How I (actually) use my pocket notebook

In this video, we look at the three strategies that I use with my notebook. Capture, Distill, and Close. A pocket notebook is a great option for capturing information in a generation when everything is grabbing at our attention or trying to sell us something we don't need. From there we need to take that information and distill it down to the essence of what it is. Until we do that we cannot actually solve the problem, build on an idea, or expand our knowledge. Lastly, we look at "close" which is where we learn how to free up mental space.

Intro - 0:00-0:52
Capture - 0:52- 2:29
Distill - 2:29-4:27
Sponsor - 4:27- 5:30
Close - 5:30-9:14

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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#selfimprovement
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Did I forget anything?

[juleslincredule]

Key points:

- The pocket notebook can be used in three main ways: capture, distill, and close. 📓
- Capture: Filter and selectively capture information we want to keep, avoiding distractions and unwanted information. 📸
- Distill: Chisel away at confusing thoughts or questions to uncover the essence and solve problems. ✍💡
- Close: Write down persistent thoughts or tasks to close the thought loop and free up mental space. 🚫🔄
- Using a notebook allows for undistracted and expressive writing, providing a focused space for processing information. 🖊📝
- Writing down tasks in a list format helps offload them from the mind, reducing stress and improving memory. 🗒✔
- Keeping a running list in the back of the notebook helps to organize and prioritize tasks for later completion. 📋🔀
- The notebook serves as a reliable external system to hold information, preventing mental overload and random thoughts. 💭🧠
- While phones are versatile, they can trigger additional tasks and distract from the original purpose, creating an edgy feeling. 📱🔗
- Writing by hand has been found to have greater benefits for closing thought loops and managing stress compared to typing on a phone. ✍🖐

[TracySmith-xytq]

In 2009, I wrote a novel length fan fiction story that took me over a year to complete. I also had a job delivering pizzas at this time. I kept a notebook in my car, where I would jot down bits of dialogue that would occur to me while working. I wrote quite a bit of the story in between pizza deliveries

[ngocthaokalimba]

Among millions notebooks in world, yours is most cute.

[tricky-vixen]

I really appreciate the point you made about opening up your phone to do something only to be immediately distracted by a bunch of other things. I literally had that same thought when I started carrying around my pocket notebook.

[heygabimara]

As an analog user, I'm really happy to stumble upon your videos about using a pocket journal. I'm glad that you're encouraging people to use notebooks because it's just really fun to own one 🧡

[andrewetos]

I started this about a month ago and I can see rapid improvement. Thanks for the info Austin 👍🏼

Btw here’s some lists that can help some of you potentially (all those I keep in my notepad):

1. Daily - to do - essentials (things that have to be done no matter what, such as walking your dog or working on your assignment for tomorrow)

2. Daily Elites (things that aren’t 100% essential like the above, but will make you feel good if you do them, such as working out for 1 hour or reading 20 pages of a book you like etc.)

3. Longer term goals & habits (things you want to achieve by a certain point or habits you want to develop such as learning a new language or having a consistent sleeping schedule for example). I tend to break those down into my daily to do list so I can implement small steps towards those goals throughout my day. Don’t worry if you don’t follow the list you have exactly at the end of the day though, just try your best.

4. General shopping / wish list (anything you want to buy from cheap to expensive for example the top 3 I have right now are a new office desk, a sterling guitar and a specific pair of sunglasses I’ve had my eyes on for a while)

5. General notes - mentality (always make sure to put the date at the top and just write what’s troubling you or just whatever is on your mind - this video is a great example)

6. (This is quite optional) Bucket list.
Basically a list of things you want to do for fun or in general at some point, such as scuba diving or traveling to a certain place…could be anything, I even have listed some rare foods I want to try.

Other than that you can have any kind of lists you want, like grocery lists, other kinds of lists and whatever works for you. If you’re starting this now Just start small and work up ur way up because if you set massive goals in your daily lists for example, it can feel overwhelming.

Congratulations you made it to the bottom of the comment!
- have some cake 🍰

[akira_ariga]

The jumbled thoughts is definitely something I deal with every time I try to do anything, and I easily feel overwhelmed. Writing down everything and being able to physically see my thoughts definitely help me to actually plan stuff and gets things done faster.

[THE_MSQUlT]

I really appreciate the yellow “loading bar” for the ad, it made me feel like I didn’t need to skip the ad and I actually listened to what you were saying durning the part. So thank you for adding that!

[sniitzel]

I love the fact that I watched your past notebook videos and was fascinated by them. Then I thought to myself I'd love to see how you use your notebook and BOOM, there it is!

[carolyngurney]

I love your videos and the little notebook. I’m left handed so I use mine back-to-front. I lose focus and get easily distracted on my phone so the notebook is perfect. Also, since I am 70+ years old, it fits my comfort zone. Thanks for explaining so well how and why it works.

[GuillermoCaetano]

I started obssessing about videos on using handwrighting and notebooks and yours is one that made me think a lot about my own personal process. I like how you talk about your process almost as "the way it works for you", and not how it will work for everyone, this can be a simple detail and i can interpret the same fact in other videos about the topic if they don't mention it, but your honesty does it for me, man. Loved this video!

[SteveSwannJr]

I am a pastor. This is how I prepare sermons. Completely in my notebook with pens and pencils. Helps me clarify thoughts.

[JotaPalma]

This makes me miss having a pocket notebook. I'm currently using an A4 bullet journal and I hate the size, but I feel bad for wasting 2/3rds of a notebook, so I'm toughing it out and occupying as much space as possible, so I can get a pocket notebook again soon! Love your videos!

[alexblue]

My age 71yr old retired now looking back on my old notebooks today making me smile how stressful my life was working long hours and bringing up my daughters I just bought more notebooks for myself and going to give one each to my daughters as one a nurse and the other works in HR I'm hope it will be helpful for them

[ramimahmoud]

You have convinced me to buy one tomorrow. I might need to note to keep the do-to list and shopping list on the back of notebook because I might forget it. I'm already started on journaling, and now you've given my notebook another function.

[bartjoboy]

I have a notebook and pen with me basically at all times like you. Just logging all kinds of tasks, ideas, random thoughts throughout the day. It really helped me understand myself better too, discovering all kinds of behavioral patterns. So, maybe another thing is, not just write stuff down but also try to reflect on anything you write if you want to make changes in your life.

[JayCosta]

Great content Austin! As a notion user, I am trying to start using a pocket notebook to start capturing my thoughts and ideas. Like you, I get distracted using my phone for this. Subscribed for 2024!

[setsbyjei]

I got really inspired by this idea that I went straight to a dollar store and got one for myself. In it, the first thing I jotted down was my why for using it. It helps me bring reason as to why I should continue finding value in analog activity. Following that, I just note lil thoughts that pop up, lists of to-dos, and new words. I hope in a month or so, I try expanding things to write about and create a lil time capsule for my future self.

[Josephanewyearmynewadventure]

Austin,
I really enjoyed this video.
I love to write in my pocket note book . I do it on a regular basis .
I travel a lot on trains and buses and
I love the looks I get when people see me writing in a pocket note book. I really enjoy writing and it's so peaceful for me when I'm traveling . I noticed a big difference in my life when I write in a book. I really enjoy journaling as well. I have a lot of journals and I go back and read them on a regular basis .
I write in five different journals at a time on a regular basis.
I have one for art therapy and just journaling, just a therapy session journal , one for up coming goals for the week and for the month and things I worked on like art projects.
One for my routines and were I love to volunteer and stuff like that .
I just want to say I really enjoyed this video. You did a fantastic job.

[codysandusky]

After watching your first pocket notebook video, I picked up a three-pack of notebooks and started implementing it at work everyday. Taking notes or doucmenting tasks while out of my office has been immensely improved by doing so via hand-written notes compared to adding them to the potential pit that is my OneNote; avoiding an opportunity to get distracted on my phone on the capture or review stages is also a great benefit.

I am needing to next implement this in my daily life more outside of work, so that's the next step - thanks for making this video, I think the concepts here paired with a second brain (which I am still wanting/needing to create after seeing your video on that) will help me move to using the notebook as a part of EDC outside of the office. Thank you, Austin!