Interesting!! I hand write in my planner every day/week and I really enjoy it. Although most of it is also duplicated in my phone.
But why is it that strictly "journaling" is notoriously difficult even if we know it's good for us? It's like stretching, eating vegetables, and meditating...
I'm not sure we need to "journal" in the sense that we have some preconceived notion of the right way to do it . There is a huge amount of pressure when it becomes performative rather than fluid. From a cognitive standpoint, writing in a planner is as good as a journal. From an insight perspective, it's possible that reviewing. your planner provides a moment of pause to consider choices and options rather than being reactive. Pretty good outcome if you ask me!
Excellent that you bring this up. I started doing this a month ago and it helps. I’m just over 60 and this is how I did things for 40 years. It keeps me more connected with my clients and easier to remember things. Use it along with your electronic system. Can only help!
Thank you the interesting article and perspective!
I’m curious whether writing with a stylus pen on a device / iPad has a different impact or similar benefit. It allows for changes end easy editing and I wonder whether that convenience (whether used or just known) potentially works against our mental processing consciously or subconsciously
Thanks for taking the time to comment! From the cognitive activation perspective, the act of writing by hand engages the brain and the brain doesn't care what you are writing on. Convenience isn't bad in and of itself. What you might miss is a degree of mindfulness compared to pen and paper HOWEVER, it's also possible that knowing you can make changes relieves pressure of internal standards and allows freer and more creative thought. I would suggest doing an experiment and trying both to see how the experience compares.
Interesting!! I hand write in my planner every day/week and I really enjoy it. Although most of it is also duplicated in my phone.
But why is it that strictly "journaling" is notoriously difficult even if we know it's good for us? It's like stretching, eating vegetables, and meditating...
I'm not sure we need to "journal" in the sense that we have some preconceived notion of the right way to do it . There is a huge amount of pressure when it becomes performative rather than fluid. From a cognitive standpoint, writing in a planner is as good as a journal. From an insight perspective, it's possible that reviewing. your planner provides a moment of pause to consider choices and options rather than being reactive. Pretty good outcome if you ask me!
YES. I’m a huge proponent of this in my own work and writing about it too. Great post.
Thanks Polly!
Excellent that you bring this up. I started doing this a month ago and it helps. I’m just over 60 and this is how I did things for 40 years. It keeps me more connected with my clients and easier to remember things. Use it along with your electronic system. Can only help!
I love hearing about personal experiences like this! Thank you!
Thank you the interesting article and perspective!
I’m curious whether writing with a stylus pen on a device / iPad has a different impact or similar benefit. It allows for changes end easy editing and I wonder whether that convenience (whether used or just known) potentially works against our mental processing consciously or subconsciously
Thanks for taking the time to comment! From the cognitive activation perspective, the act of writing by hand engages the brain and the brain doesn't care what you are writing on. Convenience isn't bad in and of itself. What you might miss is a degree of mindfulness compared to pen and paper HOWEVER, it's also possible that knowing you can make changes relieves pressure of internal standards and allows freer and more creative thought. I would suggest doing an experiment and trying both to see how the experience compares.