Have you noticed that all tasks seem to lead to your phone in some way or another? Whether to do the task itself, or to do side tasks related to the main one simply because you end up wondering something else on it.
The ease and accessibility of a multi-purpose device is undeniable but it has been collectively also destroying our ability to focus and get any single task done before switching to something else. As a result, many people seem to be resorting to paper in an attempt to gain clarity and focus doing several tasks.
In this article we will examine several ways to use paper to increase productivity.
Planning and Task Management on Paper
As a chronic planner and to-do lister, one of the first things I noticed was how less satisfying was to cross tasks off a digital list than something on paper. As practical and eco-friendly as the digital medium is, it somehow feels less involved and immersive, which is in my experience detrimental especially when laying down your daily tasks.
Notice that if listing out your to-dos is one of the first things you do, tying that activity to your mobile device is a way to ensure you get distracted and start the day in a rut of dispersed energy without the separation and friction needed to make you disconnect and get on doing your tasks. For this reason, I have started growing fond of paper again for to-do lists or broad monthly planning/targets (planner style), despite still planning my commitments and calendar-blocking using Google Calendar on my devices.
The only real con is the amount of paper wasted and the fact sticky notes and random pieces of paper may be lost or forgotten for you to carry.
I have found a solution though. The best compromise between the immersiveness of paper and the eco-friendliness and accessibility of digital lists is reusable notebooks and paper with the ability to scan pages if you need it (as an example you can check out the Infinity Book solutions or other brands with similar offerings).
Reading Physical Books
The consumption of e-books has been increasing in the last few years. Although I am a big proponent of e-books as a way to take advantage of short bursts of time and more accessibility to read more books, it is no lie that physical books can offer a bit more immersion to the reading experience which may make you retain and remember more information.
Reading physical experiences offers a sensory experience that digital books cannot replicate and it offers less distraction since a book is a one-purpose object with little to nothing but your mind to make your attention drift away (unlike your phone or tablet).
Brainstorming.
As much as I love my Apple Notes, it is a completely different experience being able to carry a small notebook to jot down ideas. Not only does it feel like a more personal and private experience, you have little to worry about since you can write and draw everything with a pen.
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