Shows
Stationery FreaksThe 2026 Planning Episode: Painted Pictures, Todoist, Obsidian & Too Many NotebooksIt’s our first Stationery Freaks episode of 2026, and we’re going deep on goal setting, as we usually do for the first cast of the year. Rob and Helen compare two different approaches to planning the year: outcomes vs lifestyle, goals vs systems, and why the “right” method depends on what helps you keep going (not what looks good on paper). Helen shares her shift toward building routines that protect what matters - writing time, movement, mental bandwidth - plus a surprisingly brilliant charity-shop find: a Rocketbook reusable notebook for 50p. Rob ref...
2026-01-3050 minStationery FreaksStationery Advent Calendars, SmartPlanner Time Blocking & getting ready for 2026 (Stationery Freaks)It’s the last Stationery Freaks episode before Christmas, and after a slightly chaotic month we’re back with a free-form catch-up full of notebook temptation, planning experiments, and advent calendar joy.Helen reviews two very premium stationery advent calendars — Martha Brook(s) and Tom’s Studio — including what you actually get, which one feels more “decorative vs functional,” and the one item she absolutely refuses to touch (again). Rob shares his new structured SmartPlanner time-blocking experiment (and why he’s moved from pen to pencil), an everyday-carry bag confession featuring nine notebooks, and an early idea he’s...
2025-12-2343 min
Stationery FreaksLive From Brick Lane: Mark+Fold’s 10th Anniversary & The Stationery Freaks Origin StoryIn this special on-the-road episode, Rob and Helen meet in person for the first time in almost six years — to celebrate Mark+Fold’s 10-year anniversary at their Brick Lane pop-up. Recorded between a noisy East London bar and the beautifully minimalist Mark+Fold shop, this episode is a blend of celebration, nostalgia, and stationery-fueled creativity.Apologies for some of the audio quality - London doesn't have many quiet bars and restuarants!You’ll hear:The Stationery Freaks origin story — how a shared love of pens and notebooks sparked a 7-year podcastWhy Mark+Fol...
2025-11-1430 minStationery FreaksHousehold Stationery That Actually Helps: Labels, Whiteboards, Junk Drawers & Kitchen Kanban | Stationery Freaks PodcastHousehold stationery isn’t “our precious pens and paper in our study” — it’s the everyday tools that keep a home ticking. We talk freezer-proof labels, kitchen whiteboards, year-at-a-glance calendars we forget to update, junk-drawer essentials, elastic bands vs Velcro ties for cables, and even a full Kanban wall system that helps a building business run. Plus: Magic Click (a colour-pen system we need help decoding), why shrink-wrap on notebooks should be illegal, and the enduring magic of handwritten notes in old recipe books.What We CoverLabelling the real world: freezer labels that don’t fall...
2025-10-2743 minStationery FreaksRituals, Routines & Stationery: Why the tactile nature of stationery can help us with ritualsIn this episode of Stationery Freaks, Rob and Helen dive into the world of rituals and routines, exploring how our favourite stationery tools (along with time and space) can transform tasks into meaningful, mindful moments.Helen discovers other writers are now using Blackwing pencils in her writing class. Rob spent so little time choosing which notebook to use for a business book he's writing (the Rhodia A4 notebook) - that he wonders what is wrong.Rob and Helen also receive a very awesome poem in Zine format from previous guest, Richard. Very cool...
2025-09-2935 minStationery FreaksStationery Hauls, Fountain Pen Finds & Writing Success – Sailor, Tom’s Studio & MoreIn this episode Rob and Helen dive deep into their latest stationery hauls — from Japanese Sailor pens and Tom’s Studio Wren to Martha Brooks advent calendars and Zebra limited editions. Plus: writing contest success, notebooks you’ll never dare write in (that are ridiculously expensive), and a new digital note-taking tool that’s winning Rob over. Helen refuses to talk about her sticker addiction and Etsy is properly off the table for conversation.Helen is already buying advent calendars....in September. Rob is trying not to buy anything else, he's changed.We cha...
2025-09-1127 minStationery FreaksThe Art of Commonplacing : Curating a Life – Richard Barnard on Collage & Commonplace booksIn this episode of the podcast, Rob & Helen chat to Richard Barnard; collage enthusiast and commonplacer. Have you ever wondered what a Commonplace book is, and what it's used for? Well, in this episode we explore the origins of the Commonplace book, how Richard uses his, the stationery he uses for it and how he searches through the wealth of insights, observations, quotes and thoughts.Richard Barnard, an avid commonplacer and passionate collage artist, explains that it's a way of "creating the best book you've ever owned." He shares his analog-first, bu...
2025-08-0239 minStationery FreaksThe Art, Craft & Purpose of Travellers Journals with Frank from YokogakiJoin Rob and Helen in this edition of Stationery Freaks as they welcome special guest Frank, from Yokogaki, for a deep dive into the fascinating world of travel journals / notebooks!Frank shares a mini masterclass on exactly what traveler's journals are, how they differ from the typical notebook, and various ways to use them for everything from bullet journaling to light scrapbooking on the go. Frank, who found himself crafting his own high-quality, leather journals, shares his unique philosophy behind creating companions that "love you back," exploring the Japanese concept of Mottainai (regret over waste...
2025-07-1240 minStationery FreaksAn interview with author Jenny Kane - prolific writer, collector of notebooks, desert island stationery specialistStationery Freaks: A Deep Dive into the Prolific World of Author Jenny Kane (and Her Emotional Support Pencil Case!)In this very special episode Rob and Helen are joined by our very special guest, the incredibly prolific author Jenny Kane. We have briefly mentioned Jenny in the past as she is Helen's writing mentor. In this episode we chat about the astonishing breadth of Jenny's literary career, spanning over two decades and encompassing more than 200 short stories and over 70 books across various genres and pen names – from her novels as Jenny Kane...
2025-06-2934 minStationery FreaksFrom Paper Obsession to Published Pages - How we write books as Stationery FreaksHow do two writers, bound by their devotion to beautiful stationery, actually write books? In this episode, Helen and Rob reveal their individual paths, uncovering the shared foundation of paper-based ideation – the noodling, expanding, and connecting that begins on the page with their beloved notebooks. Explore their transition to digital tools (Rob's a touch more intricate!), their editing journeys, and their distinct publishing routes – Helen to her website, Rob primarily through self-publishing. Expect delightful detours into UK National Stationery Week, Rob's exciting new project requiring more notebooks, and Helen's potential planner evolution. Wa...
2025-05-1638 minStationery FreaksWhen did you become a Stationery Freak?In this episode Helen and Rob talk about whether there was a defining moment, or time, when they became Stationery Freaks.They start with Stationery Stories:Helen has an occasion to break out a new notebook - an Atoms and Astronauts one from Vinted. Rob's been watching too much Parisian Agency on Netflix - so is trying to adopt a Parisian style and coolness with a new Folio packed with a Yellow Legal Pad and a couple of Moleskine Cahiers. Helen introduces the (potentially) new segment of the show called "Stationery Freaks in the Wild", in wh...
2025-04-2532 minStationery FreaksHoarding notebooks and when to use a new one - Stationery Freaks PodcastIn this episode we explore why we both have huge hoards of unused and partially used notebooks, and what makes us crack open a new notebook.You can find videos, photos and a deeper dive into this topic in the newsletter.In this episode:Helen is still searching for her full collection of mechanical pencils. The Penac Protti goes down well at work, but Rob ends up with pencil all over him at work, and refuses to share his doodles with his work colleagues. Rob describes Helen’s notebook storage unit with remarkable accuracy.Hele...
2025-03-2435 minStationery FreaksThe perfect mechanical pencilIn this episode we chat about all things pencil related. We cover:Why Rob has so many notebooks he cannot move his writing deskHelen's latest Vinted stationery haul - and a surprise penThe lovely folks at Penac sent us some free samples - and they are brilliantHow we use pencils and paper for getting unstuck, or in Rob's case, for 99% of his writingWhy the non-permanent nature of pencils lends itself to creative thinkingWhy Rob bought the Rotring 600 pencil but hasn't used it muchAnd much moreGet images and links to everything we discuss in the S...
2025-03-0331 minStationery FreaksThe Hobonichi switch revisited - a year of using the systemIn this episode Helen shares how she’s getting on with her Hobonichi system, a year after making the switch from Bullet Journaling. We did an episode on this switch in early 2024 - you can listen to that episode here, where Helen shared why switching over the New Year was a bad idea. And so, a year later, we revisited this topic to hear how Helen is getting on, what’s adapted and whether she still needs a suitcase to carry around her growing sticker collection. I ask Helen about the Hobonichi system, how it...
2024-12-1227 minStationery FreaksIn pursuit of the perfect structure - a stationery freaks eternal questIn this episode we chat about why we've been missing for a few months, our stationery purchases and how we're always in pursuit of the perfect structure.You can find images, links and other insights that accompany this podcast on our newsletter - https://stationeryfreaks.substack.com/We cover, amongst other topics:1. A YouTube video comment that led Rob to a new pencil purchase2. Helen talks about her Hobonichi and how she's still loving it - although struggling to find time for buying stickers3. Rob talks about keeping a ledger as...
2024-12-0129 minStationery FreaksFriction, Reward and Productivity SystemsIn this episode Rob introduces his new productivity system of coloured military-style print out. Rob and Helen ponder why it's hard to find a system that works. And that maybe, they've (well, Rob) has been searching in the wrong place. Maybe, when we try to find a streamlined, slick, frictionless productivity system we're not actually getting much reward. And maybe, just maybe, higher friction system (bullet journaling, Rob's new method, Hobonichi etc) give a more meaningful reward. And maybe even, the reward is in the friction itself. Much to ponder. Find our newsletter...
2024-07-0732 minStationery FreaksThe magic of whiteboardsIn this episode we chat about the magic of whiteboards. We cover:How we used them at workHow Helen's daughter uses them for learning and revisionHow Rob's son uses them for doodlingThe ephemeral nature of whiteboard contentLong running whiteboard content - and why "do not wipe" is importantIf you'd like to see the images we talk about in this session, head to the newsletter.
2024-06-1623 minStationery FreaksVinted - Not just for clothes - our stationery haulsIn this episode Helen and Rob chat about buying stationery hauls from Vinted (other platforms and services are available).We cover:Our surprise at the variety of stationery on vintedThe bargains to be hadHelen's stationery haul for an upcoming workshopRob's stationery haul for no reason other than some bargain Moleskines and a notepad with Yorkshire written on the frontHow Rob makes offers and Helen pays full priceWhat stuff they found on Vinted. Note: We have no affiliation with Vinted - we just thought you'd like to hear about the stationery goodness. Note: We believe Vi...
2024-05-2620 minStationery FreaksDomestika - a stationery freaks learning playground for creativesIn this episode Rob and Helen explore the world of Domestika, an online learning platform for creatives. Note: We are not affiliated with Domestika, but Rob is addicted to it. * Rob explains what Domestika is and how it works* Helen is addicted to stickers - and may jump in to Domestika to learn more about calligraphy* Rob explains how he sometimes just watches the "materials" video on each Domestika course to geek out on stationery* Rob is building a list of Domestika tutors to interview for the Stationery Freaks podcast* Helen...
2024-04-0224 min
Stationery FreaksGoal Setting - how a stationery freak mixes analogue and digital tools for goal settingIn this episode Rob shares his goal setting process using paper and digital tools. Rob explains what makes a good goal, Helen asks lots of questions and Rob shares how to track goals.We cover:Goals should be measurable and timeboundAn annual review is a positive processPainting a picture of the future and aligning goals is importantThe why is importantPrecious little red notebooksTracking in ToDoistThe power of journalingWhy not subscribe to the newsletter too!
2024-02-1134 minStationery FreaksThe world of Hobonichi Planners - and switching productivity systemsIn this episode we explore the world of Hobonichi Planners. Helen decided that January was a good time to switch productivity, journaling and note-taking systems (it may not have been a wise decision). She chats us through the world of Hobonichi Planners and how she is using them to "force" her to develop the habit of journaling. She also needed mountains of stickers. All the stickers. We also cover Midori notebooks (Helen raves about these), Etsy Hobonichi sticker providers and why productivity systems must be hacked to make them work for you. Rob...
2024-01-2131 minStationery FreaksMoney is no object - The Stationery Freaks Christmas Gift Guide 2023It's that time of the year again - time for something festive.In this special edition, episode 4 of 4, we offer up some advice and insights into things we would buy if money were no object.Rob breaks the rules on this one, Helen less so. Listen to the end for a magical and amazing idea we'd love to do, but alas, money IS an object. We cover:- Helen - Smythson Soho Luxury Notebooks. About £170 - £250- Rob - Parker Bumble Bee - ebay link so may expire. £5000 for a p...
2023-12-1921 min
Stationery FreaksAccessories - The Stationery Freaks Christmas Gift Guide 2023It's that time of the year again - time for something festive.In this special edition, episode 3 of 4, we offer up some advice and insights into stationery accessories that are on our gift list.Helen shares three and Rob shares three.We cover:- Helen - TipEx Mouse- Rob - Firbon A4 paper cutter- Helen - Bookaroo Sticky Tabs- Rob - Rapesco desktop Pencil Sharpener- Helen - Hobonichi Deco Rush Stickers- Rob - Vretti thermal printer (here's the Vretti one I bought...
2023-12-1425 min
Stationery FreaksNotebooks - The Stationery Freaks Christmas Gift Guide 2023It's that time of the year again - time for something festive.In this special edition, episode 2 of 4, we offer up some advice and insights into notebooks that are on our gift list.Helen shares three and Rob shares three.We cover:- Helen - Zen Art B5 Dotted Notebook- Rob - Ottergami A5 notebook- Helen - Atoms to Astronauts notebooks- Rob - A4 Yellow Legal Pads- Helen - Midori Notebook- Rob - Plotter Japan NotebookAnd an honourable mention...
2023-12-1228 min
Stationery FreaksPens - The Stationery Freaks Christmas Gift Guide 2023It's that time of the year again - time for something festive. In this special edition, episode 1 of 4, we offer up some advice and insights into 6 pens/pencils/inks that are on our gift list. Helen shares three and Rob shares three. We cover:Helen - The Stalogy Gel PenRob - Sharpie Ultra FineHelen - Glow in the dark ink (Etsy)Rob - Staedtler Norris School PencilsHelen - Waterman Carene Ink Pen (Fountain Pen)Rob - Waterman Deluxe Ink Pen (Fountain Pen)...
2023-12-1017 minStationery FreaksStationery Chat with Amy Cooper-Wright: founder of Mark and Fold and fellow stationery freakIn this episode we chat with Amy Cooper-Wright who is the founder of Mark and Fold, one of our favourite stationery companies. Amy talks business, notebooks, gaps in the market, sustainability and shares her desert island stationery!We chat about:Why start a stationery companyWhy Amy was influenced when she was younger by making her own books and running a toy post officeWhy Amy sought out to make the notebook better, not cheaper - and held to her high bar of quality Why Amy was tired of not being able to find decent notebooks to buyLogistics, d...
2023-11-231h 01Stationery FreaksZentangle, Mandala Art & Desert Island Stationery - an interview with Sanne VisserIn this episode we do a lovely interview with Sanne Visser, Technologist, Zentangle and Mandala aficionado and bullet journalling fan.We cover:* The Netherlands, bikes, canals and wonderful old libraries that sell stationery* What Zentangle and Mandala Art is, and why Sanne does it* The notebooks, pens and pencils used* Table cloth colouring* Stoic wisdom books* Cellotape, staples and Hobonichi planners* And Sanne shares the 5 items of stationery she would take with her to a desert island* We also muse whether water bottles and handcream are considered stationery
2023-11-1636 minStationery FreaksA retreat to Gladstone Library - a stationery freaks paradise?In this episode we discuss Helen's recent retreat to Gladstone Library. The surprising thing about the retreat was that there were no obvious stationery freaks....in a library.Helen explains what Gladstone Library is and the environmentHelen talks about her experience at the retreatHelen explains how everyone had laptops, and very few stationery freaks were thereRob talks a little about his retreat 2 years agoRob remarks that his was like a lads holiday, without the ladsHelen explains why she's rebooked alreadyPlus some hints and tips on doing your own retreatGladstone Library - https://www.gladstoneslibrary.org/...
2023-11-0929 minStationery FreaksYou're not lazy - deconstructing a YouTube video that resonated with usIn this episode we were super inspired by a wonderful YouTube video we watched, called "You're Not Lazy : How to live a chaotically organised life" by YouTuber Elizabeth Filips. So, given it summed up how we work, or at least how Rob works (that was why Helen sent him the link to the video), we thought we'd deconstruct the video and share stories about how we operate. And of course, although light on stationery talk, how we use stationery to control our own chaos.In the episode we talk about:Stationery S...
2023-10-2237 minStationery FreaksThe Travelling Stationery Freak - what do you take with you when you travelIn this episode we chat about what stationery we take with us when we travel. Let us know what you take.We cover:Bookaroo notebook carry cases are Helen's new thing. (affiliate Amazon link)Van Neistat's inspiring Rob again - this time to create ToDo lists and organise himselfHelen waxes lyrical about some new exercise booksRob turned up to a Mastermind meeting with the worst stationeryWe then chat about what we take with us to conferences and when travelling with work.- Notebooks- Pens- Pencil casesAnd we also...
2023-10-0535 min
Stationery FreaksOverwhelmed? Lists are your friendIn today’s episode we chat about why we revert to lists when we’re overwhelmed - as well as some stationery storiesStationery StoriesThe man who stuck post-it notes to his tie - Helen recalls the story of a man who used this process to get things done.Rob's using Helen's post-it notesTeachers using iPads to stick post-it notes toRob has sent the Remarkable2 back - and bought a typewriterMain Topic - Lists when overwhelmedWe chat about lists, what we use them for and why we revert to them when thin...
2023-09-2235 minStationery FreaksWhat's happening to us? The Remarkable 2, Obsedian, The Brain, Moleskine Balance and blending analogue and digitalIn this episode we talk about what's happening to us - as we find digital tooling becoming more important in our stationery world. We talk about the Remarkable 2, Moleskine balance and how we are still stationery freaks! And Rob is retooling his knowledge management and Helen learned nothing about herself, despite sticker journaling for a few weeks.We cover:Woolsthorpe manor, where Isaac Newton saw the apple fall - and the fact you can buy pens made from the very tree that Newton saw the apple fall fromRob's bought a Remarkable - will he send...
2023-08-3140 minStationery FreaksHow we track habits - blending analogue and digital - Stationery Freaks PodcastIn this episode we discuss habits and how we define them and track them using both digital and analogue tracking and documenting. We share our own perspectives of how we develop habits.* Helen has bought all of the stickers in the whole world (possibly)* Rob is trying to build the habit of not buying anymore notebooks for a while - and instead, using up the mountain of notepads he has* Rob has regained the love of Yellow Legal Pads* Helen spends her life trying to make herself better using structures and systems to try...
2023-08-1730 minStationery FreaksHandmade notebooks, Japanese silk and sourcing materials - an interview with Maria Le VanIn this episode we interview Maria Van Le of LeVan Books. Maria makes her own beautiful notebooks - of which Helen has purchased a few. They are exquisite, hand made and use some top notch material.In this episode:Helen talks about her 6 ink pens - and decides she needs more (or not).Maria talks about her passion for glass ink pens, water colour painting and using her own booksMaria explains how she started making books for her daughter and her friends, before making them for other peopleMaria is self taught and a p...
2023-07-1637 minStationery FreaksOur Stationery Disasters - The Stationery Freaks PodcastIn this episode Rob and Helen share some of their stationery disasters as well as ramble chat about stationery, including, but not limited to,Helen has a new LeVan notebooksHelen Callaghan Writing Challenges - check out this previous podcast featuring Helen CallaghanStationery Care Packages - Helen sends some beautiful gifts, perfectly wrapped. Rob sends a package with a terrible index card in it. Rob uses his Bella Beso planners.Helen explains to a new team member that she doesn’t use digital tools. Rob uses analogue note taking methods whilst others smirk. Helen explains how she ruined a note...
2023-05-1224 minStationery FreaksWriting, learning, dangerous pencil sharpeners & top of the class notebooksIn the first podcast of the year, (I know, we're slack), Helen and Rob chat about recent stationery finds, purchases and goodies. Helen geeks out with a colleague who loves Fountain Pens - and is an expert on paper quality.They head to Gilbert House Pens to spend money. Helen buys a feather resin pen. Brad Herrington from Gilbert House Pens is helpful and guides Helen to the right pen. Helen is now obsessed with inks, especially after we had Urban Hafner on the show. Helen is now using shimmer inks of various colours. Rob is taking out extra...
2023-04-0335 minStationery FreaksInterview with Urban Hafner - founder of Fountain Pen Companion and Stationery FreakWe were VERY excited when fellow Stationery Freak and founder of Fountain Pen Companion, Urban Hafner, joined us on the podcast. Urban is a software developer, fountain pen aficionado, host of two podcasts (one of which is about stationery), bullet journal user and fan of nice stationery.In this episode we chat about:Fountain pens, inks and why Urban created The Fountain Pen Companion toolJapanese pencilsLearning handwriting and calligraphyWhy Urban throws away his journals once he's finished with themUrban's paired down Bullet Journal practiceDesert Island stationery - the five things Urban mentioned are...
2022-12-1334 minStationery FreaksDesert Island Stationery - what 5 items would you take?In this episode Rob and Helen share the 5 items of stationery they would take with them to a Desert Island. What would you take? Let us know on Instagram - @stationeryfreaksukIn this episode:Helen is obsessed with Rob’s A3 learning management system - a video of the system is here on Rob’s YouTube channel.Rob talks about his new (old) Waterman Fountain PenRob bends the rules of the gameHelen forgets a pencil sharpenerHelen’s 5 items:A Mark and Fold desktop scratchpad (part of the stationery pack)A Mark and Fo...
2022-12-0127 minStationery FreaksInterview with Helen Callaghan - Sunday Times Best Seller and Stationery FreakHow excited were we when, Sunday Times Best Selling psychological thriller author, Helen Callaghan agreed to be on the podcast?Helen is a stationery freak, so we dug into her process of writing, typewriters, book soundtracks, choosing colours for books, Moleskines, writing retreats and more. It was a real joy and we’re sure you’ll be inspired and motivated and learn a lot about the world of writing books.Some quotes from the show:“Self-consciousness is the enemy of creativity”On Fountain Pens - “There’s something wonderfully technical about them”On writing retr...
2022-11-1742 minStationery FreaksHow to grow your career with the Trinity of Career DevelopmentIn this episode:We jump into the topic of career development with a three dimensional approach created by Rob, which consists of:DISCStrengthsHappinessRob explains why he prints out loads of selfies using his new Thermal Printer from VrettiHelen is obsessed with stickers from Spooky YetiIf you’re interested in the Trinity here are some recommended surveys (Stationery Freaks has no responsibility for your data from these sites - nor has an affiliation with them. But we use them often).It’s also worth doing an internet search for free versions of the strengths finder - we’ve never used a...
2022-11-0323 minStationery FreaksThe power of mind maps and how to create them using stationeryIn this episode:We explain what mind maps are, how they work and what we use them for.For more details on different mind maps we recommend this post.We also introduce our new newsletter!Helen introduces her new learning of choice - Arabic. And how she is using brush pens and a new notebook for it.Rob steals Helen stationery. Video of that here.Rob talks about his new Academic planner that makes him look all sophisticated.Helen talks about NaNoWriMo and how she’s only ever made it to day 3.Helen talks about fine linersRob buys so...
2022-10-2022 minStationery FreaksWhat's been keeping us busy - for 6 monthsIn this episode:We explain, with poorly formed excuses, why we've been absent for 6 monthsWe talk about consistency, notebooks, etsy and Helen's addiction to stickersWe talk about notebook usage, whiteboards for bi-annual planning, bulletjournaling and A5 mind mappingRob talks about his countryside productivity retreatHelen talks about colours, pens, moodHelen's cat makes an appearanceAnd Rob talks about the endless nature on digital todo lists like ToDoist (and how it's not always a good thing)We mention:Zen Art SuppliesMoleskineEtsyMark and FoldTodoist https://www.stationeryfreaks.com/episodes/whats-been-keeping-us-busy-for-6...
2022-07-0827 minStationery FreaksWhat happens when things go wrong with your plans - The Stationery Freaks (Advent calendar) - Day 12In today's episode we cover:* How to pre-empt failure* How Helen thinks through what could go wrong* Why Rob looks at everything as an experiment - and therefore failures are data for moving forward* Why resilience is essential* The old stoic approach of setting a target but not being wedded to the outcomeThe challenge -> Subscribe to the podcast as next year we have some cracking content coming your way
2021-12-2412 minStationery FreaksHow to get started with Habit Stacking - The Stationery Freaks (Advent calendar) - Day 11In today's episode we cover:* Habit stacking and what it is* Chaining habits together* Forcing your environment to support your habits* Picking one existing habit and building on it* Avoiding leaving gaps between habits* Doing just 15 minutes of habits* How Helen did a PHD is procrastination* Talking to your inner 8 year old* How Helen uses her Bullet Journal to track habitsThe challenge -> Choose a habit you wish to develop and decide when would be best to do that habit. Then find an existing habit in...
2021-12-2312 minStationery FreaksHow we track goal progress - The Stationery Freaks (Advent calendar) - Day 10In today's episode we cover:* How we track goals once they are in progress* Rob shares how he tracks his videos using a Mark and Fold notebook* Helen shares how she relies on the enthusiasm at the beginning of starting a goal to drive habits* Rob talks about his Fridge of Accountability* Helen shares how she uses her Bullet Journal for tracking goalsThe challenge -> We forgot to set one today!
2021-12-2212 minStationery FreaksThe dichotomy of minimalism and stationery buying - The Stationery Freaks (Advent calendar) - Day 9In today's episode we cover:* How we got interested in minimalism* Courtney Carver's project 333* The Minimalists - Joshua Fields Millburn & Ryan Nicodemus* Stationery Freak -> Someone who tells themselves they can walk past a stationery shop without going in, but they cannot* How lockdowns have stopped impulse buying from stationery stores* Helen's Etsy habit* Maria Kondo* Sort your life out with Stacey Solomon (and why visualising everything in a warehouse is so clever)* Why emptying a cupboard and throwing stuff away is so cathartic* Two recommendations...
2021-12-2110 minStationery FreaksTurning goals into action habits - The Stationery Freaks (Advent calendar) - Day 8In today's episode we cover:* How to turn goals into action* Triggers that trip your brain into breaking it's subconscious routines* Habits are awesome as you don't have to think about them* Can you replace a bad habit with a good one?* Can a certain place trigger habits?* Is the theory of 21 days habit building correct? * Traumatic moments help with building habits (anyone ever forget their gym kit at school?)The challenge -> Pick one goal and think about what routines and habits you'll need to develop to bring i...
2021-12-2010 minStationery FreaksBreaking Out Goals - The Stationery Freaks (Advent calendar) - Day 7In today's episode we cover:* How to break a goal out into smaller parts, such as milestones or mini sub-goals* Start small - what's the first step or next step* Copy and learn from someone else* Rob shares how he writes a book!* Is there a period of preparation before starting a goal?* And is this preparation a form of procrastination* Make the most of the initial enthusiasm to make progress - before it gets challengingThe challenge -> Pick one of your goals and break it down into...
2021-12-1910 minStationery FreaksSetting Learning Goals - The Stationery Freaks (Advent calendar) - Day 6In today's episode we cover:* Why Helen is learning how to make Japanese food - and how this is a personal learning goal* Why Rob did a two year HR learning goal for his career - and how painful this was* How Rob uses Meso-cycles of learning and implementing* The difference between Task Acquisition and Information Acquisition* How Rob uses Domestika for personal learning* The "Two Whys" of learning - career and personalThe challenge -> Identify a simple learning goal you could commit to in either your personal and...
2021-12-1811 minStationery FreaksReflecting through journaling - stationery freaks advent calendar day 5In 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
2021-12-1708 minStationery FreaksHow many goals makes sense? - stationery freaks advent calendar day 4In 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 go...
2021-12-1611 minStationery FreaksThe basics of goal setting - stationery freaks advent calendar day 3Welcome 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
2021-12-1508 min