Why I still use a physical diary

In a world of CRMs, AI scheduling tools, shared calendars and automated reminders… I still carry a physical diary with me every single day.

And no, it’s not because I’m “old school.” It’s because it works.

Every appoinment

Every follow-up.

Every weekly to-do list.

Every habit I’m building.

Every idea, reminder or quick reflection… it goes into pen and paper.

Here’s what I’ve learned …

After years in sales leadership:

Writing things down creates commitment.

You’re not just “saving” something – you’re processing it.

It forces clarity.

A blank page doesn’t let you hide behind notifications or clutter.

And most importantly, it reveals patterns.

When I review my diary at the end of each week or month, I can literally see the story of my performance. Where my focus has been. Where I avoided difficult tasks. Where I doubled-down and pushed through.

But here’s the part most people don’t expect…

My diary also helps me identify future leaders in my team.

The people I end up seriously considering for promotion almost always share one thing in common:

They track their own world.

Sometimes it’s in a notebook. Sometimes a spreadsheet. Sometimes a carefully structured notes app.

But without being told, they create systems.

They reflect.

They plan.

They review.

They don’t rely on motivation — they rely on structure.

The diary on my desk isn’t just an organisational tool.

It’s a leadership radar.

And in an era obsessed with more technology… the simplest tool in my office is still one of the most powerful.

Every appointment.

Every follow-up.

Every weekly to-do list.

Every habit I’m building.

Every idea, reminder or quick reflection… it goes into pen and paper.

If you need help to develop or refocus your own or your team’s ability to persuade, you know where I am.

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