Why paper to-do lists are more effective than digital ones

Being on Paper makes me more productive:

I’ve always been a ‘to do’ list fanatic. I have a never ending, long list of things on there. Recently i’ve migrated from keeping it purely digital (via my Reminders app)

to now writing my to do list’s for the day on good ol’ fashioned paper!

To my surprise it’s made me about 60% more productive.

Having the list on paper in front of me, instead of on my phone screen, makes it way easier to see what needs to be done and i’m less likely to get distracted by other apps.

If you’re like me and suffer from ADHD, shiny object syndrome or just have a hard time accomplishing the stuff on your list. Id definitely recommend giving paper a try!

The second component of why paper is more helpful, is probably the fact that I LOVE the dopamine hit of being able to PHYSICALLY cross of and checkmark items as I accomplish them, hell I even break my tasks down into micro-tasks just so i could check off more things!

It feels so much more satisfying to see a list with a bunch of checked off items, than a list with a bunch of digitally marked ones.

When it’s all unchecked it feels daunting, but when it’s checked off it feels like “damn, I got a lot done today!” :)

Lastly, i think that paper helps you think more clearly. I write my list the night before, as I prep for bed. So that in the morning — it’s the first companion I carry with me throughout the day. There’s a quote I live by when things in my life are getting hectic, and that’s “The answers are offline.”

What that means is that when we spend so much time online, we get caught up in this constant stream of thoughts, information and distractions. Which can be helpful at times, but if you struggle with attention and staying on one internet tab, it can be quite harmful.

By disconnecting for at least a few minutes, and spending some time with paper instead — we give ourselves a chance to think more clearly, and be more present with our thoughts.

TLDR:

• Having a to do list in front of you is better than a screen one.
• Writing checks feels good.
• Offline meditations are necessary. Use paper!