I Swapped My To-Do List for This Method, and My Productivity Skyrocketed

To-do lists are a great way to keep track of tasks, but sometimes, they can be overwhelming and cause more stress than productivity. Interstitial journaling is an effective productivity method that overcomes some of the limitations of traditional to-do lists while improving productivity.

What is interstitial journaling and why is it effective

Interstitial journaling is a simple but effective practice of writing short journal entries throughout the day. It comes from the word \”interstice,\” which means a small space or gap. In this context, it\’s about using these gaps throughout the day — during breaks or transitions between different tasks — to write down brief reflections and thoughts.

One of the main reasons interstitial journaling is so effective is that it combines elements of journaling, note-taking, task management, and time tracking into one streamlined process. So, instead of tracking work with a to-do list, you’re doing the same with a journal by recording the present moment and thoughts about what you’ve just worked on and what you plan to do next.

Less context switching

Although useful, traditional to-do lists often fall short in managing the lack of productivity that comes with context switching. This is because attention doesn’t work like an on-off switch. Every time you switch focus from one task to another, your attention remains on what you were doing before. Interstitial journaling tackles this problem by allowing you to take reflective breaks to calm your mind between tasks and offload those thoughts onto your journal.

Fewer distractions

Another important benefit is how it helps reduce distractions. For example, knowing that I have to log everything, including doomscrolling on social media, forces me to be more intentional and think twice before getting distracted.

Reduce anxiety

Furthermore, interstitial journaling helps me overcome procrastination and start working on my goals. This is because to-do list items are often vague. Journaling tasks force me to be more specific, which helps reduce the anxiety of not knowing where to start.

Promotes mindfulness

Last but not least, interstitial journaling promotes mindfulness. Unlike traditional journaling, which happens once or twice a day at a scheduled time, interstitial journaling happens throughout the day, providing a light and repetitive ritual that helps me keep track of what I’m doing and how I’m feeling.

In short, interstitial journaling is an effective habit that can greatly improve your productivity and overall well-being. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to get started with interstitial journaling.

Choose your tools

Interstitial journaling is simple – it doesn’t require fancy tools or complicated setup. It’s generally best to use the tool you’re most comfortable with and that’s easily accessible to you, since you’ll be using it throughout the day. So, this could be a notebook or a physical journal.

However, if you prefer a digital approach, there are many note-taking apps or dedicated journaling tools you can use on your phone or computer.

If you go the digital route and are looking for a tool specifically suited for interstitial journaling, consider using Logseq, as it offers some unique features optimized for this purpose, including time stamping and referencing.

Time stamping helps you keep an accurate log of your day, which can be valuable for reviewing your progress later. Referencing, on the other hand, allows you to link your entries together, providing a more comprehensive overview of your thoughts and activities.

If you use a physical notebook or your existing digital tool doesn’t have this feature, don’t worry, as you can always add timestamps manually. Similarly, interstitial journaling doesn’t have to replace your existing productivity system; in fact, it can complement it.

You can still use a task management app or calendar to keep track of your tasks and appointments, while using interstitial journaling to add an extra layer of reflection by writing down what you just worked on, how it went, and what’s next.