The Pen on Paper Trick: Why I Ditch E-Notes and Still Write with a Pen on Paper, Notebook, Jotter [Memory Hack Revealed]

Most people believe digital is faster—but what if I told you that using pen and paper could make you remember more, think better, and even create your best work? In this post, I reveal the science and my personal story behind “The Pen Trick”—and how it saved my ideas (and sanity) as a Nigerian blogger.

The Pen on Paper Trick: Why I Still Write with a Pen on Paper, Notebook, Jotter and Ditch E-Notes

Let me shock you.

According to a study by Psychological Science, students who took notes by hand remembered more and understood deeper than those who typed their notes on a laptop.

Now, pause for a second and think about that.

We live in a world where everything is digital. Phones. Tablets. AI apps. Voice notes. Google Docs.

Yet, here I am in 2025—with a pen in my hand, and a small notebook by my side.

I write down my blog ideas. I sketch content funnels. I list my business goals in ink.

Why?

Because anytime I don’t, I forget.

Hello, IbiFounder. I’m Simon Zaku, Founder & CEO of IbiFoundry LLC. And today I’m opening up on the single most underrated productivity and memory hack I use daily.

It’s called “The Pen Trick.”

This habit has helped me create content that ranks on Google, land clients from Lagos to Los Angeles, and birth business ideas like IbiFoundry.

Are you with me?

Let me gist you how it all began...

Back in 2019, I was stuck.

I had tons of content ideas. SEO strategies. Scripts for my email list. Business name ideas. But I was jumping from Notion to Word to Google Docs.

Nothing ever stuck.

Till one day, I bought a ₦300 jotter at a road-side bookshop in Wuse, Abuja.

That evening, I took my pen and wrote down 10 blog post titles I had in my head.

One of them was... “IBIFOUNDRY.”

And boom—that was the day everything changed.

Read on. I’ll show you why this simple analog habit might be the missing piece in your digital life too.

Table of Contents (What You’ll Learn)

Here’s a breakdown of what you’re about to discover in this post.

• Introduction (I share the emotional backstory of how pen and paper saved my creative flow)

• Why you should trust this blog (From Simon) (How I use this method daily as a digital entrepreneur)

• The science behind handwriting and memory (What studies say about pen vs keyboard)

• Why I write ideas with a pen even in 2025 (The truth about tech burnout, distractions, and focus)

• The jotter advantage: How to organize your mind on paper (The way pen and paper clear mental fog instantly)

• Digital isn’t dead—but it’s overrated (How to balance tech with analog for deeper thinking)

• My daily writing routine (With photos) (A peek into how I structure my day using handwritten notes)

• Best pens, notebooks and tools I use in Nigeria (Simple, cheap and powerful tools to get started)

• Try this 3-day pen challenge today (A small challenge that will change how you think forever)

• The pen on paper trick: Why I still use jotters when others go digital (Final thoughts and my challenge to you)

• Answers to your biggest questions about writing by hand (Real answers to popular FAQs about handwritten notes)

Why You Should Trust This Blog (From Simon)

Look—I’m not here to sound smart.

I’m just a Nigerian guy who found something that works and I’m sharing it with you.

Since 2018, I’ve built a career around writing—from ghostwriting and blog content to coaching and digital media.

I’ve published 200+ articles. Consulted for founders. Grown my personal blog from 0 to 70k monthly readers.

And I did 70% of the work—on paper.

From my secondary school days in JSS3, I’ve always used paper to think.

Till today, I still have old notebooks that hold name ideas, blog frameworks, and even prayer points.

I don’t just “talk the talk.” I use pen and paper every single day.

And I believe it can change your life too.

The Curiosity Opener: This One Habit Will Double Your Focus (And It’s Not What You Think)

No, it’s not meditation.

It’s not a to-do app.

And no—it’s not ChatGPT.

It’s something you can buy on your next walk to the roadside bookshop or inside any Ebeano supermarket.

A pen.

And a small notebook.

Yes, the old-school way of thinking, creating, and organizing is still the most powerful.

Let me show you why.

The Science Behind Handwriting And Memory

Let’s talk facts for a moment.

Writing things by hand activates more regions of your brain than typing.

A study from University of Tokyo in 2021 found that people who wrote things down remembered more details and had better brain engagement than those who typed the same content.

Writing forces your brain to slow down, process information deeply, and filter out distractions.

Typing is fast—but shallow.

Writing is slower—but deeper.

You’re not just copying words—you’re thinking while writing.

Ever wondered why teachers always say “write it down, so you remember”?

Now you know.

Why I Write Ideas With A Pen Even In 2025

The truth?

Technology is distracting.

You open Google Docs—and 5 minutes later, you’re watching cat videos.

Or checking WhatsApp.

Or refreshing Instagram.

But when I open my notebook and start writing, something magical happens.

I focus.

I think clearly.

I stop being reactive—and start being creative.

My ideas grow roots.

Even this blog post?

It started on paper first. Then I typed it out.

Omo, it works.

The Jotter Advantage: How To Organize Your Mind On Paper

You don’t need to be a genius.

You just need a system.

Here’s how I use my jotters:

• Notebook 1: Content ideas (SEO, blog topics, hooks)

• Notebook 2: Business goals and weekly targets

• Notebook 3: Personal thoughts, reflections, daily notes

Each page becomes a mental map.

When I’m stuck, I flip back through old pages—and find gold ideas I forgot.

No app has ever given me that.

Digital Isn’t Dead—But It’s Overrated

Don’t get me wrong—I love Google Drive.

Notion is amazing.

But they’re not thinking tools.

They’re storage tools.

Real thinking starts with your hand on a page.

Then, you can refine digitally.

It’s not either/or—it’s paper first, digital next.

That’s my secret.

And it works for creators, marketers, and students alike.

My Daily Writing Routine (With Photos)

Want to see how I actually do this?

Here’s my basic daily flow:

1. Morning: Write my 3 main tasks for the day (paper)

2. Afternoon: Write any idea that pops up (paper)

3. Evening: Transfer what matters to Google Docs (digital)

I also carry a mini jotter in my backpack or pocket—always.

Because inspiration doesn’t warn you.

Best Pens, Notebooks And Tools I Use In Nigeria

You don’t need to break bank.

Here’s what I use:

• BIC Blue Pen – ₦100–150

• Hard Cover Jotters – ₦300–₦1,000 in local bookshops

• Sticky notes – From any stationery shop

• Pocket-sized jotters – Dey enter back pocket easily

That’s all you need.

Want to stock up now?

Try This 3-Day Pen Challenge Today

I dare you.

For the next 3 days, write everything by hand:

• Your to-do list

• 3 ideas per day

• 1 thing you learned before bed

Then message me on Twitter or Instagram and tell me how it felt.

You’ll notice something amazing:

Your focus will increase. Your stress will reduce. Your memory will improve.

Try it and see.

The Pen On Paper Trick: Why I Still Use Jotters When Others Go Digital

If there’s one thing I hope you take from this blog post, it’s this:

The fastest way to remember something—is to write it down.

Digital is great, but analog is powerful.

Whether you’re a student, entrepreneur, writer, or full-time 9–5er, I believe writing by hand can change your life too.

It helped me build IbiFoundry.

It helped me remember who I am.

And it might help you find your best ideas too.

So...

What’s the last thing you wrote by hand?

If You’re Tired Of Forgetting Things Or Losing Ideas, Try This

If you’ve struggled with focus, memory, or clarity, I 100% recommend getting a small notebook today.

Start writing your goals, ideas, dreams, and thoughts.

I promise you—your brain will thank you.

Want to get your first one?

Most Popular Questions And Answers On “The Pen On Paper Trick: Why I Still Write With A Pen On Paper, Notebook, Jotter and Ditch E-Notes”

Why does writing by hand improve memory?Writing by hand engages more of your brain, improves focus, and forces deeper thinking—unlike typing, which is fast but shallow. This makes handwritten content easier to remember.

Isn’t using digital tools faster and better than paper?Yes, it’s faster—but not necessarily better. Handwriting improves clarity and helps you generate ideas before you refine them digitally.

How do I start journaling or writing by hand daily?Start with one small jotter. Write 3 ideas every morning, one gratitude note at night, or use it as a daily to-do list.

Which is better: pen and paper or phone notes?For memory and creativity, pen and paper win. For quick storage or access, phone notes are more convenient.

What if I lose my notebook?Scan important pages weekly with your phone using free apps like Google Lens or Adobe Scan. Problem solved.

Does this work for students preparing for exams?Yes! In fact, science shows that handwritten notes help students retain up to 40% more than typed notes.

Join The IbiFoundry Community

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Join the IbiFoundry Community today and become an official IbiFounder.

We’re building Nigeria’s most active and empowering digital founders hub.

About The Writer

Written & Published By:

Simon Taki Zaku,

Founder, CEO, IbiFoundry Limited

https://ibifoundry.com.ng/

As seen on: Forbes, Pixelied, Amazon, InfinityBlogAwards, GlobalSocialMediaCoaching, NinjaOutreach, A1Future, Persuasion-Nation, and more.

About: Simon Taki Zaku is a serial entrepreneur, consultant, public speaker, and the founder & CEO of IbiFoundry LLC. He inspires, writes, teaches, and builds solutions around digital marketing, sales funnels, content marketing, and media strategy.

Cheers, IbiFounder! Talk to you soon (can’t wait).