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Most people want to be more productive, but even the most fastidious of us can get sidetracked when using productivity apps, thanks to never-ending smartphone notifications (you’ve got mail! Likes! Tweets!) That’s why some of the best productivity planners come in paper form: they can help us manage our time, check off our to-do lists, and reflect on our wins (and mistakes) so that we can be more effective in the future.
Sure, your screen is probably still within arm’s reach, but it’s much harder to get distracted by the pings and pop-ups when you’re busy putting pen to paper. And science backs the benefits of analog journals, as Harvard Business Review notes that keeping a work diary can help foster focus and patience, among other desired virtues.
How Do Productivity Planners and Journals Work?
Whether you’re scatter-brained or a meticulous organizer, the key to getting things done with a planner is by finding one that suits your needs. Here’s what to consider as you’re shopping for the best productivity journals and organizers.
Calendar format: Are you looking for a top-level view of your life, or do you need to plan hour-by-hour? Some planners include daily, weekly, and quarterly sections, while others might be more focused on project management and monthly planning.
Business vs. personal:Some planners are geared towards entrepreneurs who might want to track quarterly goals and revenue, while personal journals can help you focus on self-growth. There are also notebooks that fuse both approaches by offering designs that encourage you to take stock of what you’re grateful for and where you have room for improvement.
Size: Productivity planners come in all sizes, from the standard letter size (8.5 inches by 11 inches) to A5 (5.5 inches by 8.3 inches). The former is great for those who want plenty of writing space, while the latter is a great travel-friendly option.
