Paper vs. digital — Part 1: Planning goals

The surprising result of our first blog post, which was about managing oneself and reaching goals by keeping track of priorities, was that paper-based solutions seemed to be superior because goals, tasks and calendar can be managed in one place. Now we take the next step and compare the solutions for planning goals, tasks and calendar in detail. In this first of three articles we take a closer look on planning goals.

During the last weeks, I have talked to many people about their goals and how they plan them. Many people don’t have long-term goals but plan mid-term and short-term goals. A few use pen and paper for planning their goals. Planning goals on a blank piece of paper has the advantage that you can quickly write down what comes into your mind and you are completely flexible to visualize your ideas. Drawing down graphics not only makes the plan more personal and can clarify connections between ideas but also supports the brain to remember the goals.

However, planning goals with digital solutions like spreadsheet or mind mapping apps has also many advantages. In general, digital solutions offer a more comfortable way to add goals, milestones, deadlines and details. Also, everything can easily be edited as often as needed. Even if many goals and milestones are planned you can keep the overview by grouping and hiding items. If you are working in a team a digital document can simply be shared with others so they are informed or work on the same document (e.g. add milestones). When goals or milestones have deadlines, many digital solutions can automatically highlight overdue items what simplifies the review process.

In summary, paper-based as well as digital goal planning have their advantages. Besides habits and personal preferences, digital solutions seems to be superior when goals are regularly updated, extended or shared with others.

We’d love to hear your opinion.

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