An "Old School" Productivity Hack (With A Touch Of Technology)

Technology is a wonderful thing but;

Sometimes an “Old School” approach is better or;

At the very least, a useful complement!

That’s why (in addition to setting alerts) I use a special notebook for my daily tasks but;

My reasons for using it might surprise you!

First, it feels damn good to physically check things off the list.

When we experience even small amounts of success, our brains release dopamine, which is connected to feelings of pleasure, learning and motivation. When we feel the effects of dopamine, we’re eager to repeat the actions that resulted in success in the first place. Neuroscientists refer to this as “self-directed learning.” Hat tip to the folks at self.com for pointing this research out!

Next, it’s a 2 part insurance policy if I hit a wall.

From time to time, all of us experience feelings that we aren’t getting the results we should be getting.

When I get those feelings, I look at my notebook and the weeks and weeks of action items I’ve been completing. That reminds me that I’ve been busting my ass!

Your 8th Grade Math Teacher Would Be Proud!

Do you remember how your math teacher would ask you to hand in your worksheets (in addition to the assignment or test) so they could figure out HOW you came up with your answers?

You get the same benefit with the notebook because you can look back at WHAT Types Of Activities You’ve Been Focused On.

Makes it WAY Easier to do a course correction when things aren’t going as planned.

Here’s How I Marry Old School With Technology;

I just started using the Rocketbook and it’s already been a Godsend!

The Rocketbook has icons at the bottom of each page that you’re able to customize.

You assign a destination for each icon and then;

You mark the icon where you’d like the page to be stored (examples include Evernote, Google Drive, Slack, OneNote, iCloud, etc.)

You scan the page with your smartphone (and the Rocketbook app) and you now have it stored in an easily retrievable (and searchable) location.

And for you environmentalists, the Rocketbook has reusable pages.

So now, I can go back and search what I was working on during a particular time frame.

I can search my “To Do’s” by keyword.

So there you have it folks . . .

A few reasons to utilize a notebook to keep track of your “To Do’s”.

Why aren’t we working together?

It’s a new year, in a new decade, and;

You need a BETTER plan and someone to make sure you’re working it!

EVERYONE NEEDS A COACH!

Especially those who THINK they have it figured out!

Paul Castain's Blog