Ever since I moved from a standard A5 notebook and to a pocket notebook, I’ve had to do some figuring out to what works best for me.

Here is my current setup as of January 2026:

Notebook → Leuchtturm1917 Pocket w/ dot grid. I’ve used the S/N Totebook Mini and some of the new Ugmonk pocket notebooks, but I longed for something with more pages and a rear pocket. The pocket size is perfect for me, but I don’t like trying to remember which notebook a certain note was in. This is my first Leuchtturm1917 notebook and I’ve gotta say, the quality is incredible.

Pen → Studio Neat Mark One. I’ve had this since early 2020 and use it every day. It’s a true buy it for life item.

Pen loop → this little guy let’s you add a pen loop to any notebook. I didn’t think this was really necessary at first, but now I add one to every new notebook I have.

Ugmonk Analog Cards → I use a Today card for daily tasks and a Next card for what’s on my plate this week, in place of a weekly log. I keep the Today card and the Next card on my current daily spread to mark my place and keep a few blank cards in the back pocket. The cards are honestly the best app I’ve ever used. The perfect blend of simplicity and productivity.

Journaling system → I’ve used many versions of a modified bullet journal. However, as I try to take my daily reflection analog, I find it extremely helpful to have a daily spread with the date & running notes/thoughts on the left, and daily review with custom bullets for the highlights on the right.

Now that I’m moving to a pocket notebook with more pages, I’m also keeping my annual goals, reading list, and watchlist as separate logs which then feed into a full-size Studio Neat Keepbook every time I complete a pocket notebook and migrate to the next one. I’m currently on volume 010, so the main notebook is vol 010 and each pocket notebook would be 10.11, for example.