I use an app called Drafts, but I used to use Apple Notes. Any basic notes app would work. The core thing is that it syncs to desktop, and that you can capture quickly.
Here's a log on capture friction:
9:59 am — How long does it take you to jot a note into your phone? Here’s a test. Open you phone stopwatch, hit go, write “Hello world” in a note, then go back and stop it. On a first pass I can get it under 10 seconds. On a second pass I can get it in under 5. I’ve tested this on people without a capture habit, and it could take 30-60. If there’s any friction, you’re way less likely to log. (shortcuts help).
Another good practice is to set aside ~15 minutes the next day to clean up, clarify, and publish.
Just started something yesterday where I do a recap through Substack Notes of all the logs I posted yesterday.
I suppose you could log directly into Notes. I tried this once on Twitter. I personally prefer being outside of a feed; it reduces the stage-effect. Having it on a page on your website is the nice middle ground between public feeds and private hard drive.
Really enjoyed reading this, Michael. And this: "Logging is about recognizing that something novel has just happened. It’s an “aha.” It’s pairing the act of surprise, insight, humor, or struggle with the habit of grabbing your phone." I found it brilliant. It encapsulates everything, the whole, grand scheme of things of thinking, processing, and writing. I also enjoyed your logs, particularly the one about a clothes store where everything fits -- it may well be the idea of the century! :)
Yes, do a log challenge. But what do you use to do the logs? Best practices if there are any??
I use an app called Drafts, but I used to use Apple Notes. Any basic notes app would work. The core thing is that it syncs to desktop, and that you can capture quickly.
Here's a log on capture friction:
9:59 am — How long does it take you to jot a note into your phone? Here’s a test. Open you phone stopwatch, hit go, write “Hello world” in a note, then go back and stop it. On a first pass I can get it under 10 seconds. On a second pass I can get it in under 5. I’ve tested this on people without a capture habit, and it could take 30-60. If there’s any friction, you’re way less likely to log. (shortcuts help).
Another good practice is to set aside ~15 minutes the next day to clean up, clarify, and publish.
Okay Michael, you've got me! I am going to do this. I am a visual thinker and I am excited to see what my imagination translates to in words.
I watched the docu on Justin Hall & it's so well made. It's made it to my "weird, interesting" bookmark folder.
Curious what you think about Notes on Substack and how that might fit (or not) into your logs.
Just started something yesterday where I do a recap through Substack Notes of all the logs I posted yesterday.
I suppose you could log directly into Notes. I tried this once on Twitter. I personally prefer being outside of a feed; it reduces the stage-effect. Having it on a page on your website is the nice middle ground between public feeds and private hard drive.
Yes to a log challenge!
Really enjoyed reading this, Michael. And this: "Logging is about recognizing that something novel has just happened. It’s an “aha.” It’s pairing the act of surprise, insight, humor, or struggle with the habit of grabbing your phone." I found it brilliant. It encapsulates everything, the whole, grand scheme of things of thinking, processing, and writing. I also enjoyed your logs, particularly the one about a clothes store where everything fits -- it may well be the idea of the century! :)
Good point! "Novelty detection" is important through the whole pipeline.
...great work keeping that habit for 21 months...seems like this was a great experiment that has definitely bared fruit at this point...inspiring...