Writing Wednesday: 5 Surprising Benefits of Keeping a Pocket Notebook

Many of the benefits of keeping a notebook are obvious, especially to the journallers among us. Having the ability to write down your creative inspirations and observations at any moment is clearly a wonderful thing, but what makes a pocket notebook just so special? You may be surprised.

1) History of Greatness

Pocket notebooks are part of a rich history of list-making, a lineage that may not seem so grand but is actually populated by some of the brightest minds of human society. From campers to inventors, police officers to doctors, presidents to graphic designers, the pocket notebook has been home to some deep thoughts and important revelations. And while their use may not be as widespread as it once was, notebooks are making a comeback in trendy and fashionable circles. Your notebook will not only help organise your thoughts but is an everyday accessory to reflect your personality.

2) No Missed Opportunities

We all know it’s handy to have some paper nearby for when creative inspiration strikes, but what about the other important “can’t miss” opportunities? Salespeople have been using pocket notebooks for years to jot down potential leads, and a pocket notebook is a must-have for an architect needing to draft ideas on the go. Having a notebook easily reachable also lets you write down an inspirational quote or sketch a funny sign and, because you’ve always got your trusty notebook with you, makes it easy to refer to these anecdotes in conversation later. Paperblanks^® memory pouches keep your business cards right at hand, too!

3) Durability, Longevity and Availability

A pocket notebook is a sturdy little companion that has a far longer lifespan than a scrap of paper. Jot down short notes to avoid ordering a terrible meal twice or to remember shortcuts to your favourite destinations. Having this information written down is especially handy when you find yourself without power or internet connection. One habit I’ve gotten into is dedicating one page to bus stop numbers of all the places I’ve visited on my local transit system. If your city has individual numbers for each stop, writing them down along with the intersection and direction of the route helps avoid any guesswork about the next arrival or departure. By checking this list, I can text our public transit system to receive the next bus time or can go online and quickly look up the schedule for the stop I want.

4) Omnipresent Hard Surface

Notebook covers (like Paperblanks^® Mini Reporters) handily flip from front to back, so you’re never searching for a hard surface to jot notes onto a scrap piece of paper. Of course, your notes on the go are not necessarily going to be the most legible, so it’s always a good idea to write a good draft when you have the time.

5) Figure Things Out – and Remember Them!

Have you ever written a little reminder or to-do list and then completely forgotten where you put it? You’re not alone – I know some intelligent, not-usually-absentminded people who have abandoned to-do lists all over their homes, bags and cars. Having a pocket notebook to jot down these important thoughts means that you’ve always got that list to refer to when you need it. There’s no reliance on keeping track of a hundred scraps of paper when all your thoughts are organised in one bound, easy-to-access book. Having a notebook that you especially love will mean that you pay a little bit more attention to remembering where you left it, too.

Do you have a handy, pocket-sized notebook that has positively influenced your daily life? What sort of notes do you keep in it?

About Paperblanks^®: At Paperblanks, we believe that art should have a place in all aspects of life. That’s why we follow the artist’s way in everything we do – creating, crafting and releasing designs we believe have the power to touch people. For more about Paperblanks^®, go to our website at paperblanks.com.