Episode 006: Want to boost your productivity? Write it down!

In this episode, we’ll discuss the the benefits of writing things down and how this simple act can make you more productive and happy.

In today’s world of high-tech, the thought of writing things down seems archaic. We have all of these great tools available to us, so why not take advantage of them?

I am a confessed tech kind of guy. I love all the new gadgets and tools that make things easier in my day-to-day life. However, nothing beats the “Old School” process of writing things down. Here are my 7 reasons why you should be utilizing the pen and pad.

1: STAY ON TOP OF YOUR PRIORITIES I don’t know about you, but the older I get, the more I seem to forget things. This problem is amplified by all of the things being thrown at me during the day. The expectation that we stay on top of things in our work and personal lives increases daily. Believe it or not, our brains have a limited amount of space and eventually something will fall through the cracks. How do we fix this problem you might ask. Write down your priorities and keep them available for future reference. If it is important to you, then write it down.

2: HANDWRITTEN NOTES TEND TO BE MORE ACCURATE AND DETAILED I am usually more accurate with information when I write it down. The fact that you are writing, makes you focus intensely on the information. This means that dates and details are documented with the most accuracy when writing them down. You will also collect more details during this type of information transfer. Some researchers suggest that the act of typing notes, leads to limited processing of information. Give it a try and write it down.

3: CAPTURE THE MOMENT It is strange how my thoughts and ideas seem to pop up at the oddest of hours. I know that if I don’t capture those thoughts right away they will be gone in just a few moments. I keep a pen and a pad on my nightstand. I can’t tell you how many times I have written something down and the next morning did not even recall doing it. I would have lost those thoughts and ideas, had I relied on remembering them. Just another reason to write things down.

4: AIM HIGH AND THINK BIG When you write things down, no matter how big or small, it opens up a world of possibility! You can get “real” with yourself when you write things down. We have a chance to think about the possibilities, to explore our dreams and ambitions. It allows us to think big without the negativity from external sources. Writing things down allows us to expand on our dreams. Give it a try, you won’t be disappointed.

Wow, pretty powerful stuff.

“When you write down your ideas you automatically focus your full attention on them. Few if any of us can write one thought and think another at the same time. Thus a pencil and paper make excellent concentration tools.” Michael Leboeuf

5: CREATES COMMITMENT & ACCOUNTABILITY The moment you decide to write something down, it becomes a commitment. Writing things down makes it more likely that you will take action and reach the desired result from that note. It also lends itself to being accountable for creating the desired results that you are looking for. This type of personal accountability is a strong motivator and results in more completed tasks and deadlines being met. Write it down and take action.

6: MENTAL HEALTH Many experts recommend that each of us start the day by writing down and everything that comes to mind. Sometimes this activity is called “morning pages“. This act is a great way to clear your mind and free up that used space to get started with your day. I have been doing this regularly for a few years now and I would be lost without it. Nothing beats getting up and enjoying a warm cup of coffee while writing in my bullet journal. It allows me to reflect and be thankful for all I have. It really sets the day up for success. You should give it a try.

7: KEEP A RECORD OF YOUR JOURNEY The act of writing things down will help with your productivity, but it will also help record your life’s journey. This little task will become a great way to look back at the good and help you grow from the not-so-good. This activity is a great way to measure where you are today compared to where you were in the past. It is empowering to see our own development. Heck, you might even learn something about yourself, that you never realized in the past.

We have gone over 7 powerful tips on how writing things down can make you more productive. Now it is your turn. I challenge each of you to take a moment to think about which of these steps would benefit you the most. Then I challenge you to take 30 days and utilize the process of writing things down. I can assure you, that after those 30 days, you will have learned something about yourself and in the process become more productive.

Go ahead and give it a try.

Have a great week everyone and until the next time, we get together remember to Be safe and kind.