Balancing Digital & Paper Planning with Carl Pullein

Apr 16, 2025

Carl Pullein, a time management expert and productivity coach, shares insights on blending digital tools with traditional paper planning. He recounts his journey from a time management enthusiast in school to creating the COD Task Management System. Carl highlights the importance of writing things down and reveals how returning to the Franklin Planner improved his focus and fulfillment. The conversation emphasizes the need for balance in planning methods, advocating for a hybrid approach that fosters mindfulness and intentionality in daily life.

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ANECDOTE

Carl's Time Management Journey

Carl Pullein's time management journey began in middle school scheduling revision with pen and paper.
After decades in digital tools, he returned to the Franklin Planner to reconnect with focused planning.

ADVICE

COD System Explained

Use the COD system: collect all incoming tasks, organize what and when to do them, then do the tasks.
Spend about 95% of your time doing tasks, and only 5% organizing, roughly 15-20 minutes daily.

INSIGHT

Handwriting Enhances Planning

Writing plans by hand activates more of the brain than typing, enhancing creativity.
Technology should assist productivity but not replace personal thoughtful planning.

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In this episode of the Franklin Planner Podcast, hosts John and George welcome time management expert and productivity coach Carl Pullein. Carl shares his journey from a middle school student fascinated with time management to becoming a globally recognized specialist in the field. He introduces his groundbreaking programs, including the the COD Task Management System, and discusses the benefits of integrating digital tools with traditional paper planning. Carl's experiment with returning to the Franklin Planner reveals significant improvements in focus, productivity, and fulfillment. The conversation delves into the principles of effective time management, the importance of slowing down, and how to balance digital and analog tools to lead a more intentional and productive life.

00:39 Meet Carl Pullein: Time Management Innovator

02:18 Carl's Journey into Time Management

05:12 The Digital Age and Rediscovering Franklin Planner

06:19 From Teaching to Time Management Coaching

11:36 Challenges in Modern Time Management

14:47 Introducing the COD Task Management System

28:29 The Importance of Writing Things Down

29:00 The Power of Pen and Paper

31:37 Balancing Digital and Paper Planning

32:23 The Focus and Fulfillment of Paper Planning

38:38 Combining Digital and Paper Systems

53:19 The Benefits of Slowing Down

Thank you for joining us on this Journey to create your best life and to lead your Life and Teams. Please share this show, and we look forward to the journey we will take together.

The Franklin Planner Team

Connect with Carl:

Official Website: Explore Carl's productivity insights, coaching programs, and resources at carlpullein.com.
YouTube Channel: Watch Carl's instructional videos on time management and productivity on his YouTube channel.
Podcast: Listen to "Your Time, Your Way," Carl's podcast offering strategies for effective time management, available on Podbean and other podcast platforms.Your Time, Your Way | Carl Pullein
Twitter: Follow Carl for updates and tips on productivity on Twitter.
Facebook: Connect with Carl's community and access productivity content on his Facebook page.Log in or sign up to view
LinkedIn: Network with Carl and explore his professional insights on LinkedIn.
Instagram: Follow Carl for visual content and productivity inspiration on Instagram.
Substack Newsletter: Subscribe to Carl's newsletter for regular articles and updates on productivity at carlpullein.substack.com.