One of the best parts of starting the New Year is cracking open a new calendar and saying goodbye to an old schedule that didn’t work so you can create a new improved one that will help you achieve your goals. If you really want to take it up a notch, consider using a hard copy calendar. It may seem archaic to pick up an old-fashioned datebook, but this couldn’t be further from the truth – what it is, is smart.
You’ll find in addition to using the digital one on your phone (if so inclined), a tangible calendar is more likely to KEEP you on track because you’re forced to write in it.
Proof?
An interesting blog written by QA engineer Corissa E Haury discusses the benefits of taking pen to paper making a case that “writing is still the best way to retain information.” She then goes on to put hard research behind her opinion quoting a study by a neuroscientist at the University of Tokyo that found “writing on physical paper can lead to more brain activity when remembering the information an hour later.”
That means that old-school calendar with all those beautiful blank pages could help you stick to plans and achieve your goals faster because you must actually write them, vs. type.
Another benefit to having a concrete calendar is you can’t ignore your schedule because it’s right out there in the open on your desk; that visual is hard to ignore vs. digital which you have to open to look at. A hard copy datebook can also inspire you to commit to goals more than a virtual one if it’s fun.
For example, take the Writual 2024 Tarot Calendar. Talk about fun! Not only is it a nice big size (8 ½’ by 11”) making it easy to write in – no hand cramping to fit your plans into small spaces – but it also works two-fold as a journal to record your daily tarot readings. You don’t have to know tarot either as it has a whole breakdown of what each card means, tracks the moon cycles, and is a great resource for helping you focus in on your goals.
Another simpler one that has a nice feel is by Field Notes. With this one you write in the dates, so if you’re starting a calendar NOW – three weeks into the year – you won’t have lost any pages. The size is much smaller than the Writual coming in at 4 ¾” by 7 ½” and is good for smaller desk space.
One last one I’d like to mention is the Rhodia Weekly Calendar because it has detachable corners that you can rip off when you finish a week. There’s something about doing that that’s really satisfying, sort of like popping bubble wrap.
Take a look around the internet to see what tickles your fancy, choose wisely, and get take on the new year!
Main photo credit: iStock.com/mastafaU
First photo credit: iStock.com/thomas-bethge
—
Alyssa Collins hails from Minnesota, where snowy days were the perfect excuse to stay warm inside and write. Over the years, she turned that joy into a career and has authored numerous articles for various publications (under pen names). Email Alyssa via alyssa@ynot.com.
