If you think doctors have bad handwriting, you have not seen mine. Half the time, I cannot decipher my own words.

Sometimes I look at a note and think: “What did that say? Was the appointment at ten or at four?” My handwriting turns every message into a small mystery.

Fortunately, this has become less of a problem in daily life. Thanks to my phone, laptop and iPad, I rarely need pen and paper. Typing works well, so I keep lists and notes digitally.

That changed when I began training as a lifestyle and vitality coach at the Mark Academy. The practical course involved many exercises, assignments and handwritten notes.

Using an iPad or laptop was not really encouraged. My “artistic” handwriting therefore had to return to full-time duty. The result was far from elegant.

I regularly looked at my notes and wondered what on earth I had written. Sometimes it resembled a secret code to which even I had no access. Rewriting did not help; it usually made things even less legible.

As so often, I eventually found another way. If it cannot be done the usual way, it can be done in the way that works.

My phone provided the answer. Instead of struggling with illegible notes, I photographed everything on the flipcharts. The images were clear, organised and, most importantly, readable.

While others used notebooks, I stood ready with my phone. It may have been less traditional, but it worked for me.

During the course, I learned again that there is often a way to work with a limitation. It does not need to look exactly like someone else’s approach. What matters is remaining creative and flexible.

Using a tool does not mean you have failed. It can help you continue participating and spend your energy on what truly matters.

Nowadays, I type or make a digital note whenever possible. That saves me a great deal of confusion afterwards.

If I do need to write by hand, I take my time or accept that it will not look beautiful. Ultimately, it is not about neatness but about finding a solution.