Why I Still Buy a Diary Each Year

As a minimalist, I’ve had many people ask me why I still buy a diary each calendar year. I suppose it’s a fair question. In today’s day an age with our mobile phone technology, many ask why I don’t just use the calendar in my phone. This is a question I’m happy to answer and justify.

My main reason for wanting a hard copy diary is I find it important for medical appointments. If I am on the phone making an appointment (and I do not with to use speakerphone) then I am not able to write down the details of my appointment or any special instructions I need to note down. I also find this relates to work appointments or functions where there may be additional details I don’t trust myself to remember.

Secondly, I like to have a weekly view of what i’m doing. I find this helpful for organizational purposes to be able to see my week clearly in front of me.

Thirdly, I like to purchase small diaries that aren’t too heavy so that I can take it with me in my handbag where required. It’s also handy from this perspective to have the ‘notes’ section at the back which can come in handy from time to time when you are out and about and need some paper.

Back in the day when I was a shift worker, I found a diary essential for keeping track of all my shifts and I didn’t dare rely on technology!

I do not however, keep my diaries. Once the year is done, I break them down and recycle as many of the components as possible. As a minimalist I cannot justify keeping these as records as that is what I feel is clutter. I do try to purchase diaries as cheap as possible, as I can’t justify spending a lot on something that has such a short expiration date.

On the whole, I’m sure a lot of people would disagree with my strategy. But this is something I prefer to go old school on.

How do you keep track of your plans as a minimalist?