In an era dominated by AI drafting tools and digital efficiency, I was struck by a powerful example of intentional analog work that deserves our attention.
Chhattisgarh’s Finance Minister, OP Choudhary, recently presented his state’s budget in a way that seems almost revolutionary today—he handwrote all 100 pages of it.
Why This Matters
As someone who has watched our workplaces become increasingly digital, I find this act both refreshing and thought-provoking. Choudhary, a former IAS officer who transitioned to politics to create broader impact, spent four sleepless nights completing this monumental task.
But this wasn’t just a publicity stunt. Research consistently shows that handwriting offers cognitive benefits that typing simply cannot replicate:
- Deeper neural connections form when we write by hand
- Information retention improves significantly
- Critical thinking and problem-solving abilities are enhanced
- Creative connections emerge more readily
For a finance minister handling complex economic planning for an entire state, these benefits translate to more thoughtful policy decisions and a more intimate understanding of fiscal implications.
The Value of Deliberate Difficulty
In our pursuit of efficiency, we often overlook the benefits of choosing the more demanding path. Choudhary’s handwritten budget represents a level of personal accountability rarely seen in governance. Every number, every allocation, every policy direction passed through his hand—creating an unparalleled level of ownership.
This approach reminds me of something we often forget in professional settings: sometimes, the most valuable understanding comes through processes that demand more from us, not less.
A Challenge for Modern Professionals
While I’m not suggesting we all handwrite our quarterly reports, I wonder what we might gain by selectively returning to more analog methods for our most important work.
What if you drafted your next big presentation by hand before creating slides? What if your team spent a session mapping out strategy with markers and paper instead of digital tools? What if your most significant professional commitments were written out rather than typed?
I’d love to hear your thoughts. Have you experienced benefits from handwriting in your professional life?
#leadershiplessons #productivityhabits #deepwork #criticalthinking #handwriting #professionaleffectiveness #cognitivescience #thoughtleadership #faridahbharmal #meerakiisoultalk
