How to Save 2 Hours per Day with a $1 Notebook

One of the best pieces of “technology” I own is also the cheapest.

A $1 notebook.

My notebook is the anchor of my day.

Let me explain.

My day goes something like this:

I panic-rush my way between meetings, Teams messages, tasks, phone calls and appointments.

You know the drill.

I’m anxious as a sheep that’s lost sight of the shepherd.

But in my case I’m losing sight of tasks, progress and priorities.

As soon as I remember one, I’m already being hit with information from another.

My head spinning.

I tried to use to-do lists, project management tools and various apps.

Those work fine, but they somehow add to my stress rather than relieving it. Just another button to press and another app to navigate. I have enough of those already.

Then I started writing things down. With a pen. In a physical notebook.

At first it felt small. Old school. But within a week, I was clearer, calmer, and (most importantly) getting more done.

I transformed from overwhelmed to somehow managing.

What Works

Here’s what I’ve learned about using a notebook intentionally, and why it saves me hours every single week.

1. Writing slows you down (in the best way)

We’re constantly told to move fast. But speed without clarity is just chaos.

When I write slowly, I think clearly. I don’t multitask. I focus on what matters. And I make fewer dumb mistakes I have to fix later.

It’s not about being productive in the moment. I’m trying to avoid the mess that kills my time later.

2. A dated page is a time machine

Every day starts with the date. That’s it.

Now when I need to recall an idea, a conversation, or a to-do from last Tuesday, it’s right there. No searching across five tools. No memory gymnastics.

I think once, not twice.

3. Meetings are better when I write things down

When I’m writing during a meeting, something shifts.

I become more focused, more concise. I don’t have to rely on memory or wait for a follow-up email.

And I’m spending the moment thinking instead of drifting.

I leave the meeting with clarity and often with the next steps already mapped.

Even better: I don’t waste 30 minutes later trying to remember what was said.

4. Tools matter more than we think

The notebook is small. It fits in every bag. I use a smooth pen and a mini ruler to box things out cleanly.

Why does this matter?

Because if something’s annoying to use, you’ll stop. Comfort and simplicity make the habit stick.

I never dread opening my notebook; and that’s what keeps it useful.

5. One topic per page. Keep it visual.

Every meeting, task list, or idea gets its own page.

That’s the rule.

It keeps things from bleeding into each other.

When it helps, I draw. Arrows. Sketches. Diagrams. Visuals clarify ideas faster than words ever could.

But it’s not about beauty. It’s about clarity.

Some More Unexpected Benefits

Using a notebook did more than organize my thoughts. It changed how I lead:

• I show up more prepared.

• I make faster decisions.

• I follow up with people before they chase me.

• I feel less overwhelmed—and more in control.

That’s not a nice-to-have. That’s essential.

It’s Not the Notebook.

It’s how you use it.

But if you use it right, it might be the best $1 you ever spend.