In today's world of technology, digital planning is becoming more and more prevalent. With new apps and websites popping up daily, it's no wonder why people are turning more towards digital planners than analogue ones. But is digital planning really better than its analogue counterpart? In this blog post, we will delve into the pros and cons of both digital and analogue planners to help you decide which one is right for you.
Digital Planners
Digital planners are convenient, compatible with other devices, and can easily be synced across multiple devices. This makes it easier for users to share information and collaborate, without having to carry around extra weight. Additionally, digital planners come with a range of features, such as calendar views, task lists, and reminders. However, despite their many advantages, digital planners do require a certain level of technical knowledge and they can be difficult to use for those who are not tech savvy.
Analogue Planners
Analogue planners, such as paper planners, have been around for centuries and are still popular today. They are simple and require no technical knowledge to use. Analogue planners offer users the flexibility to add notes, sketches, and other creative elements. However, they are not as convenient as digital planners and cannot provide the same level of features.
I’m one of those people who love using physical planners, but often times I already have a lot of things to carry and take everywhere that it is sometimes impractical for me to also carry a planner… yes, even in a handbag.
However, there is a rather nostalgic feeling to it all, which constantly brings me back to pen and paper... For me anyway. I grew up always with a diary, I would write in it everyday, I’ve had one every year of my life for as long as I can remember. Not only that, but I started goal setting all the way back when I was in primary school. [A little bit of context: I was born with asthma, and I spent a decent amount of my childhood in the hospital. Sometimes (even now) it will just kick in spontaneously, I could be watching TV, then BAM! I’m keeled over getting red in the face because I can’t breathe (anywho). When I was little, it could also flare up from emotions (as I understand it). Both my parents worked all the time and I hardly ever saw them (till my dad slipped a disc), but my mum worked in the hospital. So, sometimes I would work myself up emotionally (sometimes intentional, sometimes unintentional), maybe even start running laps around the house. My dad couldn’t stop me because of his back and my sister was still in nappies. This would inevitably make me really sick, and before you know it, I’m in the hospital, then I would get to see my mum. NOTE: I was roughly 5/ 6 when this would happen.
What my parents did was set some goals for me, to help me get better;
- If I could last a WHOLE term without going into hospital, I would be rewarded $20
- If I could last half the year/ 2 terms, I would get $50
- If I could last all year I would get $100 (or something like that)
I never received $100. Buuuut, it was a massive incentive! $100 for a 6 year old (in 2000) to me was like winning the lotto. These fallbacks were NOT intentional. This is just the life story of a young asthmatic. I would then start journaling about the entire experience either during or after (depending on the severity) and that is how I ended up here.
In 2002 I moved to New Zealand with my family. In 2003 I was year 5 and my teacher Mr Oram gave me a nice little pep-talk about asthma and how I could try to beat it. That year was my first cross-country run at school. 2004 was my first cross-country where I didn’t pass out from my asthma. 2006 was my first school cross-country (year 8) I did without stopping AND I was talking nearly the entire time (Robbie, if you’re reading this, thank you). 2007 I did almost every (not-so) non-running event at athletics day. By 2010 I was running everyday. And, 2012 I joined the Royal New Zealand Navy (where I stayed for 5.5 years).
I vary quite a lot in the type of planner I like to use, so I use almost all of them. Sometimes I use our essentials (minimalist) digital planner, where I want to journal a bit more and write a lot (normally a whole lot of nothing). Otherwise I use our Signature Daily Planner as it has some space to write and it has more of a template for me to write on.
When deciding between digital and analogue planners, it is important to consider your personal needs and preferences. Digital planners are convenient and offer a range of features, while analogue planners are easier to use and offer more flexibility. Ultimately, the choice is yours and it is up to you to decide which one is the best option for your needs.