I use a mix of offline and online tools to boost my information retention and productivity. This process has helped me with different goals: navigate projects, stay on budget, keep track of my media consumption, develop healthier habits, manage documents, and even learn languages.
Offline Tool: Morning Pages
I journal with a notebook and a pen. My preferred method is morning pages: a stream-of-thought way putting thoughts on paper without form, structure, and expectations. The only goal is to write down one thought after another, as they come.
This is a habit that I picked up from Julia Cameron’s book entitled “The Artist’s Way” [1]. I do this primarily for mental clarity and to improve focus. Since I’m able to get some of my initial, recurring, or random thoughts out of my head, I won’t be too distracted as I go about my day.
Offline Tool: Bullet Journal
I use a different notebook for my Bullet Journal [2]. I have been using this system since 2014, and I love it for its customizability, practicality, and adaptability. I’m able to use it for different projects/purposes; jot down my tasks, goals, and ideas; and keep them all in one place.
My Bullet Journal also functions as a commonplace book [3]; I’m able to keep a record of notes, reminders, quotes, lists, lyrics, and solutions that I encounter in conversations with people or from different types of media. These little notes are organized by date and by tag, so it’s easier to go back to interesting references.
Online Tool: Google Suite, Notes, and Notion
All of the important information that comes from my offline materials gets migrated to my online tools. I use a combination of Google Suite, Notes, and Notion. My choice of platform will depend on the purpose of the material.
All shareable documents, sheets, appointments, and presentations that require collaborative effort will be on Google Docs, Drive, Sheets, Calendar, and Slides. All information that I have to occasionally pull up are on my Notes. Everything else can be archived on my personal Notion, so that I can see an overview and keep an archive of important notes, documents, and databases.
One Last Note
This system has taken me a few years to develop, but it is tailored to my needs. I have tried various platforms; many of which have only expanded, duplicated, and/or oversimplified my process. I have also watched so many videos on people’s processes, so I understand how one would feel a little overwhelmed with the many different options to creating personal systems. Personally, I’ve found myself going back to these tools and practices every time I’m shifting priorities, going through changes, or handling multiple projects.
Take from this what you can, want, and need. Integrate systems that work for you and help you in your phases, projects, and processes. Don’t worry about sticking to one single system, buying one specific type of notebook, or subscribing to an all-in-one app. The best tool to equip yourself with is the one that you might already have.
Set an intention. Develop a habit. Trust your process. Adjust as necessary. Let your systems coexist with you.