Our contributor, Kaleigh Glaza, explains why she believes using a paper calendar is the best way to stay organized.
Millennials and Gen X-ers have gotten a bad rep for “killing” a variety of different daily life items. Apparently, not even one of us uses paper napkins, pencils, doorbells and a whole host of other objects that those older than us used to seemingly utilize all the time. While I think using the word “kill” is a little dramatic, and obviously not an entire generation of people have stopped using pencils, I understand the idea that some products are just declining in popularity.
One item that seems to be slowly going the way of the dodo though, are paper planners and calendars. And that’s where I must step in. Because that can not happen. Calendars and to-do lists should be written…and not typed. They should be on paper…and not your phone or computer.
Hear me out here. Calendars and planners should just be on paper. No matter how much your love your phone or your laptop, there are simply certain things that need to be written out. And that is the case for so many reasons.
Don’t believe me? Here are just a few reasons as to why the written word is the way to go…
- Physically crossing something off your to-do list is extra satisfying. Tapping a few items on a screen is not nearly as fulfilling as taking a pen or highlighter and checking that one annoying item off your list. You’ll do it with a flourish, and it will feel Lizzo levels of good as hell.
- It’s easier. I know you can bold and underline and choose new colors on your e-calendar. I know you can separate multiple to-do lists into their own category notes on your phone. But it’s just way easier to underline with a pen or carry a slip of paper folded in half with two lists. Plus, your inner middle school-self will love the excuse to use highlighters in many different colors.
- They’re a great in-meeting talking point. I have had multiple conversations with colleagues about my planners and checklists in the office. I’ve even had bosses compliment me for taking written notes or having a bound planner as opposed to trying to frantically add things to a Google Calendar during a conference call.
- They look way cuter in your desk Instagram photos. Yes, this is not a key reason but hey, it’s not a bad bonus!
So, in summary, the pen is mightier than the keyboard. You should stick with your paper planner and desk calendar to help you keep track of all your goals and appointments and dreams and meetings and to-dos. Trust me, you’ll feel extra accomplished, and look super professionally stylish. It’s the best of all worlds.
If you’re looking for planners and calendars to start your new in-print organizational system, these are some great jumping-off points:
You may also want to check out 8 Books To Add To Your September Reading List and All The Things You Need To Have Your Most Productive Month!
