While I may lag light-years behind my grandsons when it comes to using electronic devices, I do appreciate technology and the conveniences it offers—when it works, of course. Among my peers, I usually hold my own. I’ve had to learn a lot of techno tricks in order to write, publish, and promote my own books and to teach others what I’ve learned.
But one item I can’t see myself ever letting go of is my daily planner. The paper kind. I’d feel lost without its ability to tell me what I need to do on any given day, where I need to be at what time, what bills need paying, what I’m making for supper, and so much more—all in one spot. Sure, they make apps for my phone that would do all the above electronically. Let me flesh out seven reasons why I’m sticking to my coil-bound planners.
1. Writing things down boosts memory. Studies confirm that writing information down by hand makes your brain more able to store that knowledge for later. This means I’m more likely to remember an appointment without even checking my calendar/planner—although I will.
2. Writing things down frees my brain because instead of worrying whether I’ll remember to pay that bill, I can relax knowing my planner provides all the reminders I need. If I relied on my electronic device, I’d fill brain space wondering if my device might die or malfunction at a critical time.
3. Listing my tasks for the day helps me stay focused. One study found we are 42 percent more likely to achieve our goals if we write them down. Getting into this habit also teaches us how much is reasonable to accomplish in a day, which in turn increases our chances of success.
4. Checking tasks off gives me a dopamine boost. If you’re wired like me, you derive such great satisfaction from checking tasks off your to-do list that if you do something that wasn’t on the list, you write it down for the sheer pleasure of checking it off. Your best days end with crawling into bed having completed what you set out to do.
5. My planner inspires me. The last few years, I’ve been using the planner created by Our Daily Bread, which comes with lovely monthly photos and inspirational messages. I’ve used others with daily jokes and some with adorable photos of pets. Some planners come with pages you can decorate yourself with felt pens, stickers, or colored pencils. Indulge with abandon!
6. Referring to my paper planner provides a screen break. We all know the benefits that come with getting off digital screens regularly. If I’ve just spent an hour writing a column on my computer and then turn to my paper planner to mark the task complete, my eyes and brain receive the break they need.
7. My planners provide a record. I’ve got annual planners stored in boxes going back to the eighties. They’ve been used to settle arguments, find birthdays and anniversaries, and to go for a walk down memory lane in ways my digital calendars never would. I enjoy the reminders of long-forgotten trips and events, don’t you?
I know it’s not New Year’s yet, but if you like paper planners—or you’re thinking about using one—now’s a good time to order one for 2024. I recommend anything about 6 x 9 inches, spiral-bound, with one week on each two-page spread so you can see the week at a glance. But that’s just me. Pick what works for you!
(Speaking of calendars, I hope yours is marked for this Saturday, October 21, for my come-and-go book release between 11:00 and 2:00 at the Portage Library. I’d love to see you there!)
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