Hi, I’m Lora, a notebook enthusiast and the founder of MeePlus. I use two notebooks to stay focused and productive as I build my business. One is a Commonplace Book that holds long-term records in more detail. The other is an EDC (Everyday Carry) Notebook that only includes short-term tasks.
Last time, I shared how I use my EDC notebook for quick action. Today, I’ll show you how I use both notebooks together to stay organized and get things done.
Why Not Just Use Digital Notes? And Why Two Notebooks?
I’ve tried popular digital tools like Notion and Trello, but here’s what I discovered:
If I don’t physically write something down, I tend to forget it.
And if I don’t revisit it regularly, it’s as good as gone.
Paper notebooks have a unique power—writing by hand helps me remember, stay present, and reflect deeply. But no single notebook can do it all. If it’s too small, there’s not enough space. Too big, and you won’t carry it around.
So, I use two:
1. Commonplace Book
A large ring-bound notebook (30mm rings) that holds around 200 sheets. This is my brain archive for everything related to entrepreneurship—ideas, strategies, lessons, and more. It stays on my desk and serves as a long-term resource.
2. EDC Notebook
A compact, portable notebook (13mm rings, ~80 sheets). This is my short-term action guide. It holds only the most recent, high-priority content—usually from the past two weeks. It’s designed to move fast and stay lean.
Together, these notebooks give me both depth and agility.
The Key Differences Between the Two Notebooks
While they share a similar structure, the content span and depth are what really set them apart:
| Commonplace Book | EDC Notebook |
|---|---|
| Long-term records | Short-term tasks |
| Detailed notes | Quick, actionable info |
| Stays on desk | Goes everywhere with me |
Each notebook is divided into the same four core sections:
1. Goal
2. Action
3. Reflection
4. Motivation
1. Goal Section
- I keep my mid- and long-term goals in both notebooks, right at the front. Goals need to be reviewed frequently to stay top of mind.
In my EDC Notebook, I also add a two-week sprint goal—a single priority that I’m determined to finish within the next two weeks. This helps me focus on what's most urgent.
2. Action Section
In the Commonplace Book, I organize tasks by theme:
- Product: development, design ideas, improvements
- Content: blog drafts, video outlines, topic brainstorming
- Learning: summaries of what I’ve read, listened to, or researched
Each theme includes to-dos, inputs (inspiration), and outputs (results). Keeping everything together this way helps me spot patterns and generate new ideas more easily.
In the EDC Notebook, I focus only on immediate weekly tasks. I use a weekly planning template, breaking things down by day so I always know what to work on next. It’s fast, simple, and always within reach.
3.&4 Reflection & 💡 Motivation
My Commonplace Book is where I capture all major milestones, progress updates, and even small wins. I also collect every quote or insight that has ever inspired me—this is my personal mindset vault.
The EDC Notebook, meanwhile, includes just the most recent reflections and quotes that are currently fueling my energy and drive. It’s more dynamic and changes often.
Final Thoughts
Using two notebooks has completely transformed the way I work. I’ve found the perfect balance between deep, detailed records and quick, portable action tools.
If you’re trying to boost your productivity with paper tools, I’d love to hear how you set up your system!
Leave a comment below—I’m always curious how others use notebooks to stay focused.
Until next time—keep writing, keep building, and keep becoming your best self.