How to Choose a Notebook You'll Actually Finish
I have a confession: I am a notebook hoarder. For years, I would buy beautiful, expensive journals, write enthusiastically on the first three pages, and then abandon them in a drawer because they just didn't 'feel right.' It turns out, picking a notebook isn't just about buying the one with the prettiest cover. A notebook is a functional tool. If the paper makes your pen bleed, or the binding fights you every time you try to lay it flat, your brain will subconsciously look for excuses to stop using it. You have to match the physical properties of the book to the reality of how you work. Let's break down exactly what to look for—from paper weight to binding styles—so you can finally buy a notebook that you will fill all the way to the last page.
Identify your primary writing tool first
You cannot choose a notebook until you know what you are writing with. If you use a cheap ballpoint pen or a pencil, almost any paper will do. But if you prefer a juicy gel pen, a rollerball, or a fountain pen, you need to be incredibly picky. Fountain pens require 'coated' paper (like Rhodia or Clairefontaine) so the ink pools on top and dries, rather than soaking into the fibers and feathering out like a spiderweb. Conversely, if you write with a pencil, coated paper feels slick and awful—you want paper with a bit of 'tooth' or texture to grab the graphite.
Check the paper weight (GSM)
Paper thickness is measured in GSM (Grams per Square Meter). The standard copy paper in your office printer is around 70-80 GSM. It is thin, and you can see ink through the other side (ghosting). If you want to write on both sides of the page without being distracted by what you wrote yesterday, look for a notebook with at least 90 to 100 GSM paper. If you plan to use markers or light watercolors, you need to jump up to 120 GSM or higher to prevent the wet ink from bleeding straight through to the next page.
Demand a lay-flat binding
This is non-negotiable. There is nothing more frustrating than trying to write while using your non-dominant hand to forcibly wrestle the book open. Avoid cheap 'perfect bound' notebooks (where individual pages are just glued to the spine). They always snap shut. Instead, look for 'thread-bound' or 'Smyth sewn' notebooks. You will be able to see the little stitches holding groups of pages together in the center crease. These notebooks are designed to crack open and lay completely flat on a desk, making it infinitely more comfortable to write near the margins.
Pick the right ruling for your brain
Lined paper is great for long-form journaling, but it actively discourages drawing or mind-mapping. Blank paper offers ultimate freedom, but if you're like me, your handwriting will slowly slant downwards until you're writing diagonally. The modern sweet spot is the 'dot grid.' A grid of faint dots provides enough structure to keep your handwriting straight and create neat checkboxes or charts, but the dots are light enough that they fade into the background when you want to sketch. It is the best of both worlds.
Match the size to your bag, not your ambition
We often buy massive A4 (letter-sized) notebooks thinking we are going to write a novel. But if that notebook doesn't fit easily into the bag you carry every day, it will stay on your desk, and you won't use it. The A5 size (roughly 5.8 x 8.3 inches) is the global standard for a reason. It is large enough that you don't feel cramped, but small enough to slide into almost any backpack or tote. If you need something for quick grocery lists or fleeting thoughts on the train, go down to an A6 pocket notebook.
- A4: Desk use only (Letter size)
- A5: The Daily Carry (Half-letter)
- B6: The compact journal
- A6: True pocket size
Citations & External Resources
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Frequently Asked Questions
How to Choose a Notebook You'll Actually Finish?
We all have a drawer full of half-used, abandoned notebooks. Here is how to pick the right paper, binding, and size so you actually want to write in it. For more practical tips, check out our guide on How to Actually Delete Your Favorites on MyVidster.
What is the best way to choose a notebook you'll actually finish?
The best way to choose a notebook you'll actually finish is to follow a systematic step-by-step approach. I have a confession: I am a notebook hoarder. For years, I would buy beautiful, expensive journals, write enthusiastically on the first three pages, and then abandon them in a drawer because they... You might also find our guide on How to Actually Delete Your Favorites on MyVidster helpful.
How long does it take to choose a notebook you'll actually finish?
Most people can choose a notebook you'll actually finish within a few weeks minutes of consistent practice. The exact timeline depends on your starting point and how diligently you follow the steps in this guide. For more help, read our related guide: How to Actually Delete Your Favorites on MyVidster.