“When you want to get something done, write it down.” How often have we heard this piece of advice, or something similar?
Recently, I’ve been getting more eyebrow raises and questioning looks from those who see me whip out my tiny notebook (in public) and start writing something down. I could be anywhere — a Cubs game; a bar; a bus stop; a five-star restaurant; a salsa club; a concert…it’s fair game for my notebook to appear wherever I go!
Mind you, I’ve been doing this for over a decade. At that time, a colleague that I admire, Gerald Haman of Solution People, told me that he captures every single creative idea by recording into a tiny tape recorder. I tried that technique for a while, but then realized those tiny tapes didn’t hold much info…not to mention, I needed to see it in writing. (Yup, I’m one of those ‘types’ that enjoys crossing something off a list).
My first hand experience tells me that writing ideas, goals, action steps, recommendations, etc. does the following:
-Gives some relief. Once I’ve written something down in a ‘safe’ place, I don’t have to stress out about forgetting it. All I have to do is be disciplined to go back through the notebook–which is actually pretty easy because commuting around this City can be arduous on our public transportation system. What better time to go through my notes?
-Motivates creative brainstorming. All the creative ideas that I toss into the notepad are wonderful to noodle on. For example, If I am waiting on someone, I can just get out my notebook, recall my creative thoughts, and build upon them. And, those thoughts are often great food for discussion with others.
-Helps prioritize and focus. I can peruse the notes and figure out which ideas, goals, or action items are most pressing.
-Encourages self-accountability. If I don’t deliver on a written action item that I’ve deemed a priority, then I simply wouldn’t feel right to cross it off or tear it out. Therefore, it eventually gets done.
-Provides documentation on my achievements/progress. It’s sort of fun to look back at an older notebook (or a very full one) to see what’s become of all those ideas, goals, action items, etc…that may have otherwise vanished from my memory.
I do recommend that you select a notepad that you enjoy using. {If you are a tactile person and get a kick out of the “feel” of things, then the shape, size, color, and texture might even make you smile!} I have experimented with lots of different notebooks. Moleskines pocket pads, especially the graph paper, are my favorite.
Sometimes I get very organized, and my notepad might actually be divided (by me) into sections: consulting work; Columbia College teaching; play/friends; brilliant ideas; etc. I might also divvy it up according to short versus long term, or according to ‘action items’ versus ‘ideas to ponder’.
But even during times when I am not so ‘notebook-organized’ (that would be right now, incidentally), I am still able to sift through the potpourri of ideas; to-dos; big goals; recommendations; insights; musings.
One last thing: If you get good at using your notebook, you may want to put your name/number with a ‘if found, please return’ request in the front. Once you get in the habit, I think you’ll be pleasantly surprised at how much value this simple tool will add to your life.
