Stationery Freaks

In today's episode we cover:How to use your journal to reflect on goals, life and behavioursRob butchers Seneca's journal questions (accidentally)We talk about Benjamin Franklin's two questions to book-end the dayAnd whether Helen really will continue this habit into 2022The challenge -> Continue journaling - and maybe use the "what good did I do today" promptBenjamin Franklin's Daily Schedule For Success (addicted2success.com)How to start journaling — Stationery Freaks

In today's episode we cover:How Helen uses one notebook and typically has 3 - 6 goalsWhy too many can be overwhelmingWhy Helen works to a 9 month goal setting periodWhy breaking the rules of goal setting can be goodWhy scratching off goals that don’t resonate anymore is goodBut also why sometimes persevering is the right thing to doHow Rob sets goals by breaking the 10 year painted picture down to 5 years - and then yearly goal withinWhy Rob has around 15 - 20 goals each year, but some are big and some are smallThe challenge -> Whatever your method for goal setting, try setting a single goal and writing it in your notebook. And don’t forget to keep trying the gratitude journalWe have a cast on goal setting --> How to set goals (using stationery of course) — Stationery Freaks

Welcome to Day 3 of our 12 days of Christmas advent calendar.In today's episode we cover:The basics of goal settingHow Helen uses values to test her yearly goals.Why Helen only sets yearly goalsHow Rob paints a bright picture of the future 10 years out, then sets 5 year goals and then yearly goalsWe have a cast on goal setting --> How to set goals (using stationery of course) — Stationery Freaks

In today's episode we cover:Journaling and how to get startedWhy it is therapy. Seneca’s daily reflections, a brief science of journaling, tracking goals, working through problem and the difference between a journal and a diaryThe challenge -> Write down three things you are grateful forThe Art of Journaling: How To Start Journaling, Benefits of Journaling, and More (dailystoic.com)Morning Pages | Julia Cameron LiveHow to start journaling — Stationery Freaks

Welcome to the first of 12 mini episodes. In today's episode we cover:The first challenge -> Find yourself some stationery for the next week or so (notebook, pens etc). Write the date on a page and consider journaling. Or leave it blank :)The basics of journaling and an introduction to our prize.If you want to be in with a chance of winning one of Helen's very own Dan Ariely's "Perfect Notebook" then simply use the hashtag #stationeryfreaksadvent on Instagram. Feel free to connect with us over there also @stationeryfreaksukA new episode every day from 13th December 2021 - 24th December 2021How to start journaling — Stationery Freaks

In this episode Helen introduces her little notebook of stoic phrases and ideas that she created for her daughter. Helen explains what the notebook looks like, how she made it, why she made it and what it contains. Rob and Helen explore a little more about stoicism and how translating some of the key ideas for kids is a good idea.Rob and Helen ramble chat about a variety of ideas such as:Why saying No is importantHow to control how you respondBook recommendations for those interested in stoicismWhy analogue notebooks can be passed down through generationsAnd why we feel compelled to create notebooks full of wisdom for our kids. Episode 16 - The little book of stoicism (for kids) — Stationery Freaks

In this episode Rob and Helen talk their favourite stationery heroes. Each of us present three of our top heroes from this last year. Our heroes are those people and companies making useful, beautiful or unique stationery. From big manufacturers created amazing pens that work, to artisan craftspeople making one-off notebooks. We’ve got them covered. Helen talks about Zen Art Supplies. Again :) - https://www.zenartsupplies.coRob talks about Lescargot Papier - https://lescargot-papier.comHelen talks about Papermate Inkjoy pens - https://inkjoy.papermate.comRob talks about Mark and Fold - https://markandfold.comHelen talks about ETSY. Yes - the whole of Etsy :) But more specifically:Gretel Creates - https://www.etsy.com/uk/shop/GretelCreatesUnhappy Planner - https://www.etsy.com/uk/shop/UnhappyplannerStoreBones and Blankets - https://www.etsy.com/uk/shop/BonesAndBlanketsRob talks about Escape to the Chateau - and their notebooks - https://thechateau.tv/shop/personalised-gifts/stationery/personalised-notebooks.htmlWe also nod to Sainsburys (yes, the supermarket), moleskine and field notes.Join us as we ramble chat through our favourite heroes and why we like to champion small business, why switching off from screens is important and why our stationery buys have shifted towards little moments of joy.

In this episode Rob and Helen talk about derailment, overwhelm, overwork and how they try to get a grip on life when it all becomes a bit too much. Regular listeners will know it’s been over two months since the last podcast - and that’s because life (and our emotional reaction to it) has got in the way.In this episode we share how we’re trying to get a grip on life, and cover, amongst other things:The difference between overwork and overwhelmTo Do lists that look like world domination (too much to do)Bullet journaling, bucketing by themes and organising the chaosMoving to analogue to slow down, disconnect and deal with the constant video callsRob talks about defaulting to learning new skills, crafts and hobbiesHelen talks about capturing ideas, notes and tasks in the momentThey ramble on about nature, gardening and finding time for YOURob talks about buying yet more new notebooksHelen talks about the joy of stationery gift boxesAnd both of them share ideas on how they are getting a grip on life

In this episode Rob and Helen talk about lists and why they are so powerful. They share what lists they use and how they create and store them.Lists such as:Moving House and House Extension listsTo Do lisEditorial Calendar listsTravel listsWork induction checklistsStoic wisdom listsAnd moreThey ramble chat about recurring lists in ToDoist, bullet journal, old Filofax systems and how lists can save lives.Brands and tools mentioned in this postToDoistPaperchaseMoleskineFilofaxOxford - Red and Black NotebooksTrelloReally Moving house move checklistCJ Hole House extension checklistRob’s induction and onboarding checklist in Trello

In this episode Rob and Helen talk about why they started this podcast; because of the potential that stationery offers us. Whether that is a new brand, a book, an idea or simply the potential to organise the chaos that can be our lives - stationery offers potential. That new notebook - what magic may it release?That new organisation system - what order can it bring?Rob and Helen talk about:The potential of new notebooksWhy squandering those first few pages can ruin a new notebookFountain pens and why you shouldn’t let your kids use themThe dangers of ink bottles and clumsy peopleWhy we shouldn’t merely copy other people’s habits and routines and expect to achieve great resultsWhy some notebooks just call for Fountian PensWe mention or talk about:Stationery IslandMark and FoldPaperchaseMoleskine notebooks

In this episode Rob and Helen grab their notebooks and talk about what's inside. Helen talks about writing in Orange pen, being obsessed with post-it notes and how she splits her notebook 50/50 between work and life. Rob talks about a notebook that won't fold flat, how teachers are using sticky notes and why social media may not be good for his mental health. Helen talks about her:Process improvement notesInterview spiel and questionsTeam Lisowski notes and moreRob talks about his:Travel packing listsKeynote talksEditorial calendar draftsWe do hope you enjoy this episode - why not let us know what's in your notebooks.Brands mentioned:Paperchase UKFilofaxVisit the blog - https://www.stationeryfreaks.com/episodes/whats-inside-our-notebooks

In Episode 10 Rob and Helen talk about how to build a personal knowledge management system using both digital and analogue methods. Helen introduces her drawer full of randomness whilst Rob talks about how this drawer is actually some sort of system. Rob then introduces how we use analogue and digital methods to create his PKMS as well as explaining how we offered the "Free Style Rap” over some loud drumming. He then explains the two styles of learning using learning to play the drums as an example, hence the rapping.Rob introduces the two styles of learningInformation AcquisitionTask AcquisitionBefore going on to introduce the 4 steps to his PKMSCaptureCurateCrunchContributeRob explains how notes can be digital and analogue, how he uses Evernote as his digital storage system but a fab Ted Baker notebook as his real learning journal.But none of this is important unless you put that information into action and learn from it.Rob and Helen then close out by talking about Bullet Journaling, Washi Tape and UPPERCASE magazine. Lots of deep learning and useful ideas in this episode - let us know if they resonate. Products Mentioned :Ted Baker notebooksEvernoteUPPERCASE MAGAZINEPlease note we use affiliate links to products mentioned on this page. It helps us to feed our addiction to stationery - you pay nothing more, but we earn a slight commission if you purchase during an active session created by the link. Check out our privacy policy for more.

Note taking may seem quite simple but in reality few people take effective notes, whether during meetings, or in everyday life. Rob and Helen share reasons why note taking is so hard, how to make better notes and which stationery Rob and Helen use. They cover, amongst other things:Why note taking is importantWhy some people may avoid making notes such as not being able to find them or transcribing rather than listening because it’s deemed faster.Why note taking by analogue methods works for Rob and HelenWhy note taking by hand helps to remember in the nowHow Helen and Rob take notes in different contextsThe legend / key that Helen and Rob useThe stationery used (Bullet Journaling, Notepads, Learning note books)How slowing down helps to understand, rather than simply transcribing what has been saidWhy laptops in meetings and at conferences is annoyingProducts Mentioned :Field NotesPaperchaseBlack and Red notebookElements of Style book - Strunk and WhitePapermate ink joysPentel Energel 0.7Montblanc Ink Pen Schaeffer Fountain Pen30x40 design workshop - great architecture YouTube channel. His instagram account is great too. Sharpie Ultra FinePapermate FlairUPPERCASE MAGAZINEPlease note we use affiliate links to products mentioned on this page. It helps us to feed our addiction to stationery - you pay nothing more, but we earn a slight commission if you purchase during an active session created by the link. Check out our privacy policy for more.Visit us at stationeryfreaks.com

In this episode Rob and Helen share how they set goals, why they set them, how they track goals and how to build routines to deliver goals.Rob talks about how we uses a Painted Picture to derive goals, and then uses goals to build routines and habits. Helen talks about how she sets goals using her values and then builds routines to deliver on them.They discuss:How to use stationery during goal settingHow to set goalsHow to find the right goalsHow to track goalsHow many goals make senseHow to build routines and habitsAnd how Helen goal of writing a book will eventually, at last, hopefully, maybe be a realityRob also talks about his fridge of accountability and his trusty pencil of choice - the classic Staedtler School pencilThey mention or reference:James Clear - Atomic HabitsDavid Goggins - You can’t hurt meStaedtler PencilsGoogle CalendarTodoistPlease note we use affiliate links to products mentioned on this page. It helps us to feed our addiction to stationery - you pay nothing more, but we earn a slight commission if you purchase during an active session created by the link. Check out our privacy policy for more.

In this episode Helen quizzes Rob on how he developed the habit of journaling, why it's important to him and how we goes about doing it. They cover:How to get startedWhat to write aboutMorning Pages, Prompts and Stoic ThinkingWhen to journalThe benefits of journalingThen they ramble on for a little....Products, supplies and inspiration we mentionMoleskine A6 notebookTKMax notebooksPapermate FlairMorning PagesThe Daily Stoic book - it's on a bargain basement price on Kindle. Pentel Energel pensChase Jarvis - super inspiring

In this episode we discuss what annual stationery we buy each year and why. We cover:Basic stationery stuff like journals, yellow legal pads and the humble paperclip.Training your brain for brainstormingFountain pens and how they slow your brain down to think clearerMechanical pencils and how Rob's forbidden from using themThe legacy of old journals or maybe it's just fire fodder for Rob's kidsAnd moreWe mention or talk about :The 1980's called and they want Helen back - she's into these Filofax clipbooksPaipur notebooks- and how Helen LOVES these, but alas, they don't seem to be trading anymore.Zen Art Supplies - Our new favourite place for stationery.Rob's journal of choice is a Moleskine A6Rob loves Field Notes, but they are damn expensive here in the UK.Moleskine cahiers are Rob's preferred choice of little jotters for ideas, notes and tasks.Retractable pencils - be careful as pressing on hard like Rob does could take someone's eye out. These are the less dangerous of them all.Paperchase Products Ltd - the shop we often can't walk past.We mention how Jerry Seinfeld uses Yellow Legal pads to write jokes.Robs Yellow Legal Pads of choice.Cheap and cheerful fountain pens and how they slow you down.James Clear's article Rob references.Uniball Jet Stream Pens.Papermate Inkjoy pens that Helen loves.Papermate Flair Pens that Helen doodles with.Tombow Brush pens that Helen uses.Rob typically buys an annual wall planner.EnjoyRob and Helen

In this episode we share our own systems for tracking workouts, fitness and nutrition - using stationery and digital tools.We cover Helen's fitness goals and how she uses a "nice little notebook" to track her progress.We cover Rob's fitness goals and how he uses a simple Paper Chase notebook - but spices it up for Instagram by adding silly comments. And how he's trying not to become a robust version of Ryder from Paw Patrol. We cover Personal Trainers, plant based diets, Jerry Seinfeld's "don't break the chain", Kettlebells, Concept2 Ski Ergs, making good food choices, habit tracking, scheduling fitness and how tracking progress is a useful technique. We mention:* Wyldsson Protein Shakes - https://wyldsson.com/product/nutritional-vegan-protein-powder/* Paperchase notebooks - The one's Rob uses are here - https://www.paperchase.com/en_gb/a6-kraft-cream-plain-notebook.html* Strong App - https://www.strong.app/* Mike Matthews and Legion Athletic (https://www.instagram.com/muscleforlifefitness) and https://legionathletics.com/michael-matthews/* Concept 2 SkiErg - https://www.concept2.co.uk/skierg/concept2-skierg Hope you enjoy the show. Rob and Helen

In this episode Helen and I talk about Bullet Journaling and Time Blocking.I'm not a fan of Bullet Journaling, but Helen is. I explain why I'm not a fan, and Helen explains why it works so well for her. We chat about Calendar / Time Blocking, my chosen productivity management, and why that works for me. Note: There is a tiny bit of bad language in this episode. We cover:* Why Rob couldn't get Bullet Journaling to work* How Helen uses Bullet Journaling* Why all productivity systems are simply Containers with Rules* Why Rob uses Time / Calendar Blocking and how it works - mostly because it forces prioritisation* And why all approaches actually solve the same problem* We talk about pondering, reflecting and how Bullet Journaling helps with this* Why Rob separates out "productivity" and "reflection" into two separate systems* Zoom fatigue - and saying no by filling in your calendar with your work* How Rob journals - and what steers that journaling* SAD lamps and journaling* How to measure productivity using behaviours - rather than just tasks doneWe mention:* Zen Art Supplies - Our new favourite place for stationery - https://www.zenartsupplies.co/* Todoist - https://todoist.com/* Leuchtturm notebooks and how Helen found the pages to bleed - https://www.leuchtturm1917.us/notebooks/* Paipur notebooks- and how Helen LOVES these, but alas, they don't seem to be trading anymore - https://www.paipur.com/welcome* Google CalendarFollow us on our LinkedIn page : https://www.linkedin.com/company/stationeryfreaksJoin us on Instagram : https://www.instagram.com/stationeryfreaksuk/Enjoy.Rob & Helen

In this episode we discuss what's kept us busy during lockdown. We cover:Bullet JournalingJournalingZine makingThe compulsion to re-organise unused notebooksBuying stationery from supermarketsStudying and more. We mention or talk about :Todoist for getting things doneMonthly date stickers on EtsiePAIPUR notebooks - Helen's a BIG fan of these. Chameleon whiteboards - looks good for all of those agile/creative teamsJournaling and communication Moleskine notebooks - my journal of choice.Paperchase Products Ltd - the shop we often can't walk past.Sainsbury's and Tesco upping their game in stationery supplies.ZenART Supplies notebooks - Evernote for studying.3M Post-it notes for studyingMindMeister for learning mind mapsFollow us on our brand new LinkedIn page : https://www.linkedin.com/company/stationeryfreaksJoin us on Instagram : https://www.instagram.com/stationeryfreaksuk/Enjoy.Rob & Helen

In this episode we walk through what it takes to create a conference talk and how stationery can be used during this process.We cover:Outlining the talk using a combination of digital and analogue tools such as Workflowy and MindmeisterMapping out the talk using index cards or sticky notes. Visualising the talk in arcs and flowsRehearsing and preparing using Powerpoint speaker notes, or, as Rob does it, writing it out long hand in an A4 notebookUsing pointers and guides during the talkFollow us on our brand new LinkedIn page : https://www.linkedin.com/company/stationeryfreaksJoin us on Instagram : https://www.instagram.com/stationeryfreaksuk/Enjoy.Rob & Helen

In this episode we walk you through how to run an appreciative inquiry meetings. So what is an appreciative inquiry?- a meeting focused on just the good, the awesome- not for negative problems - shouldn’t avoid these, but this meeting not place- it’s about understanding what is working - shine a light on it and keep doing it- it’s also about designing a brighter future- as a meeting run with your team also a way to build trust and get people engaged in designing their own workStep 1 - Invite the right peopleSend an invite to only the people needed in the meeting. The more people you have, the harder the meeting as there are more voices, ideas and communicationStep 2 - Plan AheadPlan ahead and make sure you have the right kit.- the stationery list is as follows:Basic sticky-notes- large sticky pads- whiteboard pens- pens for writing on sticky notes - our recommendation- A3 paper- index cards- sticky tackOn the whiteboard you’ll need four columns for Discovery. Dream. Design. Plan and a boxed area for Offline - where you’re parking all of the negative comments, problems and challenges that people will inevitably bring up.Step 3 - Create A Safe PlaceAt the start of the meeting I make sure I do something to create a safe place for people to share ideas.You'll have your own style but I tend to tell some jokes, play a silly game or do something to stimulate the creative juices.Step 4 - Start with DiscoveryDiscovery is all about what’s going well. What are the team doing that is awesome.What is working?What is excellent about your chosen area of discussion?What makes working there so awesome?Step 5 - DreamNext step is to dream. This is where I ask the people in the room to start listing how much better we could be.Here are some sample questions.What could we do to improve on what is already working?How can we get even better?If we had no limitations at all what would our future look like?What kind of future would mean we would be unstoppable?Step 6 - Design The FutureNow it's time to start working through the ideas in the next stage - the design stage.The design stage is where we put in place steps to make the best ideas a reality.What would it take to deliver it?If we're doing this work what else has to drop?What would be the outcome of doing this work?Can we measure it?How will we know when we finish?Who benefits from this work?Do we have all the people we need to achieve this?Do we have the skills?-Does this resonate with the business goals?dig deep enough to be able to visualise what would it takes to deliver it.Step 7 - PlanNow we need to put in place a plan.We're looking to put in place these things:Who is leading this work (and it should not be the manager, unless it is a management initiative).Who is on the team.Who is doing what.When is the next milestone? (Not too far out - a week at most)What reporting mechanisms are we using?The deploy stage is all about putting things in to motion and building a team around it.Consider though, that there still won't be a huge amount of detail around the plan. So the next milestone is usually to flesh out the plan and report back to the wider team.Step 8 - Ensure Clear OutcomesClose the meeting and set the next steps. Reiterate back to the group what we're doing, why and by when. Fix the next meetings and make sure people are clear. Field any questions. Keep positive.Step 9 - Follow UpFollow up with good communications, regular meetings and iterative planning.Ensure your team are talking to each other and reporting back progress.Are they stuck with anything?How is the plan going?What actions are happening?In my experience every time I run an appreciative inquiry the team are energised and focused.Follow us on our brand new LinkedIn page : https://www.linkedin.com/company/stationeryfreaksJoin us on Instagram : https://www.instagram.com/stationeryfreaksuk/Enjoy.Rob & Helen