I’m in the process of creating a guided journal, and as part of the user testing, I’ve been using it in my day-to-day life. Each page has simple prompts for setting goals and tracking your activities, and what I’ve found is kind of amazing. Just the act of writing my goals down and checking them off at the end of the day has genuinely motivated me to get them done.
And I don’t think it’s just about making a note of tasks. I’ve tried adding them to my phone apps, but it’s never quite as effective. There’s something about physically writing them down with pen and paper that adds an extra layer of motivation. I find myself checking the list throughout the day and making a real effort to complete everything by the time the day’s done.
So what is it about writing things down that makes the difference? It might seem too simple to work, but research actually backs this up—physically writing your goals and tasks helps you focus, stay on track, and follow through.
Why Write It Down? The Science Behind the Strategy
- Increased Clarity and Focus: Writing down your goals makes them more tangible and specific. In fact, a study published in the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology found that people who physically wrote down their goals were significantly more likely to achieve them than those who didn’t. By externalising your thoughts, you gain a clearer sense of what needs to be done and where to focus your energy.
- Enhanced Motivation: Putting your goals on paper can also increase your sense of commitment and drive. Visualising what you want to achieve adds a layer of accountability. And every time you check something off your list, you get a small but meaningful boost in motivation—a reminder that you’re making progress.
- Improved Task Breakdown: Writing things down helps you break big tasks into smaller, more manageable pieces. This not only makes the work feel less overwhelming, but also helps prevent procrastination by giving you clear, actionable steps to follow.
Why Writing Things Down Beats Task Tracking Apps
While task tracking apps offer convenience and automation, writing by hand taps into something deeper—physically, mentally, and emotionally.
- The Mind-Body Connection: Handwriting activates fine motor skills and engages your tactile senses in a way that typing doesn’t. This kinesthetic engagement strengthens the mental link between you and the task, making the experience more memorable and intentional.
- Personalisation and Ownership: Handwritten lists are uniquely yours—scribbled thoughts, margin notes, underlines. That personal touch can increase your sense of ownership and, with it, your commitment to follow through.
- Greater Sense of Control: A written list offers structure and clarity, which can be especially grounding when life feels chaotic. Just seeing your tasks organised on a page can help restore a feeling of control.
- Tangible Progress: Crossing items off a handwritten list brings a distinct sense of satisfaction—more tactile and rewarding than checking a digital box. It’s a small win that builds momentum.
Personally, I find myself relating most to that last point—and honestly, I didn’t expect to. What began as a simple testing exercise has turned into something much more meaningful. It’s helped me gain a deeper understanding and appreciation for the benefits of the very product I created.
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