It’s more than a planner. It’s a space where thoughts take shape and ideas get a timeline. Whether you’re running a creative agency, building your own fashion label, or managing a daily renaissance at home – the Sketchbook can become your most loyal partner. Here’s how to use it so it’s not just another pretty notebook.
1. Start with a vision.
Every project – no matter the scale – needs a purpose. On the first page, it’s worth writing down why you’re doing it, what you want to achieve, and what personal success looks like to you. This becomes your anchor – the one you’ll come back to in moments of doubt (which is usually around Wednesday).
2. Break it down into stages, not just tasks.
Instead of a to-do list, create a structure. Identify the main phases of the project – from research to creation to implementation and review. Break each stage into smaller steps. Mark your milestones. This helps track progress and gives you the satisfaction of ticking off not just tasks, but whole sections.
3. Work in layers.
The sketchbook works beautifully in a layered system: from broad to specific. First, map out the month, then your weekly plans, and finally – the individual days. This setup helps you maintain a wide perspective without losing sight of the details.
4. Leave room for reflection.
Not just what you did, but how it went – that matters just as much. Your sketchbook doesn’t have to be only a grid of dates. It can also be a journal of the process: what worked, what didn’t, which insights are worth saving “for next time.”
5. Make it a ritual.
Updating your sketchbook daily or weekly can be a moment of pause – a cup of tea, your favourite playlist in the background, and a few minutes just for yourself. Let planning be a pleasure, not an obligation. The look and feel of the paper really do make a difference here.
Does it work in every field? Surprisingly – yes. From freelancers to managers, creatives to teachers. We all have projects. They differ in scale, language, and rhythm, but they share the need for order and space to think. The sketchbook doesn’t impose a format – you decide what your system looks like.
Benefits of keeping a sketchbook:
- you bring order to the chaos (and your thoughts),
- you see your progress – and that keeps you motivated,
- you learn how to manage your time and priorities,
- you build your own archive of experiences,
- less “putting out fires”, more intentional action.
And even though it’s just a notebook that fits in your hand – it can change the way you approach your work and your life. Sometimes, paper has more power than all the apps in the world. Because it’s yours. And only you decide what goes in it.
