Why I ditched my fancy pocket notebook (and what works better)

Sometimes the best productivity lessons come from admitting when a 'perfect' solution isn't actually perfect for you.

You know those beautiful little pocket notebooks, or “EDC notebooks” that seem to promise a more organized, creative life? I spent some time trying to make them work for me, even specifically asking for a leather-bound one as a gift. But what I discovered about the reality of carrying a pocket notebook – and why my smartphone ultimately won out – challenged a lot of things I thought I knew about personal productivity tools.

The Pocket Notebook Promise

We've all been there - standing in front of a beautiful blank notebook, imagining how it will transform our productivity. I was particularly drawn to the idea of having the perfect capture tool always within reach, right there in my pocket - I mean, it’s a good idea.

Like many of you, I tried several approaches to make this work. From simple 3x5 index cards to that special leather notebook I specifically requested as a gift, I was determined to find the perfect pocket-sized solution for capturing my thoughts and ideas.

The appeal made perfect sense on paper. Having a dedicated tool for catching those fleeting ideas, one that never needs charging and works anywhere - it seems like the ideal solution for staying organized and never losing an important thought.

But here's what makes this journey interesting: sometimes the tools we think will revolutionize our productivity end up teaching us completely different lessons. The reality of carrying and using a pocket notebook turned out to be quite different from the idealized version in my head.

Have you ever found yourself holding onto a productivity tool or system simply because it seemed like the "right" way to do things? Let me share what I discovered after months of trying to make this work.

This Week’s Favorite

Reality Check: What Actually Works

Let me share what my time trying to make the pocket notebook work taught me about finding the right tools for capturing ideas.

The results might surprise you, especially if you've been feeling guilty about not using that beautiful notebook sitting on your desk.

When Physical Notebooks Make Perfect Sense:
• You work in electronics-restricted environments
• Your job involves harsh weather conditions (waterproof notebooks like "Rite in the Rain" are perfect here)
• You need to sketch or draw frequently
• Security protocols prevent digital device usage

The Unexpected Challenges I Found:
• The mental overhead of remembering to carry the notebook everywhere
• Consistently leaving it behind at home or in different locations
• Limited space making it hard to write clearly (especially with my less-than-perfect handwriting)
• Having one more thing to keep track of daily

Why My Smartphone Became the Better Solution:
• It's already part of my daily carry
• Opening any note-taking app is just as fast as pulling out a notebook
• Works offline when needed
• Never runs out of space
• Always readable (no handwriting issues)

Do I still use a notebook at my desk for focusing down to my top goals for the day and random notes? Yes!

And I think that the hybrid approach is the best overall - I just don’t get hung up on having my notebook with me at all times.

The Most Important Takeaway:
Don't beat yourself up if a "traditional" productivity tool doesn't work for you. The best system is the one you'll actually use consistently, even if it's not the one you originally thought would be perfect.

Tip: If you're still curious about pocket notebooks, try this low-stakes experiment - carry a simple index card for one week (one for each day). Pay attention to how often you actually use it versus reaching for your phone. This simple test will tell you everything you need to know about whether a pocket notebook system is right for you. You probably want to toss a pen into the mix too 😃 

Remember: Your productivity system should work for you, not the other way around.

Sometimes the best solution isn't the most romantic or traditional one - it's the one that seamlessly fits into your life.

Extra Extra

• Cool explanation of a hybrid note taking approach with some good ideas for both.

• Speaking of notebooks - my video book review on The Notebook: A History Of Thinking On Paper

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