My two notebook system to stop infinite scrolling

The Two-Notebook System to Stop Infinite Scrolling

Author

Ark
May 12, 2025

In a world dominated by digital distractions and endless scrolling, I’ve developed a simple yet powerful two-notebook system to stay grounded, productive, and reflective. By using one notebook for life tracking and another for daily productivity, I’ve created a sustainable analog system that outlasts fleeting apps and helps me focus on what truly matters. Here’s how it works, why it’s effective, and how I integrate it with digital tools.

Why Choose an Analog System?

As someone who’s experimented with countless productivity apps, I’ve found that analog systems are unmatched in their reliability and longevity. Apps can become unsupported, data can be lost, or they may shift to subscription models, making them unpredictable. Notebooks, on the other hand, are tangible, permanent, and satisfying to revisit. Flipping through old journals to see past thoughts, goals, and memories is a nostalgic and grounding experience that no app can replicate. While I use digital tools as supplements, my notebooks are the backbone of my system, ensuring my data and reflections endure.

Notebook 1: The Life Tracker Journal

My main journal is a Leuchtturm1917 A5, the perfect size for reflection and life tracking. I’ve used one notebook per year since turning 20, starting each on my birthday. This creates a shelf of annual journals, each a snapshot of my thoughts, feelings, and experiences. As I age, these journals will only grow in value, offering a window into my younger self.

The Life Tracker System

The core of my journaling is the life tracker system, which I’ve used consistently for seven years. It’s simple and sustainable:

  • Monthly Pages: Each month begins with a spread. On the left, I track daily highlights, habits (like exercise or reading), and metrics (like sleep scores). On the right, I list goals, milestones, or reflections. Below, I jot down additional thoughts or summaries.

  • Daily Highlights: At the end of each day, I write down one memorable moment that made the day special. Studies show reflecting on daily wins boosts motivation, and it’s fun to revisit these memories.

  • Freeform Journaling: Throughout the notebook, I capture thoughts, ideas, and reflections inspired by podcasts, conversations, or personal insights. This helps me process experiences and avoid mindless content consumption.

This journal isn’t for productivity—it’s for tracking my life. Unlike complex journaling methods that bog you down with to-do lists or schedules, this system focuses on memories, ideas, and personal growth. Journaling becomes fun and sustainable when you don’t force a daily habit but instead capture inspiration as it strikes. Checking off habits and seeing streaks is addictive and rewarding, keeping me engaged for years.

The Power of Reflection

Journaling has been a rock in my life, helping me navigate ruts, challenges, and big decisions. When I quit my job to pursue entrepreneurship, I wrote down my plans, possible outcomes, and motivations. Revisiting those entries rekindled my drive during moments of doubt. Journaling clarifies your values, boosts motivation, and increases your chances of achieving goals by creating a concrete plan. As Marcus Aurelius’ Meditations shows, personal reflections can become timeless wisdom, not just for yourself but for future generations.

Notebook 2: The Productivity Pocket Notebook

My second notebook is a phone-sized Field Notes pocket notebook, perfect for carrying everywhere. This is my productivity powerhouse, used for daily to-dos, shopping lists, sketches, and spontaneous ideas. Unlike my main journal, which I treat as a keepsake, I go through pocket notebooks quickly, sometimes tearing out pages.

Daily Structure

Each day’s page is simple:

  • Top: Date, day, and three priority tasks—the most important things to accomplish.

  • Below: Less urgent tasks, errands, or habits.

  • Grid Side: Sketches, doodles, or creative notes (like guitar tabs).

This structure forces me to prioritize impactful tasks over easy ones, unlike digital to-do apps that present overwhelming lists. Crossing off tasks is satisfying, and working from an analog notebook is less distracting than using my phone.

Creativity on the Go

The pocket notebook is a creativity booster. When traveling in Japan, I avoided my phone, using the notebook to jot down new words, directions, or train doodles. It’s a low-cost, high-reward tool that combats boredom and infinite scrolling. Instead of reaching for TikTok, I sketch or write ideas, which is far more stimulating and fulfilling.

Integrating with Digital Tools

I’m not an analog purist—I use digital tools like Whoop for sleep tracking or apps for complex projects. However, I ensure critical data is captured in my notebooks for context and longevity. For example, I record weekly sleep scores or running miles in my monthly journal pages. This practice makes me conscious of what I’m tracking and ensures the data outlives the apps.

Digital tools are fleeting. I once lost years of budgeting data when switching phones, a loss I regret. By writing key metrics in my journal, I create a permanent record that provides context alongside my habits and reflections. Apps make tracking easier, but journals preserve what matters.

Why This System Stops Infinite Scrolling

The two-notebook system curbs overconsumption by encouraging active creation over passive scrolling. Journaling transforms inspiration from podcasts or books into tangible ideas, preventing them from fading. The pocket notebook captures spontaneous thoughts, keeping me engaged with my environment. Both notebooks make me intentional about my time, actions, and goals, reducing the urge to scroll mindlessly.

Final Thoughts

Journaling has been transformative. It helped me plan this YouTube channel, stick to goals, and grow personally. My notebooks are a stable anchor, preserving memories and wisdom for decades. If you’re inspired to start, check out my full guide linked below. It’s a simple, sustainable way to begin. Let’s ditch infinite scrolling and start journaling—your future self will thank you.

#Innovation #Leadership #Entrepreneurship #DigitalMarketing #Technology #Career #Networking #Business #Motivation #FutureOfWork

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