introduction [00:00]
- The creator notes spending an average of 12 hours daily on screens [00:23][Image 25].
- He decided to reflect on his technology usage and found a non-tech solution: a physical notebook [01:19][Image 35].
- He used to eliminate paper formats, preferring digital tools like the iPad for scribbling, believing it had no use [01:45][Image 39].
- Despite not missing paper then, he now recognizes its value.
I Started Writing [01:44]
- About two years ago, feeling unwell and having difficulty thinking clearly, he sought an outlet to express his doubts and questions [02:01][Image 42][Image 43].
- He purchased a notebook and pen and began writing, finding it genuinely helpful [02:33][Image 47][Image 48][Image 49][Image 52].
- Writing for an hour before bed helped him process thoughts and avoid insomnia [02:56][Image 57].
- He often forced himself out of bed to write during periods of stress, finding it to be a significant aid, though not a miracle cure [03:18].
Paper vs. Digital Journal [03:34]
- Initially, journaling was synonymous with paper, so he didn't consider digital options [03:31].
- Apple then launched its "Journal" application, a digital journaling app [03:37][Image 62][Image 63].
- However, he found the digital format lacking a "concrete, physical aspect" compared to a physical notebook [04:05].
- The satisfaction of seeing physical notebooks fill up and accumulate is a tangible reward [04:10][Image 72].
- For him, the goal of journaling is to step back from screens, making a digital app counterproductive for this specific purpose [04:13].
- Writing in a physical notebook provides a distraction-free environment, allowing thoughts to flow freely, especially with a good playlist [04:22][Image 74][Image 75].
- Many aspects of his life are now recorded in his notebook, from simple scribbles to profound reflections, without strict format or content rules [04:31][Image 77].
The Type of Notebook [05:19]
- He uses Moleskine Classic notebooks, noting that while they are a bit expensive, they offer a pleasant writing experience [05:27][Image 83][Image 93].
- He always carries his notebook with him, acknowledging its slight bulkiness [05:21].
The Mistakes I Made [05:40]
- Mistake 1: Forcing himself to write daily [05:41][Image 94].
- Mistake 2: Striving for perfection [06:01].
- Influenced by perfectly organized notebooks seen in educational settings or online, he tried to make his entries neat and structured [06:03][Image 99][Image 100][Image 101].
- This is impossible for true problem-solving and brainstorming, which often involves testing ideas, making mistakes, and crossing things out [06:11][Image 103][Image 104][Image 106].
- Advice: Don't worry about aesthetics; write, scribble, and change pens. The utility, not beauty, is what matters [06:17].
Habits [06:24]
- He uses a separate smaller notebook for habit tracking [06:30][Image 109].
- He tried numerous habit tracking apps over the years but always abandoned them [06:37][Image 110][Image 111].
- He wasn't sure why but consistently lost track [06:45].
- Inspired by Peter McKinnon's method, he began tracking habits on paper [06:48][Image 113][Image 114].
- The rigidity and length of the paper format give more importance and weight to the recorded habits and events [07:20].
- Physically ticking a box after accomplishing something is more satisfying than tapping a screen [07:34][Image 119][Image 122].
Calendar [07:38]
- His daily organization primarily relies on a To-Do list and a calendar [07:39].
- He initially tried to transfer his calendar to paper but quickly returned to digital [07:49].
- iCloud Calendar offers indispensable synchronization with his smartphone, allowing easy entry and modification of appointments anywhere [07:53][Image 128][Image 129][Image 130].
- The flexibility to reschedule events digitally is a crucial advantage [07:57].
- He cannot envision using anything other than iCloud for his calendar needs [07:51].
To-Do [08:03]
- He also tried to manage his To-Do list on paper, adopting Miles Mochizuki's strategy of a large weekly task list [08:03][Image 132].
- Each day, he would select tasks from the weekly list to organize the next day [08:09][Image 133][Image 134].
- However, he found this approach too rigid for his needs [09:07][Image 147][Image 148].
- He tends to be forgetful and easily distracted, requiring a dynamic To-Do list that can be updated constantly and from anywhere [08:13][Image 138][Image 139].
- Digital To-Do apps allow for easy modification, addition, deletion, and rescheduling of tasks based on ideas, unforeseen events, or changing priorities [08:31][Image 141][Image 142].
- He uses Things 3 as his preferred digital To-Do app, appreciating its functionality [09:11][Image 144][Image 145][Image 149][Image 151].
- While his digital To-Do list may appear chaotic, it works for him by allowing him to offload thoughts and tasks instantly [08:46].
- The flexibility of digital allows him to adapt to his non-linear thought process and manage diverse projects [08:55].
- In contrast, the fixed nature of paper would make him feel blocked for To-Do lists [08:51].
- However, he acknowledges that the act of writing tasks on paper gives them more weight and encourages completion [09:23][Image 152].
Conclusion [09:34]
- Paper excels for:
- Digital excels for:
- The video's purpose is not to advocate for cutting off from technology but to encourage a mindful approach to its usage [09:46].
- He mentions that excessive screen time (12 hours/day is common for many) can be problematic, and taking a step back is often beneficial [10:02][Image 157].