Heads up: This blog post was written by a human 😉

That is to say…it was written slowly, with the sound of 90s music in the background, long pauses for sips of coffee, and short stares out the window.

In writing this, I have plucked my thoughts from the air, one by one, as I do flowers from my garden, with precision and patience. 

It’s a process that is as slow as it is imperfect. 

With the onslaught of unregulated artificial intelligence, my decidedly human way of writing is also becoming increasingly rare. 

But I don’t know…the more intelligence becomes artificial, the more I find myself drawn toward an analog way of being and living. And a growing trend suggests I’m not the only one. 

To some, my way of thinking doesn’t make sense (Why would you willingly give up the convenience, speed, and access that is available with AI?), but I suspect you may understand where I’m coming from. 

While I’m not that old, I remember a time before everyone carried a computer in their pocket, a time before ChatGPT did our thinking for us, and even a time before Google had all the answers. 

But I also frequently admit, “I love living in the future!” A click of a few buttons can bring my favorite pens and notebooks to my doorstep. FaceTime and social media enable me to stay connected with friends from long ago and/or far away. 

And, perhaps most importantly, technology allows me in my work as a career coach to connect with people all over the world and help them pursue their heart-based career goals. 

But when it comes time for focus, reflection, and deep thinking on a particular subject, I once again put pen to paper. 

That’s because—while I do believe in the power of using digital tools—I remain unshakably convinced that analog practices hold the most magic. 

…and it turns out that science agrees.

What Are Analog Practices? 

Analog practices are those tangible and unplugged activities that promote focus and reflection more so than their digital counterparts. 

They don’t rely on electricity or technology, fostering a slower, more mindful pace, so the processes flow smoothly and naturally from one to the next, much like the seasons.

Analog practices include…
+ Sketching and mapping ideas on paper versus creating flow charts in Canva that take up way too much time and hamper our creativity
+ Journaling by hand instead of typing and getting distracted by notifications, spontaneous research (rabbit holes), and the siren song of one more scroll
+ Using a physical planner or paper calendar to track tasks and dates instead of putting them into Google Calendar and waiting for a reminder to ping us

Why Did We Stop Using Analog Practices?

With the rise of speedy and convenient technology, we have increasingly drifted away from many analog methods. Why do by hand what a computer can do faster?

Digital tools provide us with the instant gratification of limitless resources and information, right at our fingertips.

However, that hasn’t always proven to be beneficial. 

Many of us are caught in a convenience trap. We feel mentally exhausted from having access to so much information, while also struggling to retain what we’ve seen or read. Our attention spans are shorter, and nonstop notifications make it difficult to achieve deep, uninterrupted focus.

We’ve become accustomed to living in a state of “digital overload” where most content is often filtered and curated for perfectionism.

In pursuit of speed and perfection, we have unintentionally shifted our focus away from the more profound benefits analog methods still have to offer. The good news is, analog still has a place in the digital world, and we can find our way back.

Let’s Get Physical (Physical): How Writing Down Your Intentions Supports Taking Action

There’s a reason bookstores remain beloved, defying all early-internet predictions of their demise—and that’s because there’s something irreplaceable about the feel, weight, and experience of holding a book in your hands. 

Analog practices are physical interactions that engage the mind-hand connection. There’s magic in working with your hands, and it can do wonders for your brain.

You’re more motivated.
Writing down your intentions by hand is an incredibly effective way to boost your commitment and make those aspirations stick, an effect neuropsychologists have labeled the “generation effect.” The idea is that, by writing them down, you actually reinforce your intentions twice—first in your mind and then on paper, making it more likely you follow through.

Dr. Gail Matthews, a psychology professor at the Dominican University in California, conducted a study on goal setting with a diverse group of participants, including entrepreneurs, educators, healthcare professionals, artists, lawyers, and bankers. Her findings were remarkable: Those who consistently wrote down their goals were an impressive 42% more likely to achieve their dreams compared to those who didn’t.

You make better connections.
Handwriting your ideas (brainstorming and mind mapping) can unleash your creativity. According to a study done by Virginia W. Berninger at the University of Washington, writing by hand encourages thoughts to flow and connect, sparking deeper insights and generating fresh ideas. 

You remember things better.
For a 2015 study, 36 women aged 19 to 54 were asked to write by hand, on a keyboard, or on an iPad. Interestingly, those who wrote by hand remembered the words much better, suggesting that physically forming letters can enhance memory.

Many other studies also indicate that there are benefits not only to taking notes, but to doing it specifically by hand. These studies consistently indicate that handwriting activates distinct neural pathways compared to typing, leading to enhanced memory retention and more profound cognitive processing.

You experience less stress.
Journaling by hand can be a wonderfully meditative experience. The deliberate pace with which we form each letter creates a calming rhythm, prompting a sense of mindfulness. Slowing down allows us to think deeply about our words, while the feel of a balanced pen and quality paper grounds us in the present moment.

Introducing…In Season: A Three-Month Physical Planner With All The Analog Benefits

Every meaningful achievement begins with a seed—a decision to try. Whether that seed is the spark of an idea or a secret dream, what matters most is honoring where you are in the cycle of growth, rest, renewal, and reflection.

With the planner, I wanted to create something that would bring us back to the analog days, but with a modern, heart-centered twist. 

In Season isn’t about perfection—it’s about presence. Feel the unique power of pen meeting paper—that hand-mind connection breathing life into your ideas and igniting creativity. Each daily ritual becomes a moment of joy, and each small win encourages you to continue.

It’s undated, so there’s no rush—and there are four options to choose from (one for each season).

STAY TUNED FOR YOUR IN SEASON PLANNER

About The Human

Hi, I’m Jenn, founder of Flourish Careers, and I’m here to help you flourish in your professional path. 

Finding an objective opinion can be challenging, so my goal is to be your trusted thought partner. Whether you’re cultivating professional pursuits or personal growth, lasting change unfolds one tiny action at a time.

Welcome to your fresh start. From seed to bloom, it’s your time to flourish—I can’t wait to meet you!

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Want More Career Wisdom? Keep Reading

+ Career Courage: Why It’s Finally Time To Do What’s Right For You—And How To Begin
+ Heart-Based Career Change: How To Stay Grounded While Letting Go
+ Creativity For Every Career

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For more insider stories, quick tips, and #CareerTalk, I invite you to connect with me on Instagram @flourish.careers.

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