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The Kids Should See This: Top Ten Videos of 2024
Month: January 2025
How to Keep a Daily Log: Boost Productivity and Track Your Progress
Have you ever reached the end of a busy week and wondered, What did I accomplish? If so, you’re not alone. Keeping track of your daily activities, goals, and reflections can feel overwhelming—but it doesn’t have to be. Enter the daily log: more than a planner, it’s a personal record that helps you track what’s coming up and what you’ve achieved and experienced.
Today, we’ll explore the definition of a daily log, why it’s worth your time, and how you can get started with tools and techniques that work for you.
What Is a Daily Log?
A daily log is a hybrid between a traditional planner and a journal. It’s a place to record your appointments, to-do lists, and goals—but it doesn’t stop there. A good daily log also captures the following:
- What you accomplished during the day
- Memorable events or conversations
- Personal reflections, observations, or lessons learned
- Small wins or things you’re grateful for
Unlike a standard planner that looks forward, a daily log also looks back, creating a rich history of your life and productivity.
Why Should You Keep a Daily Log?
If you’re still unsure whether a daily log is worth the effort, here are five compelling reasons to give it a try:
1. Track Productivity
A daily log helps you capture what you’ve done—not just what you planned to do. This clearly shows your progress, even on chaotic or unproductive days. For example, noting that you “finalized the Q4 report” or “researched new project ideas” can remind you of the forward momentum you’re making.
2. Create a Historical Record
Your daily log becomes a personal time capsule. Whether it’s tracking professional milestones, noting personal growth, or capturing special moments, it’s a powerful tool for reflection. A quick flip through old entries can reveal how far you’ve come.
3. Spot Patterns
By regularly logging your days, you may notice patterns in your habits, energy levels, or productivity. For instance, you might find that you’re most focused in the morning or that certain tasks drain your energy.
4. Celebrate Wins
A daily log isn’t just for work. It’s also a way to recognize small victories, like completing a challenging workout, having a meaningful conversation, or enjoying a favorite meal.
5. Foster Mindfulness and Clarity
Taking a few minutes daily to log your thoughts and activities helps you process your experiences. This practice promotes mindfulness and can reduce stress by clearing mental clutter.
How to Start Your Daily Log
Ready to start logging? Here’s how to create a system that works for you.
1. Choose Your Format
Decide whether you prefer an analog or digital format. Each has its pros and cons:
- Analog: A classic notebook or bullet journal offers simplicity and the tactile satisfaction of writing by hand.
- Digital: Apps like Evernote or Notion provide flexibility, searchability, and integration with other tools.
2. What to Include in Your Daily Log
Here are some ideas to structure your entries:
- Appointments and Tasks: Keep track of scheduled events and to-dos.
- Accomplishments: Record what you completed—big or small.
- Highlights: Note memorable moments, conversations, or achievements.
- Reflections: Write down what stood out or how you felt about the day.
- Gratitude: End each entry with something you’re thankful for.
3. Keep It Simple
Don’t overcomplicate it! A daily log should be functional, not perfect. Aim for consistency rather than perfection.
4. Make It a Habit
Tie your logging practice to your morning coffee or bedtime wind-down routine. Even spending five minutes a day can make a difference.
Tools to Enhance Your Daily Logging Practice
Physical Tools
- Notebooks: Use a high-quality notebook like the Leuchtturm1917 or Moleskine.
- Pens: Invest in smooth-writing pens such as Pilot G2.
Digital Tools
- Apps: Consider apps like Day One, Trello, or Notion.
- Templates: Download pre-made templates for daily logging.
Final Thoughts
A daily log is more than just an organizational tool—it’s a way to capture your life story. By tracking your progress, celebrating your wins, and reflecting on your experiences, you’ll boost productivity and gain clarity and mindfulness.
The Eclectic Educator is a free resource for everyone passionate about education and creativity. If you enjoy the content and want to support the newsletter, consider becoming a paid subscriber. Your support helps keep the insights and inspiration coming!
What Are Your Personal Foundation Texts?
I’ve talked about building a personal library in the past, and trust me; I am still diligently working on building my own (much to my budget and wall space concerns).
But, I went down a bunny trail on “foundational texts” that people deem important to their thinking and way of life.
It took me a bit and with a little more thinking time, I’d probably change or add more to this list.
How about you? What texts do you consider “foundational” for your life?
The Eclectic Educator is a free resource for everyone passionate about education and creativity. If you enjoy the content and want to support the newsletter, consider becoming a paid subscriber. Your support helps keep the insights and inspiration coming!
Asimov Press Releases New Book – Printed on DNA
I know, you’re probably thinking the same thing I was. How do you print a book on DNA? What does that even mean?
Asimov Press’ latest anthology features nine essays and three works of science fiction. Embracing the book’s technology theme, we did something very special: With the help of three companies — CATALOG, Imagene, and Plasmidsaurus — we’ve encoded a complete copy of the book into DNA, thus merging bits with atoms.
This is the first commercially-available book to be written in DNA and sold in both mediums; as physical books and nucleic acids. We are deeply grateful to those who helped make it possible.
Also, this process has been done before. George Church at Harvard published his 2012 book Regenesis with DNA, and a group of Cambridge scientists published Shakespeare’s complete sonnets.
I don’t know if this is the coolest or creepiest thing I’ve ever heard about, but I want to know more.
Why Aren’t People Reading Books Anymore?
In his thought-provoking video, Jared Henderson delves into why fewer people are reading books, citing issues with education systems, distractions from technology, and a lack of reading stamina. As an educator and avid reader, I agree with what Henderson outlines. However, I also see opportunities to expand on his points and explore some counterarguments.
1. The Literacy Crisis and Its Roots
Henderson highlights the shift from phonics to whole language learning as a pivotal moment in literacy education. He’s right—whole language learning left many students unprepared to effectively decode and engage with text. With its structured approach to sound and word recognition, Phonics builds a foundation that whole language approaches often neglect.
Yet, the story isn’t so simple. Literacy rates are influenced by more than just methodology; systemic issues like underfunded schools, inequitable access to resources, and cultural attitudes toward reading also play significant roles. Blaming the whole language strategy alone risks oversimplifying a complex problem. The good news is that the pendulum is swinging back toward phonics-based instruction in many places, but we must also address these broader systemic issues.
2. The Decline of Reading Stamina
Henderson’s point about reading stamina is crucial. Students trained to extract information from short texts for standardized tests are ill-equipped to handle dense, long-form reading. I’ve seen this firsthand in my work with high school and college students. Reading stamina, like physical stamina, requires regular practice and gradual increases in difficulty.
However, there’s a counterpoint worth considering: is the problem stamina or engagement? Many students might struggle to read long texts simply because they find them irrelevant or boring. To rebuild a culture of reading, educators must consider how to make books feel meaningful in a world full of competing distractions. The classics are essential, but so are diverse, contemporary texts that reflect students’ lived experiences.
3. The Smartphone Problem
Henderson is spot-on when he identifies technology as a culprit in the decline of book reading. With their endless notifications and instant gratification, smartphones make reading a book seem like climbing a mountain when a treadmill is right next to you.
Yet banning phones in classrooms, while helpful, doesn’t address the root of the issue. We must teach students how to coexist with technology, fostering mindfulness and intentionality. Schools could integrate “digital detox” practices, but the more significant cultural shift toward valuing deep focus and reflection must also happen outside the classroom.
4. Expanding the Conversation
While Henderson focuses on literacy and attention, another factor deserves mention: the changing role of books in the digital age. Many young people engage deeply with stories through mediums like podcasts, audiobooks, graphic novels, and even video games. While these formats differ from traditional books, they foster imagination, critical thinking, and empathy. Perhaps the question isn’t why people aren’t reading books but why our definition of “reading” hasn’t evolved.
5. What Can Be Done?
The path forward is multifaceted:
- Reclaim Joy in Reading: Schools and families need to emphasize the joy of reading over the utility of extracting information. Reading aloud, discussing books as a community, and offering choices can rekindle interest.
- Bridge Classic and Contemporary: Balance is key. Introduce students to classics and diverse, modern texts to show the breadth of literature.
- Build Reading-Friendly Environments: Encourage spaces free from distractions where deep focus is possible. Libraries, book clubs, and even family reading nights can help.
- Leverage Technology: Instead of vilifying screens, use them as gateways. E-books, interactive apps, and gamified reading challenges can attract reluctant readers.
Conclusion
Henderson’s video lays a strong foundation for understanding why fewer people read books. Still, the solutions require a collective effort. Education, culture, and technology must work together to prioritize deep, meaningful engagement with the text.
Reading may seem like a dying art, but it’s not beyond revival. We just need to adapt to the world while remembering the timeless power of a good book.
The Eclectic Educator is a free resource for everyone passionate about education and creativity. If you enjoy the content and want to support the newsletter, consider becoming a paid subscriber. Your support helps keep the insights and inspiration coming!
The Greatest Daily Planning Tool I’ve Ever Used
In a world overflowing with apps, devices, and digital productivity solutions, you might think my favorite daily planning tool would be something high-tech. But no—the greatest daily planning tool I’ve ever used is a humble, analog Field Notes notebook.
Let me tell you why this pocket-sized powerhouse has revolutionized the way I plan, track, and remember everything in my day-to-day life.
Totally Analog, Totally Reliable
There’s something refreshingly simple about pen and paper. A Field Notes notebook never needs charging, doesn’t require a Wi-Fi connection, and won’t distract you with notifications. It’s always ready when you are. Whether I’m jotting down tasks for the day, sketching out ideas, or making quick notes in a meeting, my Field Notes notebook is there for me—no loading screens, no software updates, just pure functionality.
Bullet-Journal Style Tracking
I use a bullet-journal style system to keep my Field Notes organized. Each day, I jot down tasks, reminders, and notes in a simple, flexible layout that I can adapt.
- Tasks: I use simple symbols to mark tasks (□ for tasks, ✓ for completed, → for moved to another day).
- Notes: Meeting highlights, quick ideas, or things I must remember get logged right next to my tasks.
- Reminders: A quick star (★) next to an item ensures I’ll remember to follow up.
This system doesn’t lock me into predefined templates or digital workflows. If something isn’t working, I can change how I do things—no need to navigate settings or search for a new app.
Also, the minimalist nature keeps me focused on the important stuff. Yes, I doodle, sticker, stamp, washi tape, and do all the other journal-related things in my daily journal or reading journal, but my Field Notes are my daily driver, focused on the tasks at hand.
Every day, a new page gets a date stamp (because date stamps are awesome), and the list begins. Sometimes, the list is quite long, sometimes it’s short. Yes, sometimes one day has more than one page. Whatever the day requires, that’s what it gets.
Completely Customizable
The beauty of Field Notes is that it’s as versatile as your imagination. Want to track habits? Create a grid. Need a place for brainstorming? Dedicate a few pages to freeform doodles. Whatever your system, these notebooks adapt to you, not the other way around.
Beautiful and Durable
Field Notes notebooks are beautifully designed. Their covers come in various styles, from classic kraft brown to limited-edition themes that feel like collector’s items (I LOVE the National Parks editions). Inside, the paper quality is great and perfect for my handy Pilot G2 pen.
I use a leather cover from Galen Leather, adding an extra layer of durability and style. However, you don’t have to use a cover. These notebooks hold up well independently, even with regular, rough use. Whether you go with a cover or not, Field Notes notebooks are built to last.
Why Analog Works for Me
Writing things down by hand requires a certain mindfulness. It forces you to slow down and think, which helps me prioritize and remember better than I could with an app. Research also shows that writing on paper helps us learn and remember more effectively than using a computer because we’re making more sensory connections.
Plus, flipping through past notebooks is like opening a time capsule of my life. My old Field Notes are filled with memories, ideas, and lessons that would’ve been lost in a digital archive.
Also, writing in a notebook has other advantages, regardless of the format. Jared Henderson talks about his philosophy, most of which I share (no, I don’t hate computers), and why he loves writing things down by hand:
A System That Works for You
Creating a system that works for you is the key to making a Field Notes notebook work. It’s not about adhering to someone else’s rules or layouts—it’s about making it your own. If you’re new to analog planning, start simple: a daily to-do list and a few notes. Over time, you’ll naturally develop a system that fits your needs.
Ideas for Using Field Notes
Here are a few other folks using Field Notes regularly to inspire you. First, Steven Foster shares some of his daily ideas:
Up next, Peter McKinnon used his Field Notes for 800 days and changed his life:
And here’s Sigogglin Jack’s “micro-bujo” implementation of his Field Notes, switching from a Moleskine journal for his everyday carry:
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a reliable, customizable, and beautifully simple way to organize your life, I can’t recommend Field Notes notebooks enough. Whether you’re a seasoned bullet journaler or just dipping your toes into analog planning, these little notebooks can help you stay on top of your game in a way that feels personal and satisfying.
So, ditch the endless search for the perfect app and try Field Notes. You might find that the best planning tool isn’t on your screen—it’s in your hand.
The Eclectic Educator is a free resource for everyone passionate about education and creativity. If you enjoy the content and want to support the newsletter, consider becoming a paid subscriber. Your support helps keep the insights and inspiration coming!