Can I Write This Down?

Yes, I do see the irony with writing using a keyboard and connected device about writing things down in a paper and pen setup, but grant me a little leeway on this one, OK?

This subject came up for me while I was watching YouTube videos about journalling. I have been attempting to journal using the Bullet Journal method for some time now. I’ve never been able to find a system or method which works for me and allows me to stay with journalling on a regular basis. I’ve tried using various notebooks, including a Moleskine setup where the pen recorded my writing digitally so I could view it on my phone. I’ve downloaded the Notability and Goodnotes apps to my iPads and used the Apple Pencil with them to journal. I’ve even used e-ink devices like the Boox Note Air 3C to journal using a Wacom stylus.

The problems I keep running into:

• What do I write down?
• Where do I write it down?
• Is digital or analog note taking better for me?

I prefer the bullet journal method as I like to keep track of my tasks and events in a system which does not depend on another ecosystem. For the longest time, my smartphone and tablet were the center of my planning universe. I would use Apple or Google apps dedicated for calendar events or task lists, or I would find 3rd party services and/or apps for the same types of productivity tracking.

As big tech companies have become less and less trustworthy, however, I’ve begun looking at alternate ways to journal. When I originally cane across Ryder Carroll’s Bullet Journal method, I thought I had finally found my solution: an analog method of journalling I could use away from my technology. The new problem I discovered was staying with the process, especially when I wouldn’t always remember to have my journal with me.

I fixed this next issue by splitting my journal into two: an A5 journal where I would track long term things, such as my exercising or reading, and an A6 “pocket” journal I would keep on me for tracking day to day items. This has worked out very well, especially on my vacation as I’ve only brought my pocket journal with me. This still brings up the question of WHAT I journal?

It was this video by YouTuber Matt Ragland, specifically what I saw on Matt’s smartphone lock scren at about 55 seconds in, that answered my final question:

One simple phrase – CAN YOU WRITE THIS DOWN?

That’s when I realized I can use my journalling IN PLACE OF my devices.

Whenever I spend money, write it down and track my finances in my journal so I can see my spending history at a glance.

Whenever I read, write it down and track my reading process in my journal so I can follow my reading likes and dislikes, plus start writing about those books.

Whenever I exercise, WRITE IT DOWN so I can see how well I stick to it and how it correlates with my journey to improve my health.

Basically, if I can track, document, or write it in my journal instead of my phone, DO IT.

This doesn’t mean I won’t use my phone and apps to also track things. I’ll still use You Need A Budget, for example, to help with my financial planning. Before I enter it in YNAB, though, I’ll first write it in my journal. If I find journalling something is better than entering it into my phone, though, then I’m more than happy to cut another reliance on technology.

My plan is in place. Now, let’s see how well I stay with it.