Today we default to texting something into our smartphone or whipping out the laptop, but we often forget the power of handwriting. Here is why you should consider writing your next thoughts down instead of typing them out.

• Filter your thoughts: We go through a filtering process when we write things down. If you’re like me, you can type much faster than you can write–and the additional time and energy required to move your pen means you are more thoughtful in what you capture on the page. It’s not limited to words, either: Doing a quick sketch or diagram can sometimes be the key to focusing your thoughts and expressing hard-to-articulate ideas.

• Remember what you were thinking: I write most things down inside my journal and date it when I have a big idea or need to work something out. Some of my ideas are rubbish, but the ones that are the most valuable eventually get put into my apple notes program. Now I can access brainstorms or thoughts I had months, even years ago–and they are often strong ideas I would have long forgotten. It’s like having a Google for my brain.

• Articulate the abstract: Consider it an elevator pitch to yourself. While ideas are broad and encompassing, words are limiting and linear. Use this to your advantage: Find the right language to express your next product or venture. Writing out your thoughts takes them out of your head and forces you to capture them in a cohesive manner without potential distractions or aids like PowerPoint, spellcheck or the internet. Your scribbles can be both raw in concept and structured in words–a powerful combination.

When is the last time you tried writing down your thoughts, rather than typing things out, to get through an impasse or to work out a strategy?