Five Ways I’ve Simplified My Life Using Pen and Paper Alongside Technology
Technology is so cool. We’ve all got smartphones and smartwatches glued to our hands and laptops ready to jump into action — but sometimes, it feels like managing all those apps and systems becomes more work than the tasks themselves. Don’t get me wrong, I still rely on my devices for a lot of stuff, but when it comes to staying organised and productive, I’m still loyal to the good ol’ pen (or pencil in my case) and paper.
Here’s why.
1. Writing Things Down Helps my Brain Remember Stuff
There’s something magical about physically writing things down. Whether it’s a to-do list, shopping list, or a random idea I don’t want to lose, putting pen to paper feels like locking it into my brain. I don’t know about you, but when I’ve written out a list, I rarely need to look at it again. It’s like my hand sends a direct message to my brain saying, “We got this!”
Take food shopping, for example: I used to use apps (evernote) that track everything down to the aisle, but I always had to keep my phone out and keep checking it, which is actually a pain in the ass. With a handwritten list, I just jot everything down on whatever scrap of paper is lying around, and suddenly, I can walk through without needing to pull it out again. Writing things down makes them stick — and I never have to remember which app has the list.
2. Pen and Paper Helps Me Focus (No Notifications)
One of the biggest benefits of using a notebook or whiteboard for planning is that it forces me to focus. With digital tools, there’s always a notification pinging in the background or an urge to check something else online. It’s easy to get sucked into that pesky vortex of distractions.
With pen and paper, there’s none of that. Well, apart from maybe the occasional urge to do a little doodle… but apart from that — It’s just me and the task at hand. I don’t have to fight against a screen full of tabs or reminders, and I can work without interruptions. Plus, having a whiteboard right in my face means my to-dos literally stare me down all day. There’s no way to avoid what needs to be done!
3. It Gives Me the Freedom to Be Messy
When it comes to brainstorming or planning out ideas, pencil and paper allow me the freedom to be messy. I can scribble between the lines, draw daft faces and create links between thoughts without worrying about formatting or structure. There’s something satisfying about this process that digital tools don’t quite capture.
While I do use apps like Google Keep on my phone for quick notes when I’m on the go, the actual brainstorming happens on paper. There’s a kind of raw creativity that emerges when you’re not confined by the structured environment of a digital app. I can spread out ideas across a page, connect them in ways that feel organic, and take up as much room as I want. For me, writing things down this way allows ideas to flow more freely.
4. Handwriting as a Personal Legacy
In a world where everything is digital and fleeting, handwriting carries a certain weight. As a dad of three, I’ve realised that something as simple as a handwritten note can be far more meaningful than a file on a computer. My notebooks and journals — filled with tasks, thoughts, and daily plans — are not just practical tools; they are also a record of my life.
Imagine leaving behind a handwritten journal or planner for your kids to find one day. It’s more than just words on a page; it’s a piece of you, captured in the way you wrote, the notes you made, and the sketches in the margins. Over time, these little details become a part of your personal legacy. My children may not care about my shopping lists, but perhaps one day they’ll find value in seeing how I organised my life and juggled work and family. Also you find random little treasures like this…
This idea has added a whole new dimension to how I use pencil and paper. I’m not just writing things down for myself — there’s a chance that, one day, my kids will look back on these pages and see a snapshot of who I was at this time in my life. I’ve even started keeping a small journal where I jot down thoughts, plans, and moments from my day. It’s a simple, personal way of creating something that might outlast me and be meaningful to my family.
5. The Therapeutic Benefits of Handwriting
Finally, the act of writing by hand can be incredibly therapeutic. In our fast-paced digital world, taking a moment to write something down can be a form of mindfulness. It encourages you to slow down and focus on your thoughts, creating a sense of calm. When I’m feeling overwhelmed, I find that writing and doodling helps to clear my mind.
This practice also allows me to reflect on my day, jotting down what went well or what I’m grateful for. It’s a small but effective way to maintain a positive mindset, especially as a busy dad trying to juggle multiple responsibilities. Writing becomes a sanctuary — a place where I can express my thoughts freely and process my emotions.
While technology offers (and I use) some amazing tools for staying organised, there’s something timeless and grounding about using pencil and paper. For me, pencil and paper is easier. I’m certainly not an advocate for reverting to pen and paper, nor do I think there’s anything inherently wrong with digital tools. The point is less that pen and paper is great, and more that, if your system is working — stop tinkering with it. Sure, try out a new app once in a while if it fills a need, but don’t download every new app going.
