Most of my best ideas start on paper, but that’s not where they stay. Like many of you, I love the focus and simplicity of analog tools—they help me stay present and think clearly.
But I also need reliable ways to track, organize, and finish my work. After years of experimenting, I’ve discovered a rhythm that combines the best of both worlds.
Why Start With Paper?
There’s something magical about a blank page. You can write without rules, doodle, sketch, circle, draw arrows—literally connect the dots. Whatever the moment calls for, there’s no formatting, no notifications, and no pressure to make it look nice. And that’s exactly why it works.
On paper, I’m not trying to build a system. I’m capturing, thinking, developing, iterating. You don’t go down rabbit holes the same way when you’re holding a pen. You can’t get distracted by notifications or fall into “productive procrastination” where you convince yourself that researching tangentially related topics is actually work.
It’s just you, pen, paper, and the work 😅
From Paper to Pixel
Once I’ve worked things out on paper and have the foundation of an idea, it’s time to bring more structure and organization to it.
This is where digital tools become invaluable. Whether you’re using your favorite note-taking app, project management software, or writing tool doesn’t matter, what matters is how you use it.
I have a pretty simple setup, inspired by Tiago Forte’s PARA Method.
- Projects (active work that has a clear endpoint)
- Areas (ongoing responsibilities)
- Resources (reference materials)
- Archives (completed work)
Another way digital tools help in a big way is collaborating with others. When working with my team, we can comment, track tasks, and keep everything organized in one place. It’s where ideas go from rough concepts into finished projects and published content.
The Return to Analog: Why Paper Gets the Final Word
Here’s where most productivity systems fall short—they stay digital. But I’ve learned that returning to paper for daily execution is crucial for maintaining focus and actually getting things done.
Each morning, after checking my digital plans and tasks, I write down the three or four things that matter most in my bullet journal. Why duplicate what’s already tracked digitally? Because:
- Writing reinforces priorities in my mind
- Paper keeps me from constantly checking (and getting distracted by) digital tools
- Once it’s on paper, nothing else gets done until these priority items are complete
The Analog-Digital-Analog Flywheel
This analog-to-digital-to-analog loop isn’t just about checking boxes—it’s about checking the right boxes. It’s about doing the work that moves the needle, what some call “uphill work” that gets you to your summit of success.
The process is beautifully simple:
- Start with paper for deep thinking and planning
- Move to digital for organization and collaboration
- Return to paper for focused execution
I even tried to come up with a catchy acronym like POST or BEAM to help you remember the system. But then I realized I was having trouble remembering what those letters stood for!
I’m resisting the temptation to even come up with acronyms or building complex systems to maintain. Just a natural flow that works with your brain instead of against it.
Making It Work For You
The beauty of this system is its flexibility. You don’t need specific tools or apps—use what you already have and trust. The magic isn’t in the tools; it’s in the intentional shifts between analog and digital at the right moments.
Remember: Start with pen and paper when you need to think deeply, use digital tools to organize and collaborate, then return to paper to execute your most important work each day.
This isn’t about being perfect. It’s about being intentional. It’s about creating space for both deep work and effective collaboration. Most importantly, it’s about having a system that’s simple enough to stick with, yet powerful enough to transform how you work.
The next time you sit down to work, try starting with a blank page. You might be surprised at what emerges when you give your ideas room to breathe before bringing them into the digital world.
I showed this process in detail in my latest YouTube video.
Full disclosure: this video was sponsored by Craft Docs.
I have been experimenting with Craft the past couple of months, and I really like it. It’s simpler to set up and use than Notion or ClickUp, so if you find databases to be a bit much to deal with, then I encourage you to check it out.
Save 50% on Craft Docs
Craft is also offering subscribers to my newsletter 50% off a subscription for as long as you use the app. Just keep in mind this is a recommendation but not a mandate! Use whatever you think is best for your work and life. I like to try out a bunch of different apps and tools then share my experience with you.
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