Physical vs. Digital Planning
Who even uses paper anymore? A lot of people nowadays advocate for digital planning, and even today you can download planner apps that mimic the look and feel of a physical paper agenda. Digital Planning has its benefits. It eliminates paper waste and you most likely only have to carry one device instead of several notebooks. There are many intuitive tools and apps that sort your content systematically so you don’t have to flip through pages.
I myself go back and forth between physical and digital planning and honestly think, that both are excellent tools. Considering this time and age, and seeing the effect of digital exhaustion, I do think physical planning has some advantages over digital planning that make it a better choice for some people. Here are six reasons why you should choose physical planning over digital planning:
- Better memory retention: We all learned that writing things down helps us remember them better. When we write things down, we engage our brain in a more active and complex way than when we type or tap on a screen. This means that physical planning can help us remember whatever we write down more effectively.
- No distractions: Digital planning tools can be distracting, especially if you have notifications turned on. When you use a physical planner, you give yourself time and space for planning without the temptation to check social media or being interrupted by a notification. This can help you focus better and be more productive.
- Customizable: With a physical planner, you can customize it to your liking. Not only can you choose the size, color, and style according to your preferences, but you can also use your favorite pens and markers and incorporate planning accessories like stickers and other planner decor. This makes it more enjoyable to use, helps you stay motivated.
- No need for batteries or chargers: No more worrying about running out of power or finding an outlet. This can be especially important if you're on the go or traveling.
- Great for visual learners: If you're a visual learner, a physical planner can be a great tool to help you organize your thoughts and ideas. Using different colors and symbols to represent different tasks or priorities, which can help you better understand and remember them.
- Less screen time: Very self-explanatory, but using a physical planner instead of a digital planner is not only beneficial for your brain but also for your eyesight.
So what are you? Team physical or digital planner? Or does it depend on the situation and purpose?