I have a paperless office. I rarely print a document and it has been years since I used a filing cabinet. I read more digital books than physical ones and I love my cool digital tools. Technology enables me to do more linked-up thinking than ever before. It is as some would say, ‘my second brain’.

With that said, the one thing that I have not been able to go completely digital on is my journal. I have tried numerous times and I keep coming back to my humble notebook.

My three reasons:

It clicks with my brain

Firstly, there is something about a blank spread in a notebook that invites reflection and creativity. You think less about clicking and typing. Thoughts just flow. Want to sketch, mind map or diagram? Grab your pen and go!

It is a nice break from screens

Second, especially in the morning when I am having a quiet time of devotion and reflection, it is refreshing to not be attached to a screen. A paper journal feels liberating and as much as I keep popup alerts to a minimum, digital devices have distractions. Going analogue feels like a secluded space.

It just works

Last, there are no software updates, no technical glitches and it never needs to be recharged. My notes always reflect my style and mood to write, rather than fitting into the framework of a software programmer. Throw it in your day pack and pull it out to start writing when it strikes you.

My Two types of journalling

I have two primary modes of journalling:

Long Form

I often do this in the morning with a cup of coffee, usually as part of a personal devotional time. I reflect and write in a free flow of consciousness. What am I feeling? What is going on in my life? What am I grateful for? Where am I going? What do I sense God is doing in my life? I can write a little or write a lot. I stop when it feels like I am done.

Rapid Bullet

The next is rapid bullet logging. I have done this for years in an outline structure that I developed over time, but over Christmas I read The Bullet Journal Method. Throughout the day I take short bullet notes on events, information and tasks so that nothing gets lost. Some people make their bullet journals a real art form, but mine are very minimal.

Need a couple of pen and notebook options?

Obviously, the beauty of a paper journal is that any pen or notebook will do, but I have developed a preference for using Pilot G2 gel pens or even an old fashion fountain pen. I also prefer hardbound notebooks. When I started journalling in 2002 I used Oxford Black n’ Red A4 Notebooks and then I adopted the more compact LEUCHTTURM1917 A5 Notebook.

Why journal in the first place?

This blog is about ‘North Star Perspectives’. What is your purpose, ‘why’ or ‘calling’ for what you do? Journalling is a wonderful practice to help you evaluate this. I love this quote:

‘The two most important days in your life are the day you are born and the day you find out why.’

          ~ Mark Twain

Over the years I have collected tonnes of these notebooks, filling them from front to back. These books have become a personal archive of the experiences and activities of my journey. Because my notes are chronological, it is easy to go back and review, giving me an overview which I could never see any other way.

Find your why, keep discovering it, journal on it, and no matter how bad the storm is, stay the course towards your North Star.