We all have different systems and tools when it comes to planning. Some are purists – who use solely digital or solely analog tools for planning, organizing, etc. While some prefer to use both – using the strengths of each system to their advantage.

Putting pen to paper helps increase retention of information and maybe that’s why there is still a growing number of people who choose it over digital. There is just something about writing on paper – the tactility perhaps – that help us with recall. While effective, it is not always the best medium to store information and sometimes can be counterproductive. Writing on paper means you most likely have only one copy; leave it behind and you won’t have a copy of your data. Sometimes, writing on paper takes more time than using an app that can automate your work.

With digital tools, there are times when information goes unnoticed, buried in emails, folders, or browser tabs. Sure, your data is out there but there is always a chance that you may forget that it exists or where it’s stored.

Using both analog and digital could be a better way to address the weakness of each system. These two can co-exist, of course. If you want to learn more about using both analog and digital to be more mindful and productive, keep reading to learn more.

Analog Solutions

Bullet Journal (in a Traveler’s Notebook)

The Bullet Journal is my primary planner/organizer/diary. If I could use this exclusively, I would. But as much as I want to cram everything in one notebook, it isn’t as efficient as I’d like it to be. In the past, I have been able to just use one and that was when I only had one full-time job. I migrated from a Leuchtturm1917 to a Traveler’s Notebook with the intention of using multiple notebooks that I can carry around with me.

My TN (Traveler’s Notebook) Bujo has 3 inserts:

1. Index and collection pages (all lists)
2. Monthly logs and daily logs
3. Brain dump, blog drafts, ideas

Read: Why I Moved My Bullet Journal to a Traveler’s Notebook

Work Notebook (Ideas and Notes)

I still have a 9-5 job – as a Product Manager for a tech company. When I work, I prefer to write notes and ideas which I jot down in the “brain dump” insert my TN Bullet Journal. I loved the idea of keeping everything in one notebook because it was simple. However, I wanted to have some semblance of work-life balance so I decided to separate my “work notes” in a notebook that I deliberately leave at my desk.

Morning Pages Notebook

While this isn’t technically a “planner”, my morning pages notebook is where I plan to plan or pre-plan my day. The Morning Pages is where I mindlessly dump my thoughts as a form of self-care and mindfulness.

Read: How I Benefit from Daily Journal Writing

Whiteboard

I recently purchased a whiteboard (that has a corkboard too!) so that I can use it to brainstorm and to keep reminders of my priorities for the week. It’s hung on my wall and I see it every single day so I use this whiteboard to nag me into doing things written on that board. Aside from that, I find using a whiteboard more efficient when it comes to planning as well. In addition to the whiteboard, I purchased one that already had a cork board because I needed space for my coupons, receipts, and the like.

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Digital Solutions

The digital solutions listed below are what I believe are more effective solutions to manual (writing) tasks. I enjoy automating tasks so that I can “set and forget” and also believe that digital tools can really save you time time – even if it’s just a minute. These apps and tools might not be the best for everyone but keep reading to understand the logic behind my personal choices.

Digital Calendar (Outlook)

I list down events and appointments in my Bullet Journal – and I do that so that I can easily remember them. One thing that the bullet journal can’t do is actually remind me when my meeting is about to start. I keep all of my appointments in my digital calendar (I always use Outlook because of work meetings) because I can set a reminder.

Trello

I used to write blog drafts and schedule in my bullet journal. It was effective for a while especially when I was in a writing slump. Over time, the bullet journal has not been able to sustain the number of ideas that needed to be worked on. Fortunately, I have been exposed to productivity tools such as Trello.

I use Trello to plot out topics that I want to write about on Rediscover Analog and then set target dates for publishing. It’s definitely easier and more scalable than writing it down on paper.

Notes (iOS/Mac)

I write most of my notes down on paper because I feel that it will just get lost in a notes app. The benefits of keeping notes and data on a digital platform is that you can access it anywhere (if it’s stored in the cloud). If I know that the information will need to be access elsewhere in the future, I make sure I add it to my Notes app. I chose to stick to my iPhone’s native app because I regularly backup my iPhone – and I can easily navigate from iPhone to Macbook.

Typically, what I have on my Notes app are:

• Passport details (secured)
• ID numbers (secured)
• Reference numbers (when you call customer support)
• Grocery list
• Shopping list
• Packing list

Other options: Evernote, OneNote, Google Keep, Dropbox Paper

Reminders (iOS/Mac)

Ever since Apple improved their Reminders app, I found myself using it more. I still write most of my tasks in my bullet journal but I turn to my Reminders app for recurring reminders and the “remind me” feature – especially when messaging a person.

Health (iOS)

If you’re in the bullet journaling world, you are familiar with sleep tracking spreads or water tracking spreads. I have tried (and kind of failed) with tracking my habits, sleep patterns, monthly cycle. This is personally something that I couldn’t keep up with anymore. Since iOS already tracks my steps, my hours of sleep (through Bedtime), and my cycle, I found no reason to track it on paper (except my cycle, which I just mark in my Monthly Log).

Spendee or Mint (app)

First of all, I tried tracking my savings once in my bullet journal but after that, never again. I found tracking savings on paper a waste of my time. It is also not secure (anyone can just walk to my desk and flip my bullet journal open). Secondly, most of my payments are already in digital form and therefore, that information is readily accessible online. And with all the budget and expense tracking tools that your bank account can connect to, it’s definitely easier to manage your expenses, income, and savings.

The tools that I use will definitely change over time and it will depend on my lifestyle. For example, when I wasn’t working full-time, I remember not needing a digital calendar – everything was in my Bullet Journal. I didn’t find the need for a whiteboard up until I was starting to review for a certification. Yes, it will be ever-changing and you will constantly need to find tools to better fit your current lifestyle. Don’t be afraid to explore new things that can potentially boost productivity and increase mindfulness!