Notebooks lie at the perfect intersection of “productive” and “aesthetic.” So many of them have gorgeous covers, and I’m particularly fond of notebooks with large golden spirals—the color just looks so classy and makes me feel a little bit more put-together.
Yes, I rely on Google Calendar and the to-do apps on my phone to keep track of basically everything, but I carry at least one notebook with me no matter what. Confession: I have maybe half a dozen notebooks sitting on my shelves, some never used and a few with only a fraction of the pages written in. I will get around to all of them someday. They’re essential for jotting down key thoughts that are easily lost in the digital clusters of notes on your phone, and it’s much easier to retain information if you write it by hand rather than typing.
To save paper (and extra weight in my backpack), I use one side of my notebook as the “class side,” where I write down my notes during class and other key information that’s mentioned. I rarely use this to keep track of appointments; my phone calendar is much better at reminding me than having to flip open the notebook. However, I sometimes jot down hints on how to do the homework or when the next quiz will be so I have it for reference when I look back at my notes. I then use the pages starting from the back side as a sort of mind dump, where I write down ideas for stories, draw doodles, reflect on my day, and walk myself through errors in my CS programs.
You don’t need to structure your notebook like mine, though! Some other ideas:
1. Use it as a standard planner.
2. Turn it into a diary or journal.
3. Create habit trackers, so that each day you do a habit you want to start (e.g. working out, sleeping early) you tick off a day.
4. Write down recommendations for TV shows, movies, books, music, and other media.
5. Keep track of progress you make toward your goals (especially as 2020 comes nearer, you can start thinking about your New Year’s resolutions!).
6. Draw whatever you want!
7. Take notes for class and homework.
8. Practice drawing cute decorations for your notes, like banners for your headings!
9. Create a wishlist.
10. Freewrite — whatever is on your mind, just get it out!
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