Life-Changing Habits: The Impact of Using a Notebook Every Day

[@michellechapman6961]

Ohhh I’m a nerd too 😂🤪😂. I have kept a journal from the age of about 21 and I am now 63 and yes I still have all my journals. Every aspect of my life has been documented, the good, the bad and the ugly, for my eyes only. These days I make my own journal and notebooks and illustrate them. So satisfying. I start my day with a brew two pieces of the cheapest photocopy paper and indulge in morning pages, gets rid of all the white noise and stuff and then I can enjoy my day, and I do. Oh I then rip the pages up, also very cathartic 😁. It always amazes me how my 21 year old brain in so different to my 63 year old brain. Loved this video, pens and paper rock.

[@earlyretirementwanderlust]

I agree- pens and paper do rock! I love your morning pages practice- I can see how cathartic it must be. It really is like white noise isn’t it? May have a dabble at morning pages and see how I get on. Thanks again Michelle. R

[@michellechapman6961]

Morning pages consists of writing whatever is in your mind doesn’t need to make sense and it is recommended to write at least 3 pages. You can read it back or choose not to. The book is called The artists way morning pages journal by Julia Cameron.

[@brendamchale2683]

I’m a morning pages person too - I always say I don’t know what I think about something till I’ve written through it!

[@earlyretirementwanderlust]

Oooh...I have the artists way book on my book wish list. I think that it now deserves a promotion higher up the list😉

[@jamesdcuk]

I do something similar at work, each morning I copy over from yesterdays task sheet anything that still needs to be done or any relevant notes and then shred yesterday’a notes. It sounds a bit strange but it forces today’s notes and tasks to be relevant and still worth doing. It also helped me having a single source of truth - it allowed me to trust the notes and everything that was worth doing was on one page

[@job181]

Me too

[@earlyretirementwanderlust]

Love this James- I thought I was the only one who did that! When in work I found it a useful review process to transfer actions from day to day. It really helped me reflect on the really important things…quite often things I initially thought of as important soon faded away and could be discounted! I did however like to keep my crossed off actions in my notebook as it reminded me in low points that I was actually achieving a lot. Your keeping things to one page is so inspiring- anything more than that would be simply unrealistic in a day. Thanks for reaching out. R

[@bunnobear]

Love this video, I am an avid notebook user, I use the pocket book size in my handbag and the A5 size as my diary, it works so much better for me than relying on my phone

[@earlyretirementwanderlust]

Richard has just put his order in for the next load of note books - I think he keeps Moleskine in business! 😂 I can't get to grips with using the phone to store info either

[@tinaharris7629]

Ooh a monthly wellness video, I love self improvement and this video made me smile. I write my to do list on scrap paper every day but journalism is something I feel I need to get into. Thanks for the inspiration. Looking forward to your next video. Xx

[@earlyretirementwanderlust]

Thanks Tina. Not sure how the video was going to go down- but it’s something that works for me so I thought it was worth sharing. Glad you enjoyed it. R

[@gilliandarlington3276]

Kindred spirit 🤣 love notebooks I have rather a lot! Past career as librarian covering several branches my head was spinning so notebooks all the way. Still have them now, really helps to focus and the physicality of actually writing something down rather than typing on a keyboard works well for me and like you say to offload from the brain. Love the channel and what you’re both doing 🙏

[@earlyretirementwanderlust]

Absolutely agree Gillian in the physical effect of writing things down. It is both a mental and emotional brain dump onto the page. Keyboards are not really my thing, but I am proud that I sort of learned to touch type since retiring…how ironic that it took me all those years of work to then learn to type correctly 😂 What I like about paper and pen is how instantaneous it is. No need to get phone out, get to PC, etc. Thanks again. R

[@DubbleUDubbleU]

GTD and Covey fan here - a blend that I’ve found so effective in a management role in a UK university. GTD has been the failsafe way for me to complete those daily tasks and meet performance targets, etc. Covey has kept me focused on caring for my colleagues and students, and my purpose as a teacher. Thank you to you and Jackie for sharing your early retirement journey. Sometimes, we just need to see that someone else has taken the plunge to encourage us to do the same. Thank you for showing us that it’s possible, enjoyable and fulfilling. Looking forward to many more blogs and videos from you both 😊

[@earlyretirementwanderlust]

Oh I love a bit of Covey too👍 You may realise that a lot of our annual goal setting systems are based on Covey's First Things First. I love his concept of a North Star and I keep to this idea every year. Glad to hear that we are some how helping in people's thought process about early retirement- we found the anticipation and soul searching to be much worse than the actual decision! We reassure ourselves that we can always return to work if it's not right for us...although we wouldn't return to teaching as we are already off the pace of educational developments. Thanks for the comment. R

[@BrianOGorman-g2e]

My solution is notes/reminders on my iPhone. Can store photos/ voice memos and my Reminders are divided into home, shopping, pub rounds ….👍

[@earlyretirementwanderlust]

Love that this works for you Brian. I do use notes a lot to archive reference material that I may want to access in the future, but for me, I much prefer the analogue approach of writing things down when I am out and about. Of course, this means that I have to take out both my phone and my note book with me, but I am ok with that. Thanks for the comment👍

[@andyglawe7804]

I do something similar but electronically. Google Keep Notes is similar and all contained on my phone, while doing little drawings is more challenging, voice notes, photos, etc are done in a moment. I love your enthusiasm for notebooks it really made me chuckle how you love them :)

[@earlyretirementwanderlust]

What’s not to love Andy… they are a thing of beauty 😂 Thanks for the comment…I have never really got to grips with the Google platform of apps- but sounds a good solution. I am just not strong willed enough to resist the distractions on my phone👍 (he says whilst typing this comment on his phone😂). Thanks again. R

[@AngelaMiller-g5c]

Great video. Brilliant idea to help us with our well-being. Thank you. Loving the channel.

[@earlyretirementwanderlust]

Many thanks for the lovely comment- really glad you enjoy what we do. We are really enjoying the process. R

[@julian-1955]

Another great video Richard. I'm 68 and have never used this kind of system. To do lists get lost. Loose papers all over. I can see the value of stopping the anxiety definitely. And archiving all the ideas, and having broader lists of the things to do, not only shopping. I really enjoy your channel. And as someone said, seeing the growth in your ideas. Also so enjoy reading comments from the/your community where one can pick up other ideas. We're all like-minded people so the thought you plant grows and expands from each other. Love it! Keep up the great work. And I know it must get quite consuming. But please don't burn out and take on too much. Siga siga. Best regards, Julian.

[@earlyretirementwanderlust]

Hi Julian- many thanks for the comment. We agree that one of the best things about this whole process is the community that is developing around the channel. We get just as many ideas from the comments as everyone else- it's just really inspirational how people are coming together and sharing ideas. We are working really hard to make sure that YT doesn't intrude on other aspects of our life, and we definitely don't want to burn out! In fact we are currently taking a week away from the camera as we are away skiing with friends in the Alps...it is however good to keep up with correspondence via the comments😉 Thanks again. R

[@brendamchale2683]

Was like listening to my partner, he’s also a list and stationary addict. We both journal daily, but I do Morning Pages, so at least 4 A4 pages (fountain pen, turquoise ink) of my thoughts, whereas he uses his journals (Moleskine or Leuchterme) much like you - always has a wee one in his pocket. I know exactly what you mean about the joy these things bring. This was a really nice video to watch, not just the content but the visuals and tone.

[@earlyretirementwanderlust]

I am getting more intrigued by the morning pages concept…but even more intrigued by turquoise ink❤️ Many thanks for the lovely comment. It is really appreciated 👍R

[@vickidavid2510]

Loving these every day type videos. It gives me a real sense of calm and joy. I enjoy journaling and goal setting. And reading anything to do with wellbeing. I use the Ohh Dear Daily Planners (Waterstones sell them) for evening reflection and to plan the next day. They are dateless so you can start using them at any time.

[@earlyretirementwanderlust]

Glad you like the videos! They are actually really fun to put together. Thanks for the tip on the planners - I will look next time we are in a Waterstones

[@lindaauld9752]

Ordered my A5 notebook! Love this idea!!

[@earlyretirementwanderlust]

Gotta love an A5 journal. It can capture everything! Enjoy the process. Many thanks for the comment 👍R

[@CGStaggs]

I have met the male equivalent of me. “Getting things done” is a book that changed my life. It allowed me to change the trajectory of my career I type 100+ words per minute, but I still prefer a paper journal for capturing my ideas initially.

[@earlyretirementwanderlust]

Love this! GTD really is such an amazing work. I used to preach it to anyone who would listen at work. 100 words a minute- how do you get there- I am really proud that after retiring I taught myself the basics of touch typing- I now at least use the correct fingers😂 A capture tool really does have to be paper and pen- just like David Allen recommends 👍R

[@curiouscassie]

You're so speaking my language!

[@earlyretirementwanderlust]

Thanks for this- always nice to hear and also to find kindred spirits 👍

[@garagefaff]

Good video, notebooks rule! love how the channel is growing for you 👍

[@earlyretirementwanderlust]

Many thanks. It’s taking us a little by surprise…but we are enjoying the process and loving the community engagement. 👍 R

[@janetbowen7854]

I too love Molskine, I do keep a note of my daily steps and key points of the day, but I could do with using note books more (I do have a Moleksine with notes of all of our camping bookings etc which is handy having this in one place, albeit this has been transferred to a spreadsheet with costs, deposits, contact points etc. Thanks for a lovely calm and inspirational video, enjoy your ski trip with Jackie and your friends😀

[@earlyretirementwanderlust]

Hi Janet- thanks for the lovely comment. I am glad that you found something of use in the video...it's great when people take an idea and make it work for them. It's safe to say we are already loving the ski trip! Thanks again. R

[@garyhollywell2112]

I am so aligned with your approach and in the workplace through all my career I was known for the use of my Filofax, as I come further out of the workplace and into early retirement your note books would work for me as the next step and I agree the process is enjoyable. Thank you for the recommendations.

[@earlyretirementwanderlust]

I loved a good Filofax back in the day but I soon had so many adaptations to the set pages that it was easier to start with a blank journal and go free flow. What it did do was illustrate to me how a simple system could operate. Isn’t it funny that after years of trying to get a workable digital solution on my phone, it goes full circle back to paper and pen. Thanks for the comment Gary. 👍R

[@denisebrann8563]

You were speaking my language on this video

[@earlyretirementwanderlust]

Thank you ☺️

[@jillchew-tetlaw3388]

I am the same as you, plenty of lists. When I was at work my don’t forget list was simply on a piece of paper underneath my phone. You know those things that had a wire and attached to the wall! Now I am retired I have my shopping list in the kitchen on a shorthand notebook and an old fashioned diary which I wouldn’t be without. I’d never be able to find anything on my phone and it would take forever. Plus my diary is always in signal and never runs out of charge. Call me old fashioned but it works for me.

[@earlyretirementwanderlust]

Thanks for this Jill- not old fashioned- but someone who has found a solution that works for them! I used to love my paper diary for work and would be lost without it. I have to confess however that as a busy family we moved across to a shared calendar on our iPhones that really worked to keep us all on track. Jackie sweared by a paper diary when she was at work. Thanks for reaching out. R

[@rostaylor7723]

I am a notebook (& pen) nerd! In fact, my favourite pen is a different one every day…. Great video, lots of information on how to use a notebook that is really helpful!

[@earlyretirementwanderlust]

Not sure I could cope with a different pen every day😂😂😂 I am coming out in a cold sweat thinking of that! Thanks for reaching out. 😉R

[@troyboyd3100]

Old, traditional Bic Crystal. Blue for everything, red for highlighting. Also Moleskine, bound pages that don't fall out. Larger Moleskine for "daily-ish" journal, small Moleskine for to do lists. I like pencil for the "daily-ish" journal, Steadler 7mm, HB or darker, mechanical.

[@earlyretirementwanderlust]

Oh come on… a Bic really? Each to their own 😂 Seriously though- I have never been able to get on with them. However they are an absolute historic legend in the world of pens. I love the idea of using a pencil, but too many memories of writing school timetables which my tool of choice was a pencil! Thanks for sharing 👍R

[@bunnobear]

These tips are going in my notebook, thank you. At the moment I love the four colour bic pen 😂

[@FrugalMrB]

Maybe this is something I should start. I have always kept a journal when I go travelling, but not for 'normal' days. Thanks for a thought provoking video. Regards, Andrew.

[@earlyretirementwanderlust]

Thanks for this Andrew-wasn’t really sure if it would resonate with anyone…but glad it has. I definitely need to incorporate some form of travel aspects into my ramblings- no surprise we have a spreadsheet to keep track of our nights in the van😂 R

[@FrugalMrB]

@@earlyretirementwanderlust I do love a spreadsheet! 😃

[@earlyretirementwanderlust]

What's not to love😉R

[@geebutteree4755]

Ah ….this had made me laugh, but in a good way, I’m obsessed with note pads , pens and lists, i write everything down , it’s clears my head, I must also be a nerd, love the well being vlogs, never heard of the moleskine pads, so ordered some and the cover, thank you 😊💙

[@earlyretirementwanderlust]

Thanks for this Gee. I am always happy to share my nerdy traits😂 Clearing stuff from my head onto paper had been so transformative. Glad you are enjoying what we are doing. R

[@KL-tp3gq]

This is awesome! Can you do an actual flip through so we can see exactly what types of things are in it? It looks so satisfying, especially the small black Moleskine you showed early on!

[@earlyretirementwanderlust]

Thanks for this. I was thinking about doing this in the video, but some of the stuff is so personal and also some of my very random musings that are for my eyes only😳 Maybe look at doing an anonymised notebook layout/format video in the future... I loved the thicker black note books and used them for years whist working. It was really satisfying to have a thick book of scribbles! The problem for me using them now is that they are too thick to fit in my jeans pockets and they have no where to keep a pen. Have a good one. R

[@patriciabee4690]

My favourite pen is a pilot .5mm Blue. It’s a roller ball. If I can’t find a Pilot others can work. I to find it satisfying and rewarding checking boxes off as task get done.

[@earlyretirementwanderlust]

Thanks for this Patricia- these pens get really good press in the bullet journal world…but I have never tried them personally. One of the reasons I like square or dotted Moleskines is the ability to create great checkboxes 😂 Thanks for reaching out👍R

[@charcro]

I love Moleskine too. TKMaxx often have a good variety at a decent price.. I always get mine there.

[@earlyretirementwanderlust]

Top tip on the TKMaxx front- I forgot that they stocked them. Who doesn’t love a good rummage in that shop? Some amazing bargains. Thanks for the comment. R

[@joodm5641]

I’ll always think of you now when I see Moleskine notebooks…there was me always calling them Moleskin! 😂 I’m much more you and my husband is much more Jackie! 😂 Always enjoy watching your videos! Take care 😃

[@earlyretirementwanderlust]

Gotta love a moleskine...however you pronounce it! Just glad that there are people out there that think the same about a stationary brand😂 Also love that there are couples out there that are just the same as us...only in reverse😳 Thanks for the comment, R.