In this video tutorial, I share how I use a notebook to keep myself grounded when things feel chaotic and unpredictable. It’s Election Day - this feels needed!
I address the following aspects of my notebook system:
Keeping a weekly intentions list to come back to when considering next actions
Dating the daily log and setting up your productivity dashboard
Starting your daily log with critical tasks to accomplish that day
Documenting notes, events, and tasks as the day progresses
Brainstorming ideas with text and sketches
Reviewing the day, noting wins, insights, and gratitudes
Take care,
Matt
Transcript
Hi, this is Matt. I'm sharing how I ground myself with a notebook, both as a coach and as an individual. It’s a space for personal and professional reflections, which is especially helpful during unpredictable times, like today—Election Day, 2024. I thought it’d be appropriate to share this process.
This approach is adapted from the *Bullet Journal Method* by Ryder Carroll, with a few tweaks for my needs. Let’s start with my weekly intentions. I date the week, then list all I want to accomplish. There’s usually more than I can get done, but if something doesn’t get completed, I simply move it to the next week. This becomes my weekly log.
My daily log captures each day’s priorities. Here’s yesterday’s log. First, I date it—November 4th, a Monday. Then I create a dashboard. This idea comes from the Bullet Journal community; I highlight boxes and draw icons representing productive actions. Not productivity in a “getting things done” sense, but actions aligned with the person I want to become.
For example, my dashboard includes icons for writing, meditating, pet care, budgeting, and exercise. Exercise doesn’t have to mean lifting weights; yesterday, I did Tai Chi and went for a walk. There’s also an icon for a fun activity and another for “unhooking” from unproductive thoughts—using self-talk or breathing techniques to steer clear of unhealthy thinking. It’s a valuable habit, especially with the uncertainty around the election.
Each day, I identify two or three critical tasks, such as drafting a newsletter or inviting a friend for an event. Throughout the day, I add tasks as they come up—like reserving rooms for next week or picking up cat food. I use different symbols: a dot for tasks and a circle for events. Yesterday, we had a staff meeting to discuss our strategic plan. I like using paper for brainstorming; it helps me play with ideas creatively. For example, I sketched a diagram that a colleague suggested I share on our Padlet.
At the end of the day, I log any other thoughts or tasks. For instance, I agreed to be secretary for the Lions Club. I also like to reflect on something successful, an insight, and what I’m grateful for. Last night, I noted “saying yes to what I can,” sharing my drafty thinking, and appreciating the chance to contribute.
Today, I’ll start with my productivity dashboard again. I use a Leuchtturm B5 notebook, but any notebook works fine, especially when you’re starting. You don’t need anything fancy. You can also replace icons with initials if you prefer.
I’ve already voted, so I don’t need to worry about that. Throughout the day, when I feel stressed or tempted to check election news, I can return to my notebook. For instance, I need to finalize the writing workshop PD and plan for my kids’ birthdays. Writing these tasks down increases my commitment to them.
Today is open-ended but grounded by this structure. I can even note it’s Election Day as an event. This notebook helps me stay focused on the day-to-day and acts as a place for journaling. My wife will vote before work, and I remind myself that we probably won’t know results right away.
Putting my thoughts and worries on paper keeps me grounded. If I feel restless, I can take the dog for a walk to release energy, then return to my list. I aim to calm myself by being intentional and purposeful with my time.
Best wishes, and stay calm in these unpredictable times. Take care.
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