Digital vs. Paper Task Management for Professionals: Which Works Better?

Should you use paper or digital planners for task management? Many businesswomen ask this question on a daily basis.

Some people think digital is easier because it syncs up to their calendar. Others will say paper is better because it helps with mindfulness and retaining more information.

So, which works better? Paper or digital?

Is Task Planning Better Digitally or on Paper?

There’s no single, straightforward answer when it comes to knowing which is best. There are plenty of benefits to both options when task planning. So, it’s up to you to determine what format works better.

Here is a set of advantages with paper planners:

1. Memorize Tasks More Clearly

Taking a physical action by simply writing in a planner can trigger your brain to focus more. Plenty of studies have shown that writing by hand is better for retention than typing.

When you write down a to-do, you’re paying attention to that. In turn, this stimulates your brain cells and helps you remember all you need to accomplish.

2. Reduces Stress

Writing and organizing your thoughts via paper is similar to the bullet journal concept. You might be color-coding, writing notes, using stickers, and drawing. These can help add decoration. As you plan every month, you might want to join a sticker club that sends you a pack of stickers to brighten things up and also gives you a sense of fun every time you get your monthly package. As you continue your writing habits, this helps you to slow down and keep a clear mind.

Think of it as stress therapy. Writing is proven to act like meditation, which helps your sort things out – especially if you have an active mind.

3. Decreases Screen Time

If you’re focusing on doing a digital detox, paper planning might be the right thing for you. In a 2019 Pew Survey, 28% of U.S. adults said they were constantly online compared to 21% in 2015. Too much digital screen time can lead to anxiety, stress, depression, and insomnia.

When you write your tasks down on paper, you’re limiting your distractions from computer and smartphone notifications. By implementing task management on paper, you give your body a break to stay healthy.

Here are some of the benefits digital planners can provide:

1. Personalization

With digital planners, you can personalize them to your individual needs. This might be perfect for you because everyone uses organization in their own way.

Some people do better with vertical to-do lists. Others might need horizontal lines to create more space. Digital planners come in a variety of formats.

You also don’t have to switch back and forth between colored pens when creating a colorful to-do list.

2. Sets Reminders

When you have an endless list of to-dos to complete, writing them down is not enough. Sometimes you need to be reminded of upcoming events. So, a timely reminder is a handy way to tackle assignments and ensure you finish tasks on time.

3. Easy to Add and Sort Tasks

You have plenty of options when using an app for task management. The best part about using these apps is that you can easily draft a new task to perform. At the same time, you can readily break tasks down and place them into your schedule. Plus, if your plan changes, you can always rearrange your tasks.

Does Digital Task Planning or Paper Task Planning Work Better for Professionals?

Whether you own a six-figure business or you’re a professional career woman, you’re likely looking for the best planning system to support your production needs. Think about how you operate to figure out if paper or digital planners work best.

Ask yourself if you’re a visual person. Do you love writing? Or does paper task planning add to the frustration? It’s important to have a task planning tool that works with you, not against you.

If you’re open to either option, why not use both? Combining paper and digital planners might be the most effective, and here’s why.

1. Separates Personal and Professional Tasks

If you have an endless to-do list at work and home, using a paper and digital planner could be right for you. One task management tool can make it challenging to keep work and personal tasks separate. If you struggle with this issue, using both paper and digital planning is a great way to gain clarity and organization.

For instance, you can keep your personal tasks on paper, while work-related tasks and appointments are in your digital planner. Once you give in to this or a similar organizational system, navigating through life will be much easier.

2. Get the Best of Both Worlds

Every once in a while, women professionals need to use their hands to get a kick of creativity. Meanwhile, digital planning gives them a sense of structure and functionality. Using both paper and digital planners might be the key to maximizing your efficiency and satisfying different organizational needs.

3. Keeps Planning Top of Mind

Are you forgetful when it comes to checking your paper planner? If you can’t remember to check it – or don’t carry it around with you – using both paper and digital planners can enhance your ability to stay on track with your tasks. Plus, it helps you follow through with your plans.

When you use both paper and digital planners, you remind yourself of your goals. This keeps task management at the top of your mind and helps you make actionable moves.

Make Productivity a Priority Whether on Paper or Digital

It’s time to decide which task planner is right for you. So, is it paper or digital planners?

Both have plenty of benefits, and there also might be some drawbacks. However, they’re both essential to organizing your tasks. It all depends on your style and which one fits your needs.