5 SCIENCE BACKED Reasons Why Paper Planners Are Better Than Digital Planners and Calendars

[@planningandpowerlifting]

I have to use both! I put appointments and events in my Google calendar. Everything work related goes in my Outlook calendar. Then, I combine everything into my paper planner.

[@goldeagle6391]

only thing with paper planner problem is privacy, people can read your planner.

[@FlipTheCatOfficial]

I love them both. Most of arguments used for paper here though can be easily overcomed with digital planning with, for example, an iPad and Apple Pencil. You can hand write. And buy the smallest or cheapest iPad (especially refurbished or used) can come to the price of a couple years’ worth of planners including stickers, all the color pens, new inserts, bookmarks, etc. AND USE IT AS A DESIGNATED PLANNER. That is, you know the device is ONLY for digital planning and note taking and a calendar. Maybe reading if you enjoy that. You remove or hide all other apps like consumption apps etc. And if you turn on notifications, you know it is purely dedicated to your planning so that device has no distractions. I switched from an iPad to a paper planner to an iPad mini. And that is after I spent about 400 bucks on a paper planner with nice leather binding, multiple customizable inserts, multiple types of sticker systems through trial and error so I’m left with stickers and some inserts that I had to buy and try and find out didn’t work just to find the few that work. I do LOVE how aesthetically pleasing the paper planner is. And the tactile feel is very satisfying. But I need my color to attract my attention to the planner in the first place and then the color or stickers to make my actual plans stand out from each other (or else every thing I write looks like the same level of importance, which we all know of course is not true. That’s the whole point of a planner!) Anyway. I switched to an iPad mini. Kept my original iPad for work and consumption and creativity. (I almost traded it in but realize I cannot use the smaller mini for work and creativity sketching which I need in the office and home). And I use the iPad Mini and carry it with me in all my bags. Plus it’s WiFi only and I keep it in airplane mode exclusively because it has no reason to be connected to the internet except once a week to backup my notes to the cloud or if I have to go somewhere without my mini and keep it on my phone like a hiking trip or any physically demanding activity. I thought the Mini would be too big compared to my Personal Wide Planners but the width is very similar and just taller. But since I lay it in my bags sideways, the height doesn’t matter. And I still use my paper planners for like an emergency back up or on my “unplug” days and later transfer those notes to my digital one another day. I spent so much money on those paper ones I don’t feel right just abandoning them completely so I have to find some use out of them until I use them all! 😂 Sorry for the mini rant. This has been a personal journey for me for over 3 years of trying to take control of my life and the direction I take it. I went from just writing on scratch paper on pocket books to sticky notes to just randomly writing new to do lists on apps then GoodNotes on a new page to several pre made planners on Amazon to nicely structured notes on I liked on cloth and paper and lotus notes then Etsy and now back to an iPad Mini which I NEVER EVER thought I’d buy. But after all the cost and trial and error, this works best. My mind apparently is picky on the layouts so I wish I could use the premade ones I found on Amazon (much more financially responsible) but my mind doesn’t think in those layouts while still being portable. And the boutique layouts are expensive. And Etsy is always a mine field searching forever. And I can create my own but that is it’s own set of challenges (maybe I’ll make my own Etsy store from this journey). TL;DR At the end of the day, the best planner is the one you have on you. The second best one, is the one that thinks the way you think so you can write on it naturally and quickly without thinking or fussing. I think iPad Mini (or any small/medium sized tablet with stylus) fully dedicated to a pure planner satisfies all those needs!

[@PrettyPrincessDiariesXO]

That makes sense! I do both, digital and written, but yes, I do prefer writing it down! Thanks for the video! 🥰

[@shearrermadness]

I love the feel of a paper planner, feel the same about books too. Paper over digital anyday

[@AtHomeWithQuita]

All day every day right!!

[@MegaDreamOo]

Team paper 💪🏼🤝🏻

[@edsayswhoa4365]

I use both. I organize everything on google calendar and use an digital notes for reference One Note. I test myself writing answers down and its been working for me. RN student.

[@JT1358]

Great to know there really is some science behind it - I've never even tried digital planning, and now I know it wouldn't suit my way of thinking. Paper all the way - though colour-coding, stickers etc are not an option. Pen, a good checklist, and keeping my planner open and visible is what works for me.

[@peachmari]

So good to know! I was always adverse to making plans or note in digital form. Love that i can tape them anywhere and they just seem more interactive

[@SabInRealLife]

I'm a total tech girl but when it comes to books, journaling and planning I'm all for paper. I was considering switching to digital planning, I tried once before but the feeling of writing my plans and even class notes on a screen doesn't sit right with me, guess I'll always be an analog girly, and knowing these facts just reinforced that. Thanks for sharing!

[@drewmorrison]

I have been a digital planner for a while and it never really has worked for me. The problem is I ignore reminders on my phone (probably because my brain registers it as a useless notification like the thousand others) and I never follow the calendar well. The only time I really follow it is for important events but I wouldn’t have forgotten that event anyways.

[@msteppling3550]

I agree. I have a digital planner loaded onto GoodNotes and while it is soooo comprehensive, I do not reach for it. I am old school and paper & pen don’t fail, there’s no glaring screen and there is no worry about the battery running low on a device.

[@Elisa_Plans_NYC]

Thank you so much for this video!!! I agree 100%! My mom taught me when I was younger to write things out, repeat school notes, etc. to memorize better and it’s an exercise I still use to this day. Even in church I write down sermon notes for better retention. I do use my calendar for events, reminders, important things, etc. since paper doesn’t “ping,” but everything else is paper all the way! I also love decorating with stickers and washi and it’s another way for me to relax and give my creating side an outlet. Thank you!!! 🥰

[@ZoeysMusings]

Loool so true about ignoring notifications 😅Paper planning is more real for me. Very informative, Quita 🙂

[@theinkandpapershop]

Didn't take me too long before I stopped using my iPad Pro as a Digital Planner. I went back to paper pretty fast, i needed something tangible to sit on my desk daily without my 5 year old wanting to use mommy's iPad to watch cartoon LOL😁 Then i started designing my own inserts (while selling them in my Etsy shop) and here I am...constantly contemplating whether I should get into the Digital Planner space too.

[@margepredki2217]

Well done Video! Explains a lot why I always go back to my hand written planners

[@pinkroses135]

I go back and forth with this but a part of me loves the experience of using a pencil and having a drink. I forget to open my apps sometimes but a notepad, journal, whatever I'm using, I wake up to on my nightstand. I don't need something super structured but it has to be visual. Maybe I need to expand into whiteboards and visionboards.

[@Naturalbeauty334]

Love this. I use both but the digital planner is mostly for work that connected to my work email and work phone. I stopped using a digital planner on my phone awhile ago when I lost I everything in the phone.

[@XxJiazuMiStarZxX]

What do you do with the inserts once a new year comes? Do you have an archive system, or do you just toss them?

[@AtHomeWithQuita]

Hey there! I archive for a year then keep sentimental items and toss the rest

[@johansmolinski]

Most of your arguments assume that you type on a keyboard while using a digital planner. You refer to the benefits of handwriting when arguing for paper notebooks. Yet, your video shows a tablet with a stylus, perfectly able to satisfy your handwriting experience. I think your arguments are valid to some extent, but most of them are already resolved in the world of digital devices, as you show yourself in your video without mentioning. I fully agree with the reasoning regarding notifications and distractions. Just remember those are opt ins. You are free to disable them as you please. Also keep in mind there are e-ink devices as an option to backlighted screens like on most tablets. Those are also digital devices, possibly eliminating yet another few arguments for the paper notebook.

[@southernpinkgirl77]

I use an apple pencil for my digital planner. I don't have to print or cut my planning kits. Sometimes as a mom, all the paper planning takes up too much time for me.

[@AtHomeWithQuita]

I get it. At the end of the day we all do what works best for us

[@FeliciaWilliams1908]

I also use my Apple pen. I actually tried paper planning for a year and was inconsistent. Since moving to digital, planning I am consistent and finally more organized. I also journal in my planner, again I use my pen because I do enjoy writing but love the freedom of making changes easily.

[@mai_life8893]

@@FeliciaWilliams1908I am the same way I spent so much money on paper planners and never stayed consistent, but now that I digital plan I am very consistent and I love how it is much cheaper to decorate. I even have a digital budget planner as well. I just ordered me an Erin Condren teacher record book but that will be the only thing I do paper wise. The digital planner I use is by the company FutureADHD.

[@Silkyslim48]

This was very informative... learned something new today. 😊🙋🏾‍♀️

[@AtHomeWithQuita]

Yay! Thanks for watching

[@classyrubiesthrty1278]

Thank you for advice heading over to your store need more paper planning supplies 😂

[@AllThingsPlanned]

I’ve noticed a decrease in my focus since looking at screens so much. I have started pulling away!

[@AtHomeWithQuita]

Yay! I hope it helps

[@learntogrowu]

Always right on time!! Digital planners are not my thing! Flair pens at the ready and Ticonderoga pencils ✏️ in every bag! Thanks Sis!

[@AtHomeWithQuita]

Give me all the things not digital, lol

[@jbd8236]

Do you have paper or digital planners suggestions for individuals who have non traditional work hours and need Sunday start for the week. I've tried modifying several different ones but find it time consuming to alter for 24 hr schedule and Sunday start... thanks!

[@katlero28]

I’m so curious on some scientific studies on the new wave of digital writing. With the advancements in apple pencils and such, does using an Apple Pencil give the same or similar effects to paper writing/planning?!

[@PayneWaterStudio]

Yesss writing on an iPad with a matte screen protector feels like you’re writing on paper! I love analogous paper too and mainly use a TN for journaling with my fountain pens but writing on my iPad for planning is very similar to paper and pen

[@positiveoutflow6644]

I missed so many appointments because I relied on digital calendar. I often mistyped things on my phone. Paper planner solve the problem.

[@PayneWaterStudio]

I loved making the switch to digital planning. Mainly because I could never stick to a paper planner (I’ve tried them all) and hated to see the unused pages. With a digital planner I have to force myself to go to that page to see if it’s empty it’s not easily visible for me. I already use my iPad for work (scanning documents, pdf annotation, teams, outlook). I NEVER had notifications on for any app besides my productivity apps. I love how my digital planner adds to my calendar on my phone. Lastly, it’s cheaper!!! The start cost might be higher if you don’t have a tablet and stylus but think about all the supplies needed for paper planner plus the space it takes. I decided to be a minimalist and that meant getting rid of material goods and the one out one in rule in my home

[@ddbear8786]

Paper planners are definitely superior. The biggest reason for me is the ability to write inside each monthly square with full freedom of letter size, pencil/ink color, artistic doodles, etc. In comparison a digital calendar is extremely plain and sterile looking and every note gets identical attention. When I glance at the paper monthly grid, with each cell having unique writing notations, I have a much better idea of the month plans vs. the sterile digital format. Another benefit is that I was able to keep the past 30 years of my calendar booklets. If this would have been with Microsoft, Apple, Google etc. I would have lost the older calendars to obsolete data formats. It is cool to be able to look up what I was doing on a particular day decades ago.

[@PlannerActual]

Sorry, I could only give you one thumbs up!

[@Kate98755]

I was doing both,which is a waste of time…i like paper because i can sit and check the upcoming events I’m planning without having to log on….I have all the events for the month on two pages, so week 1-3 are on the same page….I don’t have to flip through pages…or make multiple clicks on the computer to get to the planner app…i pull out one piece of paper.

[@the1kidcouple210]

I've tried, I really have! I just never made paper planning a habit, so it ended up becoming clutter

[@thedeathcabkid]

Notification overwhelm is my daily life 😑

[@julieszurleys280]

Bold words for something that is not fireproof

[@sandradisclafani6725]

❤👍🏼

[@0ThrowawayAccount0]

"Studies show..." "Scientists say..." "One reason to..." "Studies show..." **NOT A SINGLE SOURCE PROVIDED** This is garbage.