Rediscovering the Power of Handwriting in a Digital Work World
For years, I relied on a completely paperless work setup. My iPad and MacBook were seamlessly synced, and every note from meetings, one-on-ones, and brainstorming sessions was stored in an organized, searchable system. It was efficient, practical, and undeniably modern. I knew I was working efficiently, so much so that people often commented on and were inspired by my fully digital approach.
Yet, I was always searching for ways to refine and improve my workflow. I constantly tested new apps and experimented with how I used them, tweaking my systems in the pursuit of even better organisation. But despite all this effort, something still felt off.
While my digital workflow made it easy to capture and search for information, it also had its flaws. New notes seemed to appear faster than I could process them, creating a constant backlog. Searching through them was a breeze, but keeping an overview of what mattered most was another story. Many times, while scrolling through old notes, I stumbled upon ideas or insights buried among obsolete information, things that would have been incredibly valuable if they’d been at the forefront of my mind.
Then there were the distractions. Notifications and emails constantly vied for my attention, especially during meetings. Instead of focusing fully on the conversation in front of me, I found myself juggling messages or checking my calendar. I was present, but not really there.
Everything changed during an afternoon coffee with Samuel Naldi at Style of Zug (obviously years before I even started to think about potentially work with him). Over the course of our conversation, Samuel shared his thoughts on the benefits of handwriting. He spoke about how putting pen to paper sharpens focus, helps prioritize what’s important, and creates a more meaningful connection with your thoughts. His words struck a chord. Could handwriting really help me improve my work?
Starting Small: My Experiment with Handwriting
I knew I couldn’t (and didn’t want) abandon my digital tools entirely, they were still essential to my workflow, but I decided to carve out specific moments for handwriting. I started small, focusing on two areas: my daily priorities and meeting notes.
Each morning, I sat down with a notebook and a pen and wrote out my “daily top 3” – the three most important things I needed to accomplish that day. At first, it felt odd. I was so used to quickly typing out a to-do list or relying on calendar alerts to guide my day. But with pen in hand, I noticed a shift. The simple act of writing forced me to pause and reflect. I asked myself, “What really matters today?”
This pause was transformative. It gave me space to think about the big picture, to challenge whether yesterday’s work had been aligned with my goals, and to adjust my priorities accordingly. The process of handwriting helped me slow down, focus, and make deliberate choices about where to direct my energy. It felt empowering to take control of my day in such a mindful way.
Next, I brought handwriting into my meetings. Instead of typing notes on my iPad, I began jotting them down in a notebook. Almost immediately, I felt more present. Without a screen between me and the person I was speaking with, our conversations felt more personal and less transactional. I wasn’t just capturing information; I was actively engaging in the discussion.
Later, when I transferred my handwritten notes into my digital system, I discovered an unexpected benefit. This extra step forced me to reflect on the meeting, asking myself if it had achieved its purpose, if my notes made sense, and whether the tasks I’d written down were still relevant. More often than not, I ended up refining or clarifying my notes during this process, which gave me a much clearer sense of direction. What had once felt like an obligation, keeping meeting records, now felt like a meaningful part of my workflow.
The Impact: Clarity, Connection, and Reflection
Looking back, reintroducing handwriting into my daily routine has been one of the best decisions I’ve made. Writing by hand has helped me cut through the noise of constant notifications and focus on what truly matters. It has given me clarity, not just about my tasks but about my broader priorities.
Perhaps even more importantly, handwriting has brought a sense of connection—both to my work and to the people around me. Meetings feel less rushed and more thoughtful, with handwritten notes fostering deeper engagement. And the act of reflecting on those notes has given me a better understanding of how I’m spending my time and whether it’s being used wisely.
This good experience has inspired me to take things a step further. As 2025 approaches, I’ve decided to start a daily handwritten journal. I’m eager to see how this practice deepens my ability to reflect and engage with both my personal and professional life.
An Invitation to Rediscover Handwriting
This journey back to handwriting has been deeply rewarding, and I can’t help but wonder if others might feel the same. What about you? Have you ever considered bringing handwriting back into your workday? Perhaps you already use a pen and paper regularly, or maybe, like me, you’ve relied on digital tools for years.
If you’re curious, I encourage you to start small. Try writing down your daily priorities or taking notes by hand during your next meeting. See how it feels to slow down and connect with your thoughts in a new (but old) way.
I’d love to hear about your experiences. Does handwriting play a role in your job? Have you found moments where putting pen to paper makes a difference? Let’s start a conversation, because sometimes, the most meaningful changes begin with the simple stroke of a pen.
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