One of the most common subjects that comes up among my students and clients about note-taking is the tension between digital and analog systems.
In most cases, part of them want an all or nothing approach and part of them wants strict rules about when to write on paper vs digital.
My response is always the same: Try writing on paper first and see how it feels. Then write the same type of notes digitally and pay attention to the differences. Compare the quality of your ideas, the way you wrote them, and their completeness.
Since I started writing on note cards, I noticed a big source of anxiety started to diminish. That is, I actually started completing the main notes I write.
Seriously, out of hundreds of completed notes, I have exactly 2 incomplete note in my inbox – thats it!
They may not all be the most amazing ideas, I may have even not liked how I initially wrote them – but I completed the notes. And having that foundation to build on is what sets you up for success.
What I’ve Learned From Running Both Systems
Creative constraints are good, actually. To think outside the box requires first having a box to think inside of. In this case, each note card is an idea container. Although the physical space is confined, the depth of your ideas they contain are limitless.
Handwriting also naturally forces you to be more selective with what you capture. In digital systems, we tend to underestimate how much of our cognitive energy we are using to quick capture text into our knowledge base.
Not to mention the energy spent on deciding how to organize it, how to resurface it and what to actually do with it.
Handwriting your captures by hand easily solves this problem with the simple question: Is this worth the time and effort to write by hand?
Those 4×6 note cards create space limitations that improve clarity in ways that digital systems can’t match.
Studies show that even messy handwriting improves retention and comprehension, allowing you to embrace the imperfection.
But digital systems do have their own unique advantages. The infinite space can be both a blessing and a curse, but the power of digital links is unmatched. Plus, publishing and sharing flow naturally, and version control prevents lost work.
Here’s where it gets interesting – the “disadvantages” of each system are actually hidden benefits that compensate for each other.
When you have to rewrite notes by hand, it forces deeper processing. Those physical constraints that seem limiting actually reduce overwhelm. The slower capture rate means better filtering of ideas and less energy spent organizing.
On the digital side, easy capture leads to better organization when done right. Quick linking helps you spot patterns you might miss otherwise. Frictionless publishing keeps you creating, and fast searching saves mental energy for what matters – thinking.
My Current Hybrid Workflow
Here’s exactly how I combine both:
When it comes to fleeting notes, I write 90% of them in my pocket notebook, especially if I’m on the go.
When I’m reading books, I take source notes by hand and use the note card as a bookmark.
First drafts of main notes start out in a cheap notebook, then once I am comfortable with the structure and wording, I will write it on a main card.
The development phase uses both systems. I rewrite and refine on paper, underline links, then use Obsidian to archive what I wrote on the cards.
This is where I add links and connections, spotting patterns and gaps along the way.
Publishing is purely digital. I polish and format, add references, create content, and share what I’ve learned.
Making It Work For You
Start small. Keep a pile of 4×6 note cards on your desk. Write source notes by hand while reading. Transfer valuable notes to your digital system. Most importantly, don’t feel pressured to digitize everything. You can always cross reference between your digital and analog notes.
Remember: The goal isn’t perfection – it’s better thinking. Let your flow guide your system.
Stay curious,
Tony
💡 Quick Tip: Create a simple “transfer” ritual – maybe each morning or evening, review your handwritten notes and move the valuable ones into your digital system.
P.S. I’m curious – what pushes you toward paper or digital? Let me know what works best for your brain. I read every reply and love learning how different minds approach this challenge.