Going from a digital- to a paper-based organizational system

Hello! I hope everyone had a happy new year. I hope to get back to you soon with new and exciting pencil reviews, but in the meantime, I read this and thought I should share it. I know this isn't a personal productivity how-to site, but judging by reader comments, I think the majority of our vested readers will appreciate it.

From D*I*Y Planner:

Real Life Experiments: Going from Digital to Analogue (Part 1)

Al is technology/gadget obsessed nut with more PDA's, keyboards, mice, PC's etc than would normally be considered sane. He is obsessed with books, writing, organisational tools and has an ingrained belief that some things will always be better done the "old fashioned" way because it's still the best way to do them. He also has an iPod loaded with music from Mozart to Motorhead and he has a wonderful, tolerant girlfriend he doesn't deserve; and two cats that politely humour him.

This is my story. Of how I came to use digital gadgets and then how I got myself out of using them. As far back as I can remember I've always kept a diary. At first, it was all paper based. Then one day, I saw my first Palm Pilot and decided that I couldn't live without one. This simple moment started my quest to discover the perfect electronic planning solution. Of course, in the beginning I didn't own a computer, so that complicated my use of the Palm. That and the fact that I decided I could live perfectly well without the new toy. So into “the drawer” it went and I didn't think anything more about it and returned to my trusty diary and notebook. Peace was restored in the form of a brown leather, personal Filofax...

(Read more at diyplanner.com.)

I find his story to be really true to my experience. I want to post my organizational systems confession soon! After trying all the computerized planners I could get my hands on, I am now happily using a Moleskine Weekly Planner + Notebook, and it suits almost all my needs.

How about you? Please share your organizational systems.

-Andy Welfle

Comments

[Don Jacobson]

I was never tempted by the electronic gadgets. I carry a pocket edition Day-Timer, 2-page-per-week format. I have only two to three appointments per day, and maybe five or six to-do's, so the Day-Timer is perfect for me. Portable and easy to use. What could be better?

[slywy]

I have to admit I don't have one, really. I don't have much to organize and am amazed at how much time some spend organizing their lives. That said, what little I do have to organize is either done in my head or on paper. There's something tangible and real about it.

[Gunther]

I use a dual-track method. On one side, I am a die-hard Palm fan since 2001 and I wouldn't be without it now for contacts, reminders, databases etc. On the other hand, I favour paper-and-pencil-based input methods for ideas, sketches and similar things. They provide the sensory impressions that most of todays technology lacks and offer much more features for free-form notes.