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At times, it seems much easier to jot things down in my notes app or add important dates to my digital calendar instead of writing them out. While convenience has its upsides, it also has its downsides. When it comes to journaling, note taking, and planning, I’ve realized that I strongly prefer pen and paper over digital tracking. I do believe digital tools have their place, but I’m firm in believing that writing things down is one of the best ways to truly keep track of things.
When I write notes digitally, I rarely go back to them unless it’s for something specific like password storage. For day to day planning, to do lists, or things I want to remember, my notes on my phone and computer have turned into long files that I never revisit. And when I do eventually open them again, I often have no idea what I meant or even remember why I wrote them in the first place.
A digital calendar is a bit different and definitely has its rightful place. When I’m at a doctor’s office or quickly checking availability with someone, having my calendar on hand makes it easy to mark dates and times. However, when it comes to planning ahead in a more intentional way, I much prefer sitting down with a paper calendar and writing out plans for the week, month, or even the year.
I’m no stranger to paper planning and journaling. I intentionally tried digital methods for the last five years, and I’ve come to the conclusion that paper simply works best for me. Digital tools are useful, but they are not meant to replace writing things down entirely.
Not only does writing things down improve memory and focus, but I’ve also noticed that I’m more likely to actually complete tasks I write down. Things tend to get done more quickly and with a greater sense of urgency, often without me even realizing it. There is plenty of research that supports why writing is beneficial, but even without diving deep into studies, the difference is obvious in my own experience.
I also enjoy writing because pen and paper don’t need to be charged, don’t come with endless distractions, and create a clear boundary between my digital devices and my journal ecosystem. My journals are quiet and calming, unlike devices that constantly pull my attention with notifications.
Many journals and planners are also conveniently sized, making them easy to slip into a purse or bag. While they aren’t as small as a phone, they’re predictable in size and easy to bring along without feeling bulky.
Journaling and planning allow me to be creative in how I organize my thoughts. From color choices and markings to annotations and photos, it becomes a productive creative outlet rather than just another task.
Right now, I’m rebuilding my journal ecosystem. I use an A6 binder planner that holds my daily life, including mini calendars, to do lists for the day and week, scriptures, and photos for vision planning. I also have a separate notebook dedicated to goal planning, where I keep a running checklist and expand ideas as tasks evolve until they’re completed. Another journal is used solely for gratitude, where I write down things I’m thankful for.
I plan to continue expanding this ecosystem by adding a daily journal for documenting my days and another dedicated to Bible study. I’m still learning how to efficiently compartmentalize each journal, but I’m comfortable allowing this system to grow naturally rather than rushing the process.
If you’re someone who feels overwhelmed by digital tools, writing things down might be worth revisiting in a way that works for you.
DaisDiaries 
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