It's been a year since publishing this and we have officially crossed 3 Million views! The support is unreal! Quick note, if your looking for this notebook for $1 you’ll need to find it in a dollar general. I posted a link in the description if you don’t have a DG close by, but they are a little more than $1 apiece. Also the pen I use (it's nothing special)

there's a Korean trend/phrase for choosing tactile, "old-fashioned" things to escape our fast-paced, digital lives. You see it in the States too but it's more associated with hipsters or the cottage-core aesthetic. It's called "analog life" where people choose to listen to vinyl records, have ticking clocks, use pencil or fountain pens, read physical books, make pour over coffee, sit in a cabin and stare at the scenery or listen to the rain, go camping and cook on a fire, etc. It's basically intentionally choosing things that might take longer but enjoying the process of it and slowing down your mind, almost meditation in a way.

I've found that buying a cheap notebook is more valuable than an expensive one. Fancy journals make me nervous about writing something dumb or make me more concerned with making the notes look nice, rather than freely expressing the thought.

As someone with ADHD, carrying a small note pad and pen in my pocket at all times has completely changed my life.I can keep to do lists, make quick notes of things to remember and really helps me get stuff done all day.

In my 20s, before phones, I’d carry around a little notebook everywhere. I’d be on a bus, someone would say something cool: A neat phrase, a word I didn’t know the meaning of-but sounded good, or even the name of a corner store I thought was interesting. I’d scribble it all down. Afterwards I’d leaf through and write songs based on all these little sparks. I’ve never been so prolific! Thanks for the reminder!

I’m a 63 year old engineer who uses electronic devices to keep my life in order. I’m super disciplined and have no issue with it. But being from the baby boomer generation I’m still attracted to paper quite often. Either using paper to make lists or picking up a paper copy of a magazine. I watched your video to see why a younger person would want to spend more time on paper. I was totally impressed by your open mindedness and stating the obvious about distraction. Keep up the good work and push the message to others. Our distractions today can be reduced by choice; just like you’re doing. Well done.

Seeing a young person discover the mental peace that existed for all of us prior to smart phones is pretty neat. There is something to be said for the freedom of not being electronically tethered.

As a 16 year old who just started carrying around a little notebook like this one about a week ago it was very cool to find this video and see others come to the same conclusion I did about a week ago. Planners never worked for me because they were too big and felt too important but this little notebook feels just informal enough for me to use it. I’m starting school tomorrow with a to-do list already written on my most recent page so I can keep track of all the stuff I need to do all without having to deal with the strict phone policy of my school. Wish me luck! :D

It is scary for me as a 63 year old guy seeing crowds of people walking around in the streets or sitting in cafes with their heads literally plugged into their smartphone. No-one communicates anymore in an age of communication! People are alive to the internet but dead to each other. It is refreshing to see this video speaking up for the age old art of paper writing. I will no doubt write this in my notebook! Thank you for posting - entertaining and enlightening.

Until the 1990s, it was common for adults to carry with them "a little black book" or something similar in a suit pocket or handbag. That little black book had phone numbers and mailing addresses of relatives and friends, lists of things to do, appointment reminders, birthday reminders, ideas and plans, poems they wrote, hand-written recipes, etc. This was very, very common in the days before smart phones. And that little black book never needed charging to function.

I remember back in 2006 when my sister was in college and I would visit her, students didn't really have smart phones. I carried a notebook with me at a party and was writing down rules to drinking games and a guy asked me. "Why are you carrying a notebook with you?" To which I responded "Dude we are in college." He nodded in agreement.

Every decade or so, a new generation learns the "secret" of writing things down.

I’m 54 and always carry my ‘junk book’. Creative ideas, lists, brain dumps, whatever. Calling it a junk book makes it feel durable, portable and totally unrelated to the internet’s corporate agenda.

I love this video. The "have you ever opened your phone to do something specific and got distracted" bit resonated strongly with me. Attention hijacking is so real. Another positive for the notebook over the phone is that upgrades and replacements are so much cheaper, and no contract or hidden fees! Seriously, good stuff.

You just cannot beat the feeling of a paper and the tactile learning when you write something out. My memory is better when I engage as many senses as I can into my learning (paper books, pen writing etc). I’m such a paper/pen kinda gal and people jokingly call me a grandma for it. I’m in my 20s lol

My creative writing teacher never let us submit our assignments digitally. We had to write out all our ideas and stories in the notebooks she gave us on the first day. Of course everyone hated her for it and felt it was a stupid rule. Looking back, I am forever grateful she did that. Physically writing my ideas helped me to better connect with the characters and stories. Not to mention my spelling drastically increased from not having autocorrect😅

It’s wild to me that using a daily notebook isn’t a common occurrence for the younger generations, but I’m stoked to see that you have found joy in non-tech mediums! You’ll start to cherish those notebooks and you’ll find you remember what you wrote years even 10+ years later.

Man I love the idea of reclaiming ourselves from the digital world. About a year ago I got tired of my Apple Watch telling me to breathe and switched to a vintage Timex. I got tired of recharging AirPods and switched back to corded headphones that work every time I need them to. I don’t say these things in a smug hipster way but to intentionally live on my terms and use my tools instead of the other way around. Thanks for this video

It’s good to note how well of a speaker and presenter you are actually. In fact, I didn’t see myself losing my attention to anything because you structured the video, and your words so well to where I didn’t WANT to get distracted. Well done!

I actually started doing something like this during March of this year. As an artist there’s so much pressure for what i put down in notebooks or sketchbooks-i feel as though everything i write down/draw must look aesthetically pleasing right off the bat. And the fear of it “not matching the aesthetic” of what i had previously drawn or of the cover of the book, i refrain from adding anything into it. But then i bought a tiny little 3$ 200-page blank sketchbook and thought “screw it I’ll put anything i want into this, no matter how messy or pretty.” I referred to it as my raw thoughts. so many thoughts, quotes, ideas, and feelings have been poured into it, and it’s one of my favorite notebooks to this day. I still have around a hundred little pages left of it, too. Instagram has also been taking so much of my focus and energy to the point where I just deleted it, and coming across this video makes me even more eager to continue writing in that little raw book. Its quite inspiring to see your journey with your little book too :)

I fills my heart with joy when I see younglings discovering the pleasures of analogic life. No constant notifications, no empy batteries, no fear of having your notebook stolen for it's market value. You are the master of your time and your activities, and you control when you have contact with other people.

I struggle with ADHD and anxiety. Writing in a notebook has fundamentally changed how I process my emotions and Ideas. Or just my thoughts general. I guess you could say it changed my life in some way? Anyways, I think the biggest advantage that comes from writing, is simply the amount of time it takes to write something down. Within the amount of time it takes to write down a thought or idea, you get time to refine and focus your train of thought. It really helps me slow down, and most of the time (if not every time) I gain new insight that I hadn't previously observed. Also, keep it up! It's obvious you put a lot of effort into your videos and it shows! Can't wait for what's next!

Using a notepad is one of the best medium to focus your thoughts! Great video! 👏

The NSA will not be happy about this.

Relate to this 100%. And the neuroscience looking at distractedness, even with a device that's "turned off" yet within reach, is crystal clear that our devices influence us negatively in ways we don't appreciate

This is why I like real books as opposed to e-books. Of course, I'm older and grew up before the computer age. About a year or more ago, I dumped Social Media. It was too distracting and very addictive. I'm definitely better off. I also started writing a journal and that's been a good thing for me. Stay the course you've plotted young man. It's much better and healthier for you.

I agree completely. My grandmother, who journaled for many decades, inspired me to start journaling in 1983. Needless to say, I’ve considered many reasons to write with my pen in hand (or pencil). Great video, well projected! Thank you.

As an artist, my physical sketchbook is irreplaceable! Not just for my creative growth but also for my emotional health! Plus I can’t tell you how many ideas I’ve forgotten about writing down but getting to reread forgotten ideas is always a fun surprise!

Thank you for saying "...it couldn't care less." It makes me crazy when people incorrectly say "...could..." I love this! I've been using a paper planner, commonplace book, and journal for years and I wouldn't trade those for anything. For me, I love the ability to just pick up my journal and see a thought or a photo or a memory without swiping or having to make sure my battery isn't too low, etc. You're so right about being "present" when you don't have your phone. It's a precious gift to have that time.

I'm a college student and I've found that taking actual, physical notes and drawings of things on pen and paper is vital to my absorption and memorization of my class content. Yes, it takes much longer to write on paper than to simply type, but that's kind of the point. It makes me focus more on what I'm reading. I really don't study much outside of my normal note taking and I find I don't need to mostly because of this technique.

You touched on something that I have been thinking about for a while and I think I'm going to start running with it. Before smart phones I used to write "my brain" in a little book I carried in my back pocket. I can't remember the last time my mind felt collected. I'm going to dive into this. Thank you.

why is no one talking about how great your storytelling is! aside from the idea of writing on a notebook, the art of your storytelling together with the mix of film-like plus the vlog-like visuals and how good your sounds matches the emotion of your script. you also incorporated a character with a funny humor in the story that enhances the whole experience of watching your video. No wonder I am convinced that writing on a notebook was actually good for us.

the most problematic thing I face with a notepad or pen and paper is the anxiety of filling a notebook with useless stuff. I don't think twice about filling my hard drive, but something about the limited space of paper really gets to me.

The pride and satisfaction that comes from seeing your old journals, sitting there full of memories all together, it just can't be matched. I have 5 used journals my current one for the last 7 years or so, and seeing them all together is amazing.

I have ADHD. I struggle to get my thoughts in order - pretty frequently. I have LOADS of notebooks for random things, and important things too. I love the thought of carrying one around to keep me sane when I’m not at home and don’t want to forget all of the important things. Putting my phone down now. This is awesome.

Now ditch the phone. And welcome to my life.

Thank you so much for showing me this! I decided to try it. I had the goal of carrying it everywhere for a month. I've been carrying a little notebook everywhere for almost 2 weeks now. I absolutely love it. I have it jam packed with content. Journal entries, little drawings, appointments, comics, shower thoughts, even random garbage for the sake of random garbage. I numbered the pages, and added a table of contents for quick reference to important pages. It's organized chaos and it's my own little slice of heaven. Once it's full I'm gonna buy another one. Again, thank you so much for showing me this!

You are criminally underrated. This level of cinematography, dedication, and editing is on the level of people with millions of subscribers. This is a wonderful idea, great video!

As a 43 year old woman who loves to notebook and journal I am so happy to see things come full circle for the younger generation. Keep it going guys!

i love your 'i really really wanted this to be me' line - it has such a strong resonance.

I'm 20 and have been filling a notebook each month for 2.5 years now It helps me to process my feelings and collect ideas for creative projects; often I use it as rubber duck to solve problems I feel like it's so important to actually keep writing and reading as an adult I can't explain it but it does something with the brain... have been feeling this ever since I graduated from school

This is everyone’s hidden superpower! 3 years ago I started writing every day. At first I was shocked at my handwriting and poor spelling, because I’d not used those skills. It soon came back and my confidence grew. The physical act of writing lights up the brain way more than typing a keyboard. I’ve 2 notebooks - my “scribble” one where I get things down on paper, a “neat” one where I write the notes properly as a reference. That material comes from my brain, and writing it twice ingrains it deep. Then you discover nice pens, the fun of different ink colours (fountain pen ink is incredibly varied), and a nice pen glides across needing no pressure at all - so lessening cramps etc. And handwriting becomes an expression of who you are - it identifies you to others who recognise it, and when it comes to birthday cards or notes or letters, nothing is more significant than a nicely written thought from your own hand. My brain feels way more alive and responsive than it did 5 years ago. I work in IT, but my problem solving and thinking is done away from the computer and simply on paper - it gives me freedom and clarity. Like you, I cannot leave the house without some paper and a writing implement - doesn’t have to be fancy as you’ve shown, the key is just to start - 5mins a day is a good goal, and don’t let any rocky experience put you off, like I said I was appalled at my efforts to begin with but I kept going to now it’s a major hobby and part of my day. Top tip: if spelling a word keeps catching you out, just learn that spelling - soon you’ll have most of the common ones you use often, and you’re then on a roll!!!

I felt it was important to recognize the fact that his notes are written in cursive.

Hi Austin! Glad we could help contribute to improving your life. We love this simple but practical tip!

I used to carry a notebook as a memory aid (I have misplaced it). It truly helps. When ever I would meet someone, I would ask for their name, and have them spell it (hearing issues) and write it in the book. The simple process of writing it down helps it go from short-term to long-term memory. This is just one of the uses.

My late husband was very tech savvy and certainly embraced tech, but he always had a mininotebook in his pocket and a pen and used it constantly. He liked the feel of a good pen in his hands (I still have his collection of cartridge ink pens) and was quite picky about the quality of the notebook! Keep embracing writing in your notebook--you may one day write a journal, a novel, letters to your loved ones...😊💖

I thoroughly enjoyed watching this as a journaling enthusiast myself (meaning all thoughts out on paper, not diary style). You also kept me quite entertained with the great music and images! As a 53 year old educator I was also intrigued by you writing in cursive, which seems so rare nowadays with younger people! Thanks so much for sharing a way that so many of us really NEED for the way our brains work! I will surely be watching for more! Thanks!

I started dream journaling (writing down all of my dreams that I remember) a few months ago and I decided to use a pocket notebook for it, I thought I would go through the pocket notebook in very little time because it is miniscule compared to regular sized notebooks I normally use (yes, when I'm creating I write with pencil and paper, I prefer pencil because you can erase and it doesn't make a mess). Surprisingly though, in dream journaling you don't write as much as when you're consciously writing a script or a text, so I haven't even gone through half the pocket notebook.

Was bummed when I left my phone at home once. Then I got to the store and realized not a single person could get ahold of me. I went from bummed to bliss. It honestly felt liberating. And yeah man I’ve had to repeat an idea over and over in my head while I swipe away notifications on my phone. Usually I forget the idea or forget where I put it digitally. The tiny notebook eliminates that

Dollar Tree sells packs of mini thread-bound pocket notebooks. When I was working there, I started carrying one during my shift. It's incredible that, at least back in 2016, that the notebook was allowed on the sales floor while my phone was to be kept in my locker. Was a paradigm shift for me and I have never looked back.

I have a sketchbook and pencil in every bag I own, because I used to write and sketch out my thoughts whenever I had free time. I've largely replaced them with my phone because it's easier to pull out my phone and use it to record information and take notes. Granted, I use my phone mainly as a tool rather than for SNS/gaming so it's closer to a digital notebook than a distraction. 1. Notes app for writing short stories and random shower thoughts/ramblings. I can cut and paste blocks of text to organize my notes. 2. Camera to take picture of things like presentation slides, notes on blackboards, sale items, inspirational images, QR codes, and interesting things to reminisce. I can organize them into folders. 3. Video to record complex tasks like operating a machine, people explaining directions, and fun/interesting things. Also can be organized. 4. Voice recording for recording snippets of songbirds, natural sounds, and voice memos, 5. Drawing apps to sketch out thoughts and designs.

It's a strange thing but absolutely true. If you constantly use shorthand for writing things, you eventually forget how to write and spell correctly. If you rely on stupid emojis, you'll find it literally impossible to express yourself in a meaningful way when speaking with people. And yes, those damn smart phones are actually making this generation the dumbest in history since they can no longer do the simplest things for themselves. Who would send a text message to someone rather than an actual phonecall? Wouldn't you prefer to hear that person's voice, their intonation when they respond or react to something you've told them? Oh yes, those damn emojis again. No, we're taking several huge steps backwards as time progresses and most will get lost in the shuffle.

Thank you Austin you gave me the push I desperately needed it. I deleted my Twitter, Instagram, Snapchat and TikTok account months ago, however I held on to Facebook convincing myself it was to keep in touch with friends. I often fell victim to doom scrolling, comparing myself so forth and so on. It took a toll on my mental health. I’ve always been a fan of journaling and find comfort in always having pen and paper on me. So again I thank you for reigniting something that I stopped doing because of the distraction on my cellular devices. New subscriber alert!

I used to journal in physical notebooks religiously as a child; those things went EVERYWHERE with me. Then I purchased my first iPad mini, switched to electronic for convenience, and it didn’t quite have the same appeal, but I kept at it. Then college hit and I gave it up completely. You have single-handedly inspired me to take up journaling again, and in a more versatile manner. Put all those notebooks I have laying around to use.

Thank you Austin!! I'm 66 years old and have been trying to force myself away from paper. But I miss it & am am not succeeding. Your talk makes a lot of sense & has encouraged me to return😊 I'm off now to get a nice Moleskin & decent pen. Happy days.

KZfaq has been pushing this video so hard to me the last several weeks and I'm very glad I finally watched it

My Grandfather carried one like this in his shirt pocket at all times. He was always writing in it. He called it his brain, he gave me my first one and I have carried one ever since. It’s interesting just how handy these are. I love going through the handful of my grandfathers notebooks that had been put away in a old cardboard box. They were going to be thrown away so I snagged them.💕

This video reminded me of a huge notebook I used to write all my story ideas in when I was ten. I filled so many pages back then, but nowadays I struggle to write a single page on my computer. I have a hard time feeling motivated. Now, I wonder what would happen if I tried going back to that notebook.. I honestly think I should try. Thanks Austin!

We had Notebook Binders for each class when I was growing up. We were taught in class how to use them and a lot of our class and homework was turned in to the teachers on Notebook Paper. Later on Spiral Notebooks became the norm. I remember when computers were introduced in the classroom and it wasn't even close to the brilliant ones of today. Those computers were extremely primitive and extremely expensive for the average person. I still use Notebooks and Notepads for things. I am glad that you have discovered an ancient way of Note keeping since parchment was in use. I am always pleasantly surprised about today's technology because we used to have more things and spend more money in the past just to realize it's all in one place. Prime Examples 1. Traveling to see the latest movie 2. If you missed it then you had to wait until either 2 years before it was shown on TV and hopefully don't miss it and have to wait some more or then we witnessed the invention of VHS which sped up the process but still had to travel to get the movie, then the invention of DVD so now we needed a TV, VHS player and DVD player and gas or a ride to watch a movie, and now it's all on my phone. Just saved, space from all the equipment, time traveling to get everything , money from traveling and buying equipment just to watch a movie . I think it took me 7 or so years to get caught up on all the movies and T.V. show episodes that I missed growing up in the 1970s and 1980s. Google is pretty amazing it used to be extremely better when it first came out. It's a world library in my hands. Of course only 25 percent is actually available publicly online compared to what is actually in all the libraries, universities and museums physically have available. Google is good for common knowledge things and entertainment. At least I can look up definitions and use the GPS which is also Amazing because maps are awesome unless you were lost traveling back in the day and needed a new map to find buy unfold and try to figure out where exactly you are on the map😅. We watched technology take and give employment. Making packaging certain items safer to the public. I remember when the Microwave was first introduced to the public and they were expensive at first and we used the oven or open fire to warm up and cook anything. It's amazing that you shared your experience with our old school education curriculum. Blessings to you and yours 🎉

Love this and the stories of the writer. I grew up in the 90s in Jamaica where my schools made it a requirement to carry a little notebook for remembering, journalling, diagramming, planning etc. It's now an unbreakable and very useful habit.

We are now living in a time when a generation is amazed at the idea of writing in a paper notebook. 🤯

I accidentally got a pack of these thinking I was getting really cheap normal notebooks and they changed my life.

Just ran across this gem of a video and I'm hooked. Not just on the tiny notebook idea but your humorous, down-to-earth advice. Happy to be a new subscriber!

I've been doing this back in highschool. I recommend using a pocket-sized spiral notebook without lines. The spiral binding makes it easier to use the notebook and the lineless pages removes the restrictions set by your subconscious whenever you see lines. This allows you to lessen the clutter and write more on the notebook. It's even better if you have a pen that you could fit inside the spiral binding.

This is awesome. I'm 54 and hearing someone this young doing this and seeing these things for the first time. I constantly carried a note book everywhere I went for years. At work, camping, shopping, concerts etc... I stopped when cell phones became the standard. But about 3 or 4 years ago I started again. To do lists, idea list, grocery lists. Calander. Drawings. Notstion while in important conversation. Can't live without it now. There is something inherently different when you write things down physically, on paper with your hands. It interacts with tour brain in an entirely different way, as if you are imprinting it onto your memory. Great video, thanks!

I don't take my phone out with me that often because it's a pain in the ass! I've also been taking notes, recording my thoughts, writing lyrics, sketching architecture and design ideas and melodies for over 40 years! It never gets old...

So grateful that my search for “how to make your own handmade notebooks” for teaching my students somehow led me to this video (and the picture of your mini classic composition notebook!). I needed to hear this so much, thank you for sharing your perspective and experience. I am definitely a tactile person and have been feeling the need to get back to writing more. My phone has totally distracted me from one too many innovative thoughts.. it is so true there is no distraction with pen and paper. Great perspective shift

I always carry a notebook and pen with me, but I also always take my phone too. Last week I had to be away from home for several days and forgot my phone. I felt a bit of 'separation anxiety' initially, but eventually it became a nice break from "being connected". I filled up pages and pages with ideas, to do lists, journalling, sketches for craft projects. Feels good to get my thoughts out of my brain and on paper.

As with many of the previous commenters, I am also older. I always have a notebook with me. Shopping lists, party plans, meeting notes, etc. They are easy to keep, never deleted, and doesn’t need charged. Plus, there is so much satisfaction in physically crossing things off of a to do list. Great video! You’ve earned a subscriber!

I've been journaling for my entire life. I don't physically write my personal day to day thoughts in a notepad anymore since i have an app, but i do still write other ideas down physically. I physically write notes for things I'm privately studying, along with new ideas and epiphanies. I still prefer physically writing, since digital feels more surface level, considering it can be deleted in an instant. Thereby making digital feel fleeting and insignificant. Anyway I've noticed that there's a small trend happening with gen z where they're rediscovering the old ways by going back to flip phones/dummy phones. I think its a brilliant idea to ward off self-induced anxiety and depression. Gen z, if they're gonna take baby steps, need to delete all their social media accounts starting with tiktok, IG and Twitter. Then graduate to dummy phones, then the mini notebook method. Get your friend groups in on it so you don't feel like a black sheep.

On top of a note book having a diary and writing what you did that day , tasks, family problems, appointments, ect ends up being very helpful/important when say 10 years later something comes up and you can say oh I’ve got it all written down in my diary and boom it’s there on paper easy to access. I’ve been doing it since I was early 20’s

this is basically what i did while deployed in the navy for like 9 months and man. its one hell of a ride to look back on. its a tiny moleskine, beaten to hell, but it didnt leave my back pocket once for the entire deployment. would write random thoughts and things i needed to remember, random doodles, and everything in between. its like a time capsule that reminds me how much i am glad im not in the navy any more. its precious.

Great video, but there is a HUGE vulnerability here, for which I offer a fix. Someone could find the notebook if you leave it behind, and embarrassing thoughts could be made public. Example, you could write through some job anger, and it could be found by someone you work for. I could picture a high school kid writing about their crushes in a notebook, and then having it found by a romantic rival. I personally solve this by (1) not putting my name in the notebook (instead I have a dead-end gmail at the front offering a $25 reward to anyone finding the notebook and contacting that gmail... I got it back from an Uber driver that way); and (2) using pseudonyms/code names for friends, family, and employers. In earlier centuries people actually devised their own language codes, which is why Pepys's diary had to be decoded.

My mom tried to get me to use a planner, but I never did because it was just too big and important looking, and the pages had stuff all over for organization. This seems a lot better for me. Funnily enough, I was just yesterday thinking of the idea of keeping one of these cheap tiny notebooks in my pocket at all times, for keeping track of assignments at school. It’s like youtube read my mind. Creepy.

I watched this video last week, and since then have started carrying a small notebook around. I used to collect field notes because they look cool, but they were just collecting dust, so I decided to put one to good use. There were a few days that I even just left the house for a few hours without my phone and only the notebook. Having a way to express my feelings through a mean that isn't talking or artistic has been incredibly therapeutic. It's helped me slow down and also reminded me that writing and spelling without autocorrect can be a skill lol. I've been really invested in keeping my screen time down, so I created a personal focus in my iphone that basically turns it into a "dumb phone" with notifications only for text and call, and minimal/ only essential home screen apps. But this notebook has helped me keep that screen time down even more, just wanted to say thank you.

I love the way you expressed how your brain recalibrates when you don’t have access to a phone. You’re not subject to the whims of anyone who might want to contact you at any time of day. it is so refreshing to not be attached to my phone, but lately I’ve seen myself becoming more attached to it just because people might see it as irresponsible to not respond quickly and thus it’s now a source of distraction always having it. I’m wanting to get back to that feeling of being unplugged. Of being one person in the room who’s not on their phone and probably doesn’t even know where it is. I’ve tried so hard to get into little notebook using because it’s so cool and I think I’ll give it another try now!

After 5 years at my current job, I still get asked why I write my daily to-do lists in sketch books instead of just using Onenote that comes on our work computers. I still have to explain that I just much prefer writing by hand. Not only because I like my own handwriting, but because it feels so much better than clacking away at a keyboard. There's also the record keeping aspect of it. All my coworkers delete their notes after they complete a task, whereas my literal paper trail only gets bigger with each day. It's helped me in multiple situations when something goes wrong and we have to backtrack to the source.

I am 41 and I grew up right when Nintendo was getting big. I love older cars, I wear an analog casio watch, and I am outdoors a lot. I don't understand why people want a mini smart phone as a watch, and infotainment system in their car. If I need GPS I simply mount my smartphone on my dash and use that. It is sad we live in an age where we are talking about missing writing on paper.

Even during the age of phones, I carried around a notebook like this during my internships and jotted down copious thoughts. I wish I could find that little notebook now!

You stopped me from scrolling. Hooked me in instantly. Incredible storytelling. I’m inspired!

I spent a lot of time and money buying notebooks that were only used for a few pages. One day I only had a mini notebook around me to make a list and that made a huge difference. Obviously you can carry it everywhere, like you showed, but for me, the feeling of obligation to fill an entire large notebook was too much. The mini ones don't give me that anxiety. I also started writing from the last page of the notebook to the first page. I don't know the psychology of that but it helps tremendously! Thanks for the video!

This is a great idea to slowly detox from social media tbh.

distraction can come from anywhere, not just your wired technology. If you're being pulled away by distraction, then you need to control it. Sure, writing notes manually is fine, but one can still be easily distracted by things in their environment. I manually wrote all notes for collage, as well as undergraduate, and graduate studies in university. Everyone from my generation did. And, I still do it a great deal to this day. However, it's not about the tools you use, or the medium. It concerns more how you train your mind to focus on what you want to do without allowing distraction to deviate your thinking.

I’m a hybrid planner. I use my phone’s digital calendar and task apps, but also write it all in my Hobonichi Techo planner. I always have a Field Notes notebook in my pocket for quick notes, meeting notes, etc. I have to say that you have really tapped into my love for analog planning and note taking. I cannot over-exaggerate telling you how good this video was. Your take on the subject is spot on. Great job! Now, to go see what else your channel has to offer and perhaps subscribe. Seriously… this was a great video. Thanks for sharing. -Randy

Welcome to the notebook club. I do enjoy the silence of paper. I appreciate you for highlighting The importance of getting to paper without the detailing features of the electronic gadgets. You clarified that "senior moments" are moments shared by all- when we forget a brilliant idea. Notebooks are wonderful space for creativity

thats why i carry this notebook thats my sketchbook + art journal + journal + planner + everything else everywhere i go

I found that it's important to have a journal that looks nice, but not too nice. If it looks a little cool then it can inspire you to write, but if it looks too precious it'll seem like you might damage the book with poorly thought out words One day I went to a newsagent in the UK and picked up a notebook and felt it, squeezed it, opened it, maybe smelled it. The clerk must have thought I was a bit strange, as if I were an extraterrestrial who had never seen a book before. However, I did confirm that it met several criteria and I bought it for a pound. I still have it around here somewhere. Recently I haven't journaled so much, but I'm still a big advocate for the process. It's one of the greatest habits to help a person develop their creativity... and their character.

Jim rohn got me to truly understand the value of the notebook. As the years go on, and your library grows ( with your journals and other books ) you'll look back with astonishment. Again I can't express enough how carrying around journals the last 2 years has significantly improved my life and slowed down this racing brain a bit. I already have a bin full of journals like a crazy person.... i like it.

I'm 32, and I feel like I grew up in the last decade before technology REALLY took off. I still hold onto the things that feel real... paper and pen, journals, notebooks, real books with textured paper and that special book smell... no app will ever replace any of this for me. And for the same reason, all the art I create is with pen, pencil, paint and paper. Theres something subtly magical about it. Something no phone could replace. Loved this video ❤

My friend gave me a small notebook to write down thoughts back in high school (I'm in my 30s now). It changed my life. Phones subtract from your life. Actually using your brain when writing thoughts and ideas and notes in a notebook adds to your life.

My parents had a couple of those notebooks as teenagers and there filled with notes, vents, arguments, etc..

We had green notebooks about that size when I was in the Navy. It was called a "wheel book" by some, and an "ass brain" by others. Very useful things, especially for keeping track of what you are doing and why. Long before I'd ever heard of "bullet journaling," that thing helped me keep on task and identify anything that kept me from getting the job done. I highly recommend getting yourself one.

I don't carry a notebook with me but I definitely collect notebooks. I love the feeling of opening up a fresh new page and just writing away on it. I have so many notebooks filled with all my ideas for art projects or animations.

"The artists way" got me to start writing again.. morning pages, write 3 sides of full size notebook pages first thing in the morning before you do anything else. Its a thought dump, also they have become my therapist. Its become a ritual and gets the day started on a good note 😅 thanks for this post! Lets reclaim our attention span

It's so funny that I kept nodding and agreeing to this guy the whole video. In the last year, I had one of those wake-up calls that was telling me I needed to be more alive, you know? Because if you're like me, whenever I look up at the world from my phone, it kinda feels 'fleeting.' That was the time I discovered journaling made me think more clearly and now, I made it a rule not to bring my little rectangle(my term for phone) everywhere as long as I think it's not logically needed. I made it a rule to not ever touch it or bring it out whenever I'm with my family and friends, and moreover, not to spend my free time scrolling on it. And since then, I have felt more alive, more free, more present. It feels incredible to see some youths discover the same renewing feeling these things bring. I love the video man, keep up the wonderful work.

I think more people need to bring neurodiversity into this conversation. Because what you just described, the good and the bad, are all what it’s like to live with moderate to severe adhd. The good part is hyperfocus, we don’t need to leave our phones behind to give our complete undivided attention to something, I don’t read messages or acknowledge the outside world when I’m writing an essay. The bad parts are you forget what you’re doing cause something distracted you, but that thing that distracted you wasn’t a phone it was literally anything like a wall being that right texture just instantly erased my brain’s memory. For people with ADHD phones are incredible tools, I often put on videos of people talking in the background when I’m at home or alone to focus better, visual stimulation and bright colors gets my creativity going, I also feel like company’s schemes to steal my attention don’t work because I never remember advertised products, I don’t buy a lot of things I don’t need because I forgot they exist and wasn’t reminded because I clearly didn’t need that thing.

Man, I love to see that someone else also has a habit like this! I call my notebook my "commonplace book" because I put all of my thoughts into it! I really like how you said that what you write down is organic, and I guess it works the best when it grows naturally. Can't wait for future videos!

awesome you discovered this little treasure. I am now 59 and have had a notebook or journal since I was about 12. Now, one of my most precious treasures are notes, recipes and little writings of my mother who passed on in 04. Seeing her handwriting brings joy and comfort and makes me stop for a moment and think of the memories we had together. So there is more to that little book than just your thoughts and reminders. keep them and one day your children will look back and say wow, dad went through this too., so I am normal. It will provide a thread that will connect the history of you weaving through them.

When I got my dumb phone I actually had the thought "how will I remember anything without my notepad app?!" ... then I realized there were actual notepads I could just stick in my purse. Ditching my smartphone was the best decision I've made in 2023.

As a tip to younger people who haven’t habitually kept a notebook before, I would say, 1. Go for a very basic and very standard notebook. The kind you might buy in a pack from the supermarket or dollar store. You can also buy or make covers to fit them which you shift onto each new one. 2. Use the cardboard backing or cover for basic information: eg contacts (include your own) Write that kind of stuff from the back towards the front. You can write reminders from the back and (gasp!) tear them out later. 3. Make sure that the format is one that suits the lifestyle you really have: the clothes you really wear every day or the standard pockets of a backpack or purse. 4. If you don’t mind small size pens, then you can jam mini pens down the spiral or binding, or clip it across so it doesn’t add to the outline size of the book. And since these little pens tend to come in packs, you can have one in every coat or bag. A “space pen” is great because they don’t leak, break or dry up. But you have to be realistic about how reliable you are, as these are expensive to replace.