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Why is everyone obsessed with notebooks? What's really going on?

The Pocket Notebook Comeback: Why Analog is Winning in a Digital World

Author

Ark
May 12, 2025

In an era dominated by AI, automation, and smartphones, why are people ditching their screens for something as old-school as a pocket notebook? At first, I didn’t get the hype either. But after a year of filling, testing, and carrying pocket notebooks everywhere, I’m a convert. Here’s why pocket notebooks are making a comeback, how to use them effectively, which ones are worth your money, and whether they’re truly as life-changing as enthusiasts claim.

The Problem with Smartphones

The average American checks their phone 80 times a day—roughly once every 12 minutes. What starts as a quick glance often spirals into an endless vortex of notifications and infinite scrolling. For me, this over-reliance on my phone was suffocating. It stole my free time, stifled spontaneity, and stalled progress on projects I cared about. Sound familiar?

This is where pocket notebooks come in. When used wisely, they’re an algorithm-free antidote to the smartphone, helping you reclaim focus and stay present. But how do you actually use them? What do you write? And how do you make sense of it all? After a year of experimentation, I’ve honed three powerful methods that have transformed how I think, create, and even dress.

Three Ways to Use a Pocket Notebook

1. The Wastebook: Your Raw Idea Dump

The wastebook is a rule-free, structure-free space to capture unfiltered thoughts before processing them later. Think of it as a mental catch-all, used by luminaries like Ben Franklin and Isaac Newton to jot down ideas, inspirations, or reminders.

For me, the wastebook is a practical tool. Out and about, if an idea strikes—maybe a video script, a task, or something I overhear—I grab my notebook instead of my phone. It’s also a lifesaver in idle moments, like waiting for a haircut or riding public transport, where I can scribble thoughts or brainstorm without digital distractions.

Pro Tip: Don’t obsess over neatness. Early on, I wasted time worrying about handwriting or even correcting spelling with white-out. That’s a creativity killer. The wastebook is for raw capture—harvest the good stuff later. I review mine every few days, transferring scripts to Google Docs, sketching thumbnails in Photoshop, or saving quotes elsewhere. Also, use a ballpoint pen; fountain pens smudge when you’re scribbling in a rush.

2. The Logbook: Capturing Life’s Bare Bones

Inspired by Austin Kleon, the logbook is a minimalist way to chronicle daily experiences. Originating with sailors who recorded distances and notable events, logbooks let you track how far your “ship” has traveled in life.

A few weeks ago, my friends Pete and Lizzy visited, and my logbook entry from that day is gold. It captures fleeting moments—like inside jokes or small adventures—that I’d have forgotten otherwise. If you’ve wanted to journal but dread the time commitment, a logbook is perfect. It’s quick, low-pressure, and surprisingly rewarding for those (like me) with terrible memory for experiences.

Pro Tip: Try it for two months. You might be amazed at how much joy those little entries bring when you flip back through them.

3. The Zalon: A Repository of Meaning

Originating in 15th-century Florence, the zibaldone is a notebook for capturing meaningful ideas—quotes, aphorisms, or passages from books. Unlike the wastebook’s chaos or the logbook’s brevity, the zalon is deliberate. I copy out fascinating or enriching finds, writing slowly to let them sink in. Sometimes, I even use a date stamp or a slow-drying Pentel brush pen to make the act intentional.

Why not store this in a digital tool like Notion? For me, that defeats the point. Digital systems invite distractions—notifications, rabbit holes, you name it. Plus, typing with predictive text is so fast it bypasses deep thinking. Writing slowly in a salon helps ideas stick in long-term memory.

Pro Tip: I’m so attached to my zhalon that I’ve changed how I dress to always carry it. It never runs out of battery, has no hidden agenda, and forces me to notice my surroundings in a way my phone never could.

Which Notebooks Are Worth Buying?

Not all pocket notebooks are created equal. Here are my top picks for each method:

  • Wastebook: Field Notes

    • Why: Rugged, pocket-friendly, and nearly waterproof, these are perfect for rough-and-tumble use. You can pull them out all day without wear and tear.

    • Tip: Stick to ballpoint pens or mechanical pencils—fountain or rollerball pens don’t play well with the paper.

    • Bonus: If you like tearing out pages to transfer notes, try the Rhodia Pocket Notebook. Its perforated pages and reporter-like aesthetic make it a great choice.

  • Logbook or Zalon: Penco V7

    • Why: The paper is a dream—smooth, bleed-resistant even with a Pentel brush pen. Its 1950s workbook vibe adds charm.

    • Tip: It lacks an elastic band, but you can DIY one with an X-Acto knife and some elastic. Ensure enough slack so it wraps comfortably.

Why Analog Wins

Pocket notebooks force you to slow down in a way digital tools can’t. They’ve helped me break my phone addiction, be more present, and revive creative projects stalled for years. But the real magic happens with consistency. In a related video, I share four tactics for building habits that stick—apply them here, and a pocket notebook might just change your life.

So, are they as life-changing as people claim? For me, absolutely. Grab one, experiment, and see what it unlocks for you.

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

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