Why You Should Try a Moleskine Notebook

Where do you capture your notes?

On a legal pad?  In a notebook?  Or your computer?

Having a good method and tool for capturing notes is essential to any time management system.

As I have written previously, I use my iPad extensively.  This is especially true for calendar and contacts.  However, when it comes to taking notes, I use a Moleskine notebook. (affiliate link)

If you have been reading around the time management circles, you have probably heard of these notebooks.  Most of the people who use them are very devoted to them.

Today, I wanted to share a few reasons why you should try one.

Moleskine: The Best Notebooks?

So, what makes a notebook stand out from the rest?  After all, you can go into your local office supply store or bookstore and find dozens of different brands.

Moleskine notebooks stand out due to their quality and design.

They are simple really.  A small bound notebook with an elastic closure and a ribbon bookmark tied into the spine.  They are available with many different page types: ruled, blank, grid, and more.  There are many sizes, as well, from pocket to X-Large.  I prefer the 5.4″ by 8.4″ size.

When you crack one open for the first time, you will understand why people have come to love them.  They just feel right.

I often say, “Use tools you’ll use.” If the tools are suited to the task and you enjoy them, you are more likely to continue using them on a regular basis.

Here are some of the reasons and uses for my Moleskine notebook:

- Durability – Moleskines are extremely durable.  I have driven off with one on the roof of my car and it survived.

- Keeps It All Together – I prefer one journal to multiple notebooks, even for work.  For me, the benefit of having all my notes in one known place outweighs the use of 2 or 3 notebooks.  Simplicity is key.

- Variety – There is a Moleskine to fit everyone’s need and purpose.  From really big to pocket sized.  From hard-bound to softcover.  You can find a Moleskine to suit you.  I have tried many different types over the years.

- Notes – I love the Moleskine notebook for note taking.  It is just the right size.  The paper is thick enough that it tends not to bleed through.  And it is very inconspicuous in a meeting environment.  Taking notes on a PDA or computer still stands out in a group setting.

- Brainstorming – Besides notes, I love taking a full two-page spread in my Moleskine to brainstorm a new project.  It gives you room to write, draw, and layout the miscellaneous ideas of a new project.

- Journaling – Some people love Moleskines for journaling.  I do this sometimes, but tend to do my journaling on my home computer.

- Eliminates Lose Paper – I resist the temptation to write things down in multiple places.  Whether it is a voicemail message or a quick note, it goes in my Moleskine notebook.  No more searching for lost Post-Its or scraps of paper.  What was that number from that VM two weeks ago?  No problem, flip back a few pages in your Moleskine and there it is.  (BTW, Moleskines also have a small pocket in the back cover.  Great for capturing business cards or receipts until they can be processed.)

One Place To Capture It All

A Moleskine notebook is a great tool to have “One Place to Capture It All.”  Notes.  Miscellaneous info.  Messages.

As a capture notebook, the Moleskine is second to none.  It outshines my iPad for note taking and is better suited to the task.  I also enjoy the design and durability of the Moleskine, so I always have it at my side.

Moleskines used to be difficult to find, but now you can find them in most bookstores.  I get mine from Amazon.  (In the standard black, or the bolder red.)

Try one for yourself and let me know what you think.

Do you use a Moleskine notebook?  Which is your favorite?

Photo credit seanmcgrath

Related Posts:

The Power of 1

Why You Must Define Your Time Management System

How the iPad Replaced My Laptop in 30 Days