My 2 notebooks
It’s been 210 days since I wrote my last blog post. That’s seven months! Practically a lifetime in blog years.
Did I get lost? Yeah, that happened. But here I am, back on the road. Writing isn’t a race against anyone else. It’s just me vs. me. And every time I write, I’m reminded that getting thoughts out of my head and onto the page helps me reflect, reset, and realize how much I’ve changed or haven’t. I’ll probably read this in a few months and go, “Really? That’s what I thought? I was/am so naive.” But hey, that’s a sign of growth.
Anyway, onto the actual topic.
Last week, someone asked me why I still write notes with a pen and paper. Not on my laptop. Not on Notion. Not on some fancy AI powered productivity tool that promises to 10x your output. Just two good ol’ composition notebooks. The kind you can buy at a dollar store.
It’s a valid question. Especially in tech, where if it’s not digital, it might as well be carved in stone. I gave them a half-joking answer: “I’m built different. I’m a hipster.” But truthfully? It’s not about being different or anti-tech. It’s not even about that research everyone cites about how handwriting improves memory and retention. That’s a nice bonus, but not the reason.
The real reason is context switching.
While most programmers avoid context switching because it kills efficiency, I’ve found it can actually enhance my focus when used intentionally. When I grab a pen and start scribbling in a notebook, my brain shifts gears. It’s like going from fifth gear on the highway to cruising a scenic side road. I focus more. I listen better. I show up. There’s something about the analog ritual that helps me be present, especially in meetings where Slack notifications are screaming for attention.
And it’s not just about attention. It’s about intention. Writing with a pen tells the person across from me, “Hey, I care about what you have to say.” No alt-tabs, no unread emails looming in the background. Just ink and focus. Plus, when your whole day is spent staring at screens, there’s something oddly refreshing about switching to paper. It’s almost rebellious. Like I’m cheating on my laptop with a $1.29 notebook from CVS. And honestly? That side hustle with paper has boosted my efficiency more than any productivity hack I’ve tried.
Now, will this last forever? Definitely not. As I get older and my wrist starts complaining thanks to carpal tunnel, I’ll need to find a new system. One that doesn’t leave me deciphering my own cryptic handwriting like it’s a doctor’s note.
But for now? Pen and paper still work for me. It’s not the fastest. It’s not the prettiest. But it works. And it reminds me to slow down, tune in, and think with more intention.