How This Pocket Notebook Changed My Life

[@Tiamarruca]

Wasn´t the notebook, was the fact you created a system that is write in a notebook. Well done

[@TheRossHarkness]

Great point!

[@dameanvil]

00:03 📓 Used a pocket notebook daily for 3 years, transforming life and productivity. 0:10 🛠 Struggled with side hustles, lack of time, and procrastination while in university. 1:01 💡 Introduced pocket notebook; started planning meticulously, saw increased productivity. 1:13 📈 Built audience to 500k, six-figure business attributed to the pocket notebook. 1:34 📝 Step 1: Wrote about dream life, creating a vivid picture to guide decisions. 2:12 🎯 Step 2: Set goals, monthly plans, and daily actions aligned with dream life. 2:49 📅 Step 3: Planned every hour of the day, assigned tasks based on priorities. 4:48 ⏰ Non-negotiable: Most important tasks scheduled between 5:00 a.m. and 10:00 a.m. 5:53 🔄 Principle 1: Jerry Seinfeld technique - only two options, work or stare at the wall. 6:36 🔍 Principle 2: Deep work concept - high focus, zero distractions, 60-120 minute sessions.

[@ekindemirkaya465]

the hero we need

[@alfredalonzo5456]

Excellent video. You inspired me to get a notebook to track every hour of my day and to create a list of tasks to fill those hours. It’s so much easier to not procrastinate with this system. My respect from the Dominican Republic.

[@TheRossHarkness]

Appreciate you brother. 🫡

[@a.bagasm.7253]

you know it's good when there are no ads and it is not a 10 minute video

[@Its_PrymeTyme]

This concept of using the notebook is amazing! I use notebooks to right down things all the time (mainly because of my ADHD) and I also use a weekly/monthly planner to plan out things that come up. I also use Notion to add things to another device. Writing things down in multiple places helps me remember things better. Most of my notebooks are filled with thoughts and life questions that I can look back on when I'm bored.

[@ch1pdrawz]

I know this comment is 2 months old, but it's nice to see a lot of other people who have ADHD have great experiences with these, I'm just starting to do this and I'm finding it so much easier to remember because all I need is to look in my notebook and not have to rack my brain 😅

[@rostaylor7723]

You’ve managed to distill all the best productivity advice I’ve ever heard from lots of different sources into one video - brilliant 👏👏👏

[@TheRossHarkness]

I appreciate that, glad you found some value 🫡

[@alexblue6991]

I'm retired now 71yr old when I was as an engineer doing jobs all over Scotland I took notes of every place and every job I had done this has saved me losing money on expenses and losing works holidays when my employer thought I was on the holiday I could look back and tell them whare I was working and what job I was doing it's also nice looking back at all the lovely places I have been and the people I have met

[@TheRossHarkness]

Love that!! It’s amazingly useful for remembering the things that otherwise we’d easily forget.

[@MindYourMind024]

I am an individual who has achieved few things in life, I sensed a long time ago that I have skills like communication, writing, and thinking. Few important decisions,which I took wrong, are deciding the course of my life, I do not know how to turn them back or how to get over them, at times we can’t move on from few important decisions as they eventually decide your life, I’m in that phase, I am optimistic and confident but life, when you know you have covered it from right it hits you from left, I am learning and I am happy to see that you are too.

[@dvlabsakie3484]

I had a similar system during my college years and it was fantastic, but I did it naturally without realising it was a system. This might sound nice except the lack of intention left me trying out all kinds of other things in an effort to improve myself, that simply became distractions. It's been a struggle returning to what I know for a fact actually works for me. I appreciate your concise no-boilerplate explanation which I hope will help keep my system straight in days to come.

[@TheRossHarkness]

Glad you found some value 🫡

[@ishaansiva8319]

Hey Man! I'm new to ur channel and this is the first ever video that I came across. I loved how on-point your video was, like literally, two minutes in. I paused the video, went out to buy a notebook and a pen, came back to continue your video. And right now, I sort of have a plan of knowing what I have to do. Thank you so much for this inspirational video. I wish you all the best in the content creator space! - From India 🇮🇳

[@TheRossHarkness]

Glad you enjoyed it! Best of luck with the notebook!

[@TinyFitnessHabit]

Ross, beautifully said my friend. I love how you have simplified it with a notebook too! In a world caught up in the new shiny productivity apps etc, it's actually quite refreshing to see you doing this. It's an old school style, but its a style that works and there is so much power in the written word too! Great video mate, thank you!

[@TheRossHarkness]

Appreciate it mate! Always prefer pen and paper!

[@sureshdoodler]

Pro tip use very thick paper notebook and also fountain pen to write the. U will start loving writing again

[@bestdayeverTV]

Good idea, write down what makes you you. Journal reflect do repeat. Just don't go down the rabbit hole of morning routines to procrastinate. Sometimes it's best to see how quickly you can get started with your first task, not necessarily journaling. Keep it up! I am enjoying your videos.

[@TheRossHarkness]

100%, the purpose of a morning routine is to get you doing your hardest task as soon as possible so you can start your day on a win, not wasting time.

[@moonlambo5229]

This is seriosuly the best notebook video I have watched on KZbin.

[@TheRossHarkness]

Thank you. I appreciate that 🫡

[@Jenzy-K]

You just turned up in my reality! Thank you so much for this! I have a ton of notebooks, each one with an intention/system, and I totally failed. Its only until now I am seeing 'the notebook' from a different perspective! It is in fact a 'place of creation' rather that a 'what to do' . I had so much friction using previous ones subconcuously I had already failed, as if I was like looking in a mirror and seeing all my flaws and attempting a really deluded approach to my life. 🙏🎉 Happy New Year

[@TheRossHarkness]

Jenn! I’m glad you found some value in the video! Best of luck and happy new year.

[@Jenzy-K]

@@TheRossHarkness thanks mate! Happy New year to you 👍

[@Seyir_Kanali]

KZbin is doing its best to convince me. If I get a notepad and a fountain pen and start writing by hand, I will feel great.

[@TheRossHarkness]

Do it!

[@parthesky]

This is great advise! Thank you! For those who did manage to follow this without a hitch- congrats. For those of us whose life is full of surprises (kids, family, health issues, poverty, etc) and neurodivergent obstacles, there are extra steps to make it work. There are no excuses, just reasons. We do what we can to make things work for our circumstances. We got this! 🎉🎉🎉

[@TheRossHarkness]

🫡🫡

[@aestheticallyvaibhav]

Bro, u deserve a lot. Perhaps you will be one of the most successful person in the future. Gonna follow you, gotta learn a lot from you.

[@TheRossHarkness]

I appreciate that brother. Thank you 🫡

[@Alexa-eo4tf]

I want to see more of this and some sneak peaks from your journal. A flip through maybe. Loved this video. Keep it up mate

[@TheRossHarkness]

Thank you 🫡

[@MicaelaLizardo]

Great video and tips. It underestimates how much goes on in my head. I can stare at a wall for hours and not be bored 😂

[@TheRossHarkness]

Haha still give it a go and try it out - you might find it works out!

[@esantos797]

I am almost 50 and going to implement this in my life. Great video.

[@user-bg9jf9zr4t]

What an idea .Appreciate your efffort to concentrate on your job. Listing make you perform important things.

[@TheRossHarkness]

🫡

[@ramilkerimzade5568]

I follow you from Azerbaijan. Im very glad that i discovered a content creator like you. I have been following many. But U stand out and the way you convey and express and what you want to present is very concise and practical. Sounds very much down to earth to me.

[@TheRossHarkness]

I appreciate that Ramil, thank you 🫡

[@robot7759]

Don't forget to plan to smell the roses regularly. All work and no play may make a workaholic.

[@Mens-Edition]

The only time in my life I was in deep work when in exam hours during school days. I mean I was force to sit there simply to output something to a blank paper in 60-120 minutes.

[@LearningDevgarg]

Thank you so much for making these videos! Love & respect from India.

[@af1023]

I've been in a bit of a rut, thank you, this is changing my life

[@TheRossHarkness]

LFG 🫡

[@peache8]

Interesting, i have a daily sheet thats similar; one section for time, one section for all notes related to mood/health/energy, and one section for highlights of the day. Great idea to incorporate important tasks in there as well!

[@TheRossHarkness]

Try it out!

[@hilaliaya9924]

inspiring ; thanks for sharing this it's a game changer

[@TheRossHarkness]

Glad you found some value 🫡

[@moniquejanke7122]

Yes to evening routine video!

[@girll9933]

Funny thing is the procrastination makes me meet you, from scrolling my phone. 😅

[@TheRossHarkness]

😂🫡

[@etherprince]

Love your content boss. You’re providing immense value. Cheers!

[@TheRossHarkness]

Thank you 🫡

[@Mobil774]

when you wrote and made lines at the top of the right side, you wonder what the two boxes are actually for writing 3:36

[@TheRossHarkness]

Top box is where I write down my goals and middle box is for random notes

[@Hi_Im_Dominik]

Amazing video. If u still looking afterwards what to do u just want excuse and feel ,,progress"

[@TheRossHarkness]

Thank you 🫡

[@Hi_Im_Dominik]

@@TheRossHarkness i plan main things but my right side is for what I think. Works great just what I recommend for all it's not a formula. It's a tip of how to set your self. Have a great day

[@caimac]

Para eso tenemos el movil que va totalmente en el bolsillo y si programas tu actividad diaria, es mucho más eficiente que una libreta. Gracias por compartir, saludos.

[@thirdrockjul2224]

Interesting ideas. Thanks for sharing. ❤

[@2010SnowDrop]

Thanks, good solid advice!

[@TheRossHarkness]

🫡

[@al3xj]

timeblocking, on paper, great - it's powerful. Interested to see what other page setup you have in your small notebook

[@TheRossHarkness]

This is all I do in this notebook.

[@al3xj]

Hey mate, was meaning weekly, monthly page setups, not just daily notes and timeblocking. Looks like you had some other page types in one screen of your video. Seems simple but a system that works, with all setup done, saves so much time for those of us who haven't yet implemented this system and start from scratch. appreciate the reply@@TheRossHarkness

[@CyberRicky]

What do you use the two sections above the main tasks section in the notebook? Excellent system that you create from a notebook.

[@TheRossHarkness]

In the top section I write down my goals for that month. The middle section is just a blank section I use if I need to note anything random down

[@CyberRicky]

@@TheRossHarkness Thank-You

[@Guilherme_Zanella1]

Great video man. I will try your system and see how it goes, thanks for the advice gained a new subscriber

[@TheRossHarkness]

Thank you! Best of luck with it!

[@typingcat]

Great. I am procrastinating by watching a video how someone stopped procrastinating.

[@sultan.madenov]

that's awsome man. keep the great job!

[@ginachauvin8386]

This is simple and brilliant ⭐

[@TheRossHarkness]

Thank you!

[@Jules-740]

How do I know what is my most important work? I feel like so many things are important

[@DArlandoFortune]

I'd like to see your schedule when you were in school and working a job. Your schedule is full in this video. (BTW great stuff!) But I don't see how you could do all you have on this calendar along with working. I still have a part-time gig and a child to care for. So, what would you suggest?

[@merlinsreturn]

Nicely explained. Thank you.

[@TheRossHarkness]

🫡

[@rochemedia]

Would be interested to see how this could be mapped around a 9-5 job (or 7am - 6pm plus 3 hours commute in my case) that has nothing really to do with working towards your life goals but is more for paying the bills

[@rochemedia]

Seeing as this is really the majority of people

[@UCHIHASASUKE-lw9ht]

That is a very minimalist black pocket notebook ,I have been searching for something similar,,can u provide the name of the pocket notebook,,the one on the thumbnail

[@imladylyric]

I missed what the other sections for the page on the right is for.

[@jhlemaster]

Don't underestimate my ability to stare at the wall.

[@TheWolffness]

Liked the video, well done, simple and effective. Your video actually reminded me of the movie "Snatch." hehe :)

[@tannerlebel5167]

One question. You have other sections in your daily set up. What do you tend to put there?

[@TheRossHarkness]

Goals and random notes

[@robhead22]

Thank you!

[@TheRossHarkness]

🫡

[@thealibek]

Thanks buddy!

[@TheRossHarkness]

🫡🫡

[@thomastunstill9889]

Great video Ross! I've been struggling to figure out if I want to 'journal' digitally or physically and you've inspired me to try physical notebooks again, but I'm too curious what the rest of the page looks like for you. Maybe I've missed it, and I do think we see you briefly writing in the top box when talking about scheduled meetings, but what are those 2 boxes for above your main tasks? I assume the top box on the left-hand page is for the date.

[@TheRossHarkness]

Thanks brother! The top box on the RHS is for goals, the middle is for random things I need to note down throughout the day and on the LHS the top box is for day and date

[@sadiemariealonzo1872]

What is the best important task to work on? That really move forward

[@TheRossHarkness]

The one that moves you toward your goals.

[@user-fw6il5yc7f]

really great video bro. I see that you put in a lot of time to create them, and they provide great value too - thanks. ever thought about having a short outro with your @-plugs? Could deffo help with that if you're busy. Lmk bro. Again, great content :)

[@JohnWi11is]

Great Video Ross.. I love notebooks, there's something therapeutic about actually writing something down instead of using a notes app. BTW what size is that notebook I want something similar but A5 is too big for a pocket and A6 is too small to fit much in.

[@TheRossHarkness]

This is actually an A6 notebook my man! It took me a few different brands to find one that worked. This notebook is from Tesco (a UK store if you’re not from the UK) and it’s got small line spacing compared to most other A6 notebooks so it allows me to write a good bit more in it

[@JohnWi11is]

@@TheRossHarkness excellent I live 5 mins from a Tesco I’ll try and grab one thanks. I have a draw full of notebooks but one this size would be perfect to carry around

[@ArmadusMalaysia]

It's always great to start traditionally and innovate from there. The field notes is where you brain dump everything. The bigger the notebook, the more organized your notes become. Meaning you transfer those messy field notes to the bigger notebook. And you back it up online for safety and ease of search (tags).

[@yaochen2278]

How is this going to be practical when you are working, when your 7:34 entire day is scheduled with back to back meetings?

[@TheRossHarkness]

It’s even more important to do - if you have your own goals to work on outside of work. The busier you are, the more detailed your plan has to be (eg. Elon Musk apparently plans every 5 minutes of his day). If you have your own goals, you would schedule the tasks needed to achieve those goals around your meetings already set in stone.

[@Ostsee89]

Thank you for this video! What do you use the rest of the space (top right corner) for?

[@TheRossHarkness]

Top right box is for goals. Middle right box is for random things I need to note down throughout the day!

[@charlitonfergo4490]

Há anos possuo um caderno de anotações para guiar as tarefas do meu dia independente do meu computador e celular tem me ajudado muito, cheguei com ele o meu ponto de equilíbrio.

[@Jabbernut-games]

You never mentioned what goes in the other boxes on the daily page

[@TheRossHarkness]

Goals in 1 box and the other is for random things I need to note down

[@raingod2006]

Helpful video..thankyou..also would like to know what english accent is spoken by this youtuber.( as english is not my native language).

[@TheRossHarkness]

Thank you! I’m Northern Irish

[@raingod2006]

@@TheRossHarkness oh okay. Appreciate the quick response.🙏

[@tannerlebel5167]

Very nice.

[@dimiaslan1870]

This is great, however a disclaimer at the start would be great, like this is for about under 1% of the population of this planet who have the sort of life that you do. Most people don't have that luxury. I know the percentage will be far greater when it comes to your audience only, but still, if you don't have a certain level of education, don't already have a family and don't work in front of a computer then this is not applicable, though to use a notebook as a planner would be, to be honest. Still, most people cannot go to the gym whenever they want or at all.

[@siya7213]

Whats the size of the notebook you use ? any link for purchase?

[@TheRossHarkness]

A6. Got it from a local shop so no link unfortunately

[@siya7213]

@@TheRossHarknessThankyou

[@conpeo]

How did you do that, not buying 3123123 EUR Moleskin notebook?! ;)

[@mikeearls126]

I think the accent is one of the major highlights of this clip..Info is great too

[@TheRossHarkness]

Haha thank you!

[@user-ol4vi1hn4u]

Hmmm. I see 5.03k or 5030 subscribers today, not 500k.

[@TheRossHarkness]

Multiple platforms.

[@whatchannel3679]

That's a life operating system there, that's how you do it on steroids using say notion. Deffo the system not the book at there are lots of ways to focus like pomodoro etc The hype now is all 2nd brain and life OS Well done tho good video and there is something about a paper notebook that stands out more too. :)