This pocket notebook is (slowly) replacing my phone

I've developed some strange habits over the years. Taking this pocket notepad everywhere with me is the strangest. While it is impossible for something like this to totally replace my phone, in other ways it is doing just that. What could this little notepad possibly offer that my phone doesn't? In this video, you'll find out how something so seemingly random and cheap can dramatically improve your life.

How many times have you pulled out your phone to write something down, or look something up, turned on your phone, and instantly forgot what you were going to do? It happens all the time. If it's ever happened to you, you have been a result of amazing attention-grabbing engineers. That's ok, it's time to realize that some things your phone isn't as good at, but other things it is incredible. But once you realize this, your productivity will skyrocket.

Notebook Expert - @nathanieldrew

Thanks for stopping by my channel where we focus our energy on self-improvement, productivity, and making the best possible versions of ourselves. Obviously, this is not attainable, which is kind of the point. Never stop growing and improving. Most of what we cover are personal lessons that I have learned, as I don't have the authority to speak for others, but just my personal experiences. Below we have a discord server where you can message me, there is my gear, and also my website. Thanks again for watching!

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Did I forget anything?

[AustinSchrock]

It's been a year since publishing this and we have officially crossed 3 Million views! The support is unreal! Quick note, if your looking for this notebook for $1 you’ll need to find it in a dollar general. I posted a link in the description if you don’t have a DG close by, but they are a little more than $1 apiece. Also the pen I use (it's nothing special)

[XxrazorxmintxX]

there's a Korean trend/phrase for choosing tactile, "old-fashioned" things to escape our fast-paced, digital lives. You see it in the States too but it's more associated with hipsters or the cottage-core aesthetic. It's called "analog life" where people choose to listen to vinyl records, have ticking clocks, use pencil or fountain pens, read physical books, make pour over coffee, sit in a cabin and stare at the scenery or listen to the rain, go camping and cook on a fire, etc. It's basically intentionally choosing things that might take longer but enjoying the process of it and slowing down your mind, almost meditation in a way.

[lakeridgekids]

I've found that buying a cheap notebook is more valuable than an expensive one. Fancy journals make me nervous about writing something dumb or make me more concerned with making the notes look nice, rather than freely expressing the thought.

[benjamintownshend]

As someone with ADHD, carrying a small note pad and pen in my pocket at all times has completely changed my life.I can keep to do lists, make quick notes of things to remember and really helps me get stuff done all day.

[_bastion]

As a 16 year old who just started carrying around a little notebook like this one about a week ago it was very cool to find this video and see others come to the same conclusion I did about a week ago. Planners never worked for me because they were too big and felt too important but this little notebook feels just informal enough for me to use it. I’m starting school tomorrow with a to-do list already written on my most recent page so I can keep track of all the stuff I need to do all without having to deal with the strict phone policy of my school. Wish me luck! :D

[GregKryg]

I’m a 63 year old engineer who uses electronic devices to keep my life in order. I’m super disciplined and have no issue with it. But being from the baby boomer generation I’m still attracted to paper quite often. Either using paper to make lists or picking up a paper copy of a magazine. I watched your video to see why a younger person would want to spend more time on paper. I was totally impressed by your open mindedness and stating the obvious about distraction. Keep up the good work and push the message to others. Our distractions today can be reduced by choice; just like you’re doing. Well done.

[tarajones-legros]

Seeing a young person discover the mental peace that existed for all of us prior to smart phones is pretty neat. There is something to be said for the freedom of not being electronically tethered.

[JaKrish]

In my 20s, before phones, I’d carry around a little notebook everywhere. I’d be on a bus, someone would say something cool: A neat phrase, a word I didn’t know the meaning of—but sounded good, or even the name of a corner store I thought was interesting. I’d scribble it all down. Afterwards I’d leaf through and write songs based on all these little sparks. I’ve never been so prolific! Thanks for the reminder!

[carlduffin]

It is scary for me as a 63 year old guy seeing crowds of people walking around in the streets or sitting in cafes with their heads literally plugged into their smartphone. No-one communicates anymore in an age of communication! People are alive to the internet but dead to each other.
It is refreshing to see this video speaking up for the age old art of paper writing.
I will no doubt write this in my notebook! Thank you for posting - entertaining and enlightening.

[gonefishing]

Until the 1990s, it was common for adults to carry with them "a little black book" or something similar in a suit pocket or handbag. That little black book had phone numbers and mailing addresses of relatives and friends, lists of things to do, appointment reminders, birthday reminders, ideas and plans, poems they wrote, hand-written recipes, etc. This was very, very common in the days before smart phones. And that little black book never needed charging to function.

[marsgizmo]

Using a notepad is one of the best medium to focus your thoughts!
Great video! 👏

[trishmccallister]

It’s wild to me that using a daily notebook isn’t a common occurrence for the younger generations, but I’m stoked to see that you have found joy in non-tech mediums! You’ll start to cherish those notebooks and you’ll find you remember what you wrote years even 10+ years later.

[nalublackwater]

I fills my heart with joy when I see younglings discovering the pleasures of analogic life. No constant notifications, no empy batteries, no fear of having your notebook stolen for it's market value. You are the master of your time and your activities, and you control when you have contact with other people.

[josephgreisen]

I remember back in 2006 when my sister was in college and I would visit her, students didn't really have smart phones. I carried a notebook with me at a party and was writing down rules to drinking games and a guy asked me.
"Why are you carrying a notebook with you?"
To which I responded
"Dude we are in college."
He nodded in agreement.

[hillz]

You just cannot beat the feeling of a paper and the tactile learning when you write something out. My memory is better when I engage as many senses as I can into my learning (paper books, pen writing etc). I’m such a paper/pen kinda gal and people jokingly call me a grandma for it. I’m in my 20s lol

[javapick]

Thank you for saying "...it couldn't care less." It makes me crazy when people incorrectly say "...could..."
I love this! I've been using a paper planner, commonplace book, and journal for years and I wouldn't trade those for anything. For me, I love the ability to just pick up my journal and see a thought or a photo or a memory without swiping or having to make sure my battery isn't too low, etc.
You're so right about being "present" when you don't have your phone. It's a precious gift to have that time.

[ticklemeelmo]

Every decade or so, a new generation learns the "secret" of writing things down.

[enricoflamingo]

Man I love the idea of reclaiming ourselves from the digital world. About a year ago I got tired of my Apple Watch telling me to breathe and switched to a vintage Timex. I got tired of recharging AirPods and switched back to corded headphones that work every time I need them to. I don’t say these things in a smug hipster way but to intentionally live on my terms and use my tools instead of the other way around. Thanks for this video

[jeffsnow]

I love this video. The "have you ever opened your phone to do something specific and got distracted" bit resonated strongly with me. Attention hijacking is so real.

Another positive for the notebook over the phone is that upgrades and replacements are so much cheaper, and no contract or hidden fees! Seriously, good stuff.

[dudewithacowboyhat]

My creative writing teacher never let us submit our assignments digitally. We had to write out all our ideas and stories in the notebooks she gave us on the first day. Of course everyone hated her for it and felt it was a stupid rule. Looking back, I am forever grateful she did that. Physically writing my ideas helped me to better connect with the characters and stories. Not to mention my spelling drastically increased from not having autocorrect😅