Young woman writes daily next to the window.
I’ve been on a productivity kick lately, mostly because it’s the best way to stay innovative during this strange time.
When we follow routines, keep focused, and remove complexities we can think clearer and come up with better ideas. It’s not easy during COVID-19. These journals are some of the best I’ve found that are not named Moleskine or Leuchtturm1917.
1. Habit Nest Morning Sidekick
What I like about this journal is they don’t just give you blank pages. Habit Nest journals are geared for productivity. You write down any reflections, plans, and challenges. There are tips to help you stay focused throughout the day.
2. Action Method Action Book
I started a new project recently and used this journal to help me track tasks. You can jot down notes but the really helpful feature involves action steps. On the right, you can record tasks that need your attention. I also like how the spiral book lays flat.
3. Rocketbook Panda Planner
The Rocketbook series is like a never-ending paper journal. You record all of your notes in the planner and organize your tasks, sync to a phone, and then erase everything. I like how this planner encourages writing down affirming statements about your day.
4. Content Creators Planner
As someone who studies the social media market, I was impressed by this planner because it is meant for content creators. There’s a section for tracking stats and planning content as part of a marketing strategy. The company helpfully includes plenty of blank pages, too.
5. Karst Stone Paper Softcover
This is my favorite journal of the group because of the reasonable price ($25 per notebook isn’t bad) and thicker paper made from recycled stone. Matched with a fountain pen, the paper has a durability that makes you feel like you are documenting something important.
6. Remarkable 2
My favorite digital tablet, the new Remarkable 2 is quite...remarkable. Writing on the device feels exactly like writing on paper with a pen or a pencil, thanks to the tactile feedback of the tip. You can sync notes with the app. The tablet lasts three times longer than the original model.
7. Silk + Sonder
Designed for women, these flowery journals are meant for extreme productivity. I asked my wife to test them and she used two journals (one meant for July and one for August). She kept her thoughts organized and notes were easy to find later.
8. Daily Kairos
A brilliant journal for helping you discover spiritual insight, the Daily Kairos is organized for daily meditations and insights. Each journal covers a three month period and there are some prompts to help you chronicle what is happening in your daily life.
Bonus: Faber Castell Hexo Fountain Pen
One extra item to go with all of the journals is a fountain pen, which makes it a joy to write and sketch. I saw a video with the author Neil Gaiman where he says he uses one. This refillable pen is also a smart buy because the cartridges come in a bundle that costs only $4.
