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The 1st thing I do every morning when I bring pen to paper is set my intentions for the day.
Embracing Analog: A Simple Approach to Daily Planning
Ark
May 12, 2025
In a world dominated by digital tools, I’ve made a conscious shift to analog for planning my day. After years of relying on digital to-do list apps to automate my schedule, I decided to take back control. Since December last year, I’ve embraced a 95% analog approach to task management, and it’s transformed how I approach my work and life. Here’s how I do it, why I made the switch, and the simple routine that keeps me focused.
Why I Ditched Digital To-Do Apps
For years, I swore by digital to-do list apps. They were convenient, automated, and took the thinking out of planning. But over time, I realized this automation was misaligned with my desire to be intentional about my day. I didn’t want an app dictating my priorities. Instead, I wanted to consciously choose what to focus on each day.
I noticed colleagues around me had their own methods—some planned in the morning, others the evening before, and a few seemed to magically know what to work on moment-to-moment. We’re all different, and I needed a system that worked for me. That’s when I decided to go analog, keeping only repetitive, low-effort reminders in my digital Apple Reminders app for mindless convenience.
My Analog Planning Routine
Every weekday, I start my day at around 7:15 AM with a 30-minute planning session. This routine has become the backbone of my day, grounding me with intention. Here’s how it works:
Review the Weekly Log: On Fridays, I plan the upcoming week by pulling tasks from my monthly log into my weekly log in Apple Reminders. Each morning, I review this weekly log and select tasks to move into my daily log.
Plan the Daily Log: I list tasks and meetings in a pocket-sized notebook (think Field Notes or Moleskine). I don’t time-block; instead, I create a flexible, agile list of what I hope to achieve. This order can shift if higher-priority tasks, like customer service needs, arise.
Set Intentions with a Devotional: I use the Glorify app for a daily devotional, which helps me start my day with focus and clarity.
Check My Calendar: Until recently, I reviewed my digital calendar on my iPhone to note meetings. I’m now experimenting with an analog diary to see if it brings more joy to the process. I typically have 1.5 hours of focus time in the morning to tackle tasks, leaving space for unexpected work.
The Tools I Use
My analog system is intentionally simple:
Pocket-Sized Notebook: I use brands like Field Notes, Moleskine, or Lamy for their portability. This notebook stays open on my desk, where I mark tasks as complete throughout the day. At the end of the day, I close it and slip it into my pocket or bag—there’s something satisfying about that ritual.
Apple Reminders: For repetitive tasks that don’t require prioritization, I rely on Apple Reminders. This keeps my analog system uncluttered.
iPad for Meetings: I use Apple Notes on my iPad to capture meeting notes, keeping my notebook reserved for daily planning.
Lessons from Going Analog
Switching to analog wasn’t without challenges. I tried bullet journaling to manage all my tasks and projects in one notebook, but it was overwhelming. I couldn’t keep up with the growth and maintenance of collections analog-style. So, I simplified: one digital list in Apple Reminders for all work tasks and a pocket notebook for daily intentions.
This hybrid approach has made task management effortless. I’ve also learned to be realistic with my schedule. On meeting-heavy days, I might not select any tasks and focus on being present. If unexpected time opens up, I pull additional tasks from my weekly log and add them to my notebook. It’s simple, flexible, and sustainable.
The Joy of Simplicity
Going analog has brought a sense of calm and control to my workday. There’s something minimal and attractive about a notebook that sits open on my desk, free from the noise of digital notifications. It’s a small but powerful way to stay intentional.
I’m still experimenting—recently, I enlisted an executive assistant to manage my diary and protect my focus time. But the core of my system remains: a simple, analog routine that keeps me grounded and productive.
If you’re feeling overwhelmed by digital tools, consider trying an analog approach. It doesn’t have to be all-or-nothing. Find what works for you, keep it simple, and make planning a daily ritual that sets the tone for your day.
#Innovation #Leadership #Entrepreneurship #DigitalMarketing #Technology #Career #Networking #Business #Motivation #FutureOfWork
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