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Distraction Free Organizing

 

Introduction

I want to start this post by recognizing we live in a highly digital world, and I am as easily distracted as anyone else with shiny new gadgets and devices. However, there is a time to work in the digital space and other times when we need to remove ourselves from an endless torrent of notifications and interruptions. There are strategies you can employ to combine both digital (and in many cases transferable) tools and a more distraction-free experience. For some people, this is as easy as placing your device in airplane mode or do not disturb. For others (me included), superfluous apps (online or offline) are a constant temptation. This article will talk about some of the distraction-free solutions available, with a more detailed list of pros and cons to come later. I will not take the time to rehash the options related to traditional tablets and computers.

Pen or Pencil and Paper

For those who are very easily distracted, pen and paper are the perfect way to minimize interruptions when you are trying to write, regardless of whether you are a linear thinker or someone who creates using sketching, cognitive mapping (also called mind-mapping), or other non-traditional methods. Yes, I know there can be doodling involved, but this is sometimes therapeutic for those who need to think through a particular problem. The barrier for entry is also very low to pick up a notebook and start writing.

Reusable Planners and Notebooks

If you don’t mind the loss of the tactile feel of pen/pencil to paper and still want to get more organized, there are app-driven options out there. These devices rely on different input methods but allow an app to convert your handwritten text and images to a digital format. Two of the biggest players in this market are Rocketbook and Boogie Board. Both rely on apps to “digitize” content and are reusable. One quick note on why the Moleskine Smart notebook is not listed here. While it is a digital app-driven system, it is not reusable. Once you fill a notebook, you must buy new notebooks. However, it is a good alternative for those who just cannot give up on paper. The Rocketbook is more akin to a “whiteboard” approach, while the Boogie Board is similar to writing on a chalkboard or slate.

Device Links

E-Ink Tablets

This category is a little more difficult. At the outset, I said I wouldn’t mention Apple and Android tablets in the traditional sense. However, several players in the e-ink tablet market are now using more advanced CPUs, color technology, and the full Android app store. This being the case, they must at least be mentioned and are in the links below. However, these are different in that they attempt to replicate the feel of pencil or pen on paper. The idea of creating a true digital notebook has been around for a long time and these providers look to enhance this experience for users through various types of experiences.

Device Links

Overall Organization

Regardless of the type of device or approach used, the important part is to find a workflow and process that fits your needs. For those who are more paper-based and need to physically see the writing on the equivalent (at least visually) of paper, Rocketbook or even Boogie Board may be more appealing. Others who are constantly losing their notebooks or need digital organization tools with enhanced functions (such as cloud backup, annotations, PDFs, etc.) may opt for the e-ink route. And finally, there are those who work best on a desktop or laptop PC, or a combination of these devices and some of this new technology. In my case, I use the “digital paper” approach but heavily combined with my computer to keep myself organized.
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