Hi [NICKNAME GOES HERE],

I’ve recently got a replacement main laptop and with that in mind I’ve been looking at work and desk environment over the last month and will continue. Especially in how it can help to make things easier and more fun.

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Incantation

Last week I covered more about the Timeular device which sort of bridges the digital and real world by being a physical device you turn. But a desk isn’t just about computing and what can directly connect to computers and the digital realm (or even metaverse).

There’s a lot to be said for truly analog tools that can work in conjunction with your digital life if not directly connected to it.

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Bridging the Analog Divide

I highly recommend The Bullet Journal Method by Ryder Carroll.

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If you’re not familiar with the Bullet Journal, it’s a way of organising and task management on plain paper with “mark up” symbols. It has a significant advantage with its expandability and adaptability.

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It doesn’t require specialised journals. You can just use a plain paper journal. What attracts me to this method is its expandability, making itself a superset. This means you can effectively fit any other type of paper journalling method inside of this one. The markup approach, too, opens up possibilities.

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In the same way, I’ve erred towards plain text and markdown in my digital life. This translates to a more accessible use of the same logic and symbols in physical writing.

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I’ve tried bullet journaling off and on for years, but it never entirely stuck down to lack of structure and habit but also feeling like I was being stretched across two worlds. You know I’m into automation, and plain paper and physical writing are the opposite of my trend towards full automation.

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It doesn’t have to be the case that everything is automated. Bulk information and algorithmic sorting and prioritising can be automated. That doesn’t negate the physical side, which in itself can fall into the category of automation through habit. Duplicating essential information and taking advantage of the freeform nature of the medium can be an advantage and part of your systems in themselves.

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Pulling these things together may not even be necessary. But if you need to, this is where a referencing system comes in. Reference by journal name and page number and vice versa with notes titles etc. Nothing stops you from writing file names or URLs in your journal or referencing physical media in your digital notes.

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Tool of The Week

Bullet Journal

​https://bulletjournal.com/products/edition-2​

The point of bullet journalling is that it can be done in any type of paper notebook. But a great starting point is to get one of the official Bullet Journals to have guidance and premade items you need for Bullet Journaling such as numbered pages.

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Marvel Moment

Writing in a notebook is good enough for Captain America

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Until next time, have a great week,

Andrew

I got into writing daily by joining the Ship 30 for 30 programme. If you’re interested in developing a writing habit or turning it into an income or business, I have a $100 off link below to join the next cohort. https://shop.ship30for30.com/referral/next-cohort/QX5OCMHsHEgUGOHb?coupon=CT100​