{"id":1179,"date":"2017-05-09T12:19:54","date_gmt":"2017-05-09T05:19:54","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/christweten.com\/?p=1179"},"modified":"2020-11-11T13:58:11","modified_gmt":"2020-11-11T06:58:11","slug":"notebook-productivity","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/christweten.com\/notebook-productivity\/","title":{"rendered":"Notebook Productivity: The Value of Using a Physical Notebook for Task Management"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
Various studies have shown benefits in taking notes with pen and paper. Notebook productivity sounds counterproductive but it truly isn\u2019t. We live in a digital age, but old fashioned ways still have their merit. Does this apply to task management? I don\u2019t know for sure. Personally, I use a combo of digital efficiency tools alongside physical notebooks, to get shit done. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
There are studies on taking notes by hand improves memory<\/a>. However, I couldn\u2019t find any studies on how using notebooks affects productivity. Nor could I find studies on using them together with services like Trello or Todoist. That said, it works for me and might work for you. Give it a try and see for yourself.\u201cApparently there is something about typing that leads to mindless processing. And there is something about ink and paper that prompts students to go beyond merely hearing and recording new information\u2026\u201d Association for Psychological Science<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n I won\u2019t immediately dive into the benefits of writing in physical notebooks. We have to also consider software designed for task management. Trello<\/a> is my Bible of efficiency and transparency. We assign ourselves tasks so that everyone else can see what we\u2019re working on. When necessary, we assign each other tasks that are essential to our personal efforts. Another great aspect of Trello is being able to ask team members for help on tasks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Todoist<\/a> is my personal productivity tool. I prefer its PC version over web or mobile app. You can create categories of tasks, allowing more on the fly flexibility than Trello. My essential categories right now are: Work, Health, Personal and Memes. Sometimes when I get into the zone, I forget to eat. Or I\u2019ll eat much later than I should. That\u2019s where my Health tasks come in. Making memes is my relaxation, so I set aside time daily for it after my work is over.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Making task tracking a habit is conducive to high productivity and higher success in hitting goals. Being analytical is something I learned from competitive gaming<\/a>, but the core concepts are up for anyone to run with.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Learning and memory are amplified when writing things down<\/a>, compared to typing. It\u2019s a psychological benefit of writing in a notebook for task management. It doesn\u2019t matter what kind of notebook you use.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Many blogs do in-depth comparisons of notebooks (usually Moleskine vs x<\/a>), but it doesn\u2019t matter what you use. There\u2019s no need to splurge on Moleskine<\/a>; think and work lean. Don\u2019t listen to the pretentious blogs reviewing notebooks and pens. You\u2019ll grow your own preferences.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Personally, I prefer hardcover notebooks for their durability. I also love a classic RSVP or above average price point roller ball pen. Not because I like nice pens or anything like that. I get upset if I lose my<\/em> pen. It becomes an important part of task management to me. Placebo effect? Probably, but it works for me.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Books are heavy. I like to travel. Over the years, I\u2019ve thrown out plenty of my books used for nothing but meeting notes and task management. Using the same pen for a notebook and actually running out of ink is satisfying. It\u2019s rare for me. I usually lose my pens. Getting to the last page of a notebook is satisfying as fuck. You can flip back and look at exactly how much you\u2019ve accomplished.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Here\u2019s my current stack that I\u2019m extremely proud of:<\/p>\n\n\n\nAdvantages of Digital Task Management Tools<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Why Using a Physical Notebook for Task Management Works for Me<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
My Routine of Writing Checklists in a Physical Notebook<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
The Sense of Accomplishment from Writing Things Down<\/h3>\n\n\n\n