- Did you have a really great idea earlier today? Do you remember what it was?
- Did someone at a holiday party tell you about a fabulous new book they just read? What was the title?
- Have you recently had a great thought about how to improve a process at work? Have you done anything with that idea?
I don’t know about you, but I often have a great idea, or hear about a new book, or see a great quote, or think of the next best idea, and then it is gone. Fleeing my consciousness in nearly the same moment it arrives.
One of the practices I have developed over the last year is to carry a small leather bound book in my purse at all times to jot down those thoughts. It could be a simply spiral notebook, or perhaps a pad of paper in your car, or a notepad next to your bed. Provide yourself the opportunity to write it down.
At some point, you may have a collection of really good ideas that can make a difference to the people you lead.
Or, perhaps just the right quote for that “in appreciation” card. Perhaps you’ll simply find the time to read that great book suggestion; knowing the title will certainly help! You may even see a trend in your notes that will help you identify an opportunity for self development.
My daughter keeps a post-it pad next to her bed. She once said that she would often wake up in the middle of the night with a great idea for one of her customers. Writing it down at that moment prevents her from worrying about whether she’ll remember it in the morning. Kevin Eikenberry wrote about how invaluable his learning journal is. He uses it as a form of reflection on his activities and thoughts. Henrik Edberg wrote about how writing things down can help bring focus and clarity to your day.
How do you keep track of all the good ideas you come across? What tips can you offer to help us organize all those thoughts that come and go?
Read and use most of David Allen’s “Getting Things Done” and then visit Merlin’s website: http://www.43folders.com/ and then look into using OmniFocus software [http://www.omnigroup.com/]
I have carried a small notepad for over 30 years, since they issued me one in the police academy. After 24 years of public service, and then the last five in business – well, nothing beats writing stuff down, the brillant, mundane and in-between.
Do you want to have an impact in the world, change the course of your life, and accomplish meaningful and challenging tasks within a matter of moments?
‘write it down.’
Do you know anyone that wants to accomplish something in their life and they can’t get traction with their goals?
‘write it down’
Are you trying to achieve something in your life with limited resources?
‘write it down’
Are you confused about what direction to take in your life?
‘write it down’
The incredible power of writing goals onto paper or capturing them in a journal or post it note has untold and infinite power that reaches into the cosmos! This is not an exaggeration and Deepok is more illustrative than I on this point.
The seeds of potential and the spark of infinite imagination become manifest in this world when you write down your goals.
Do you have written goals?
Do you carry them with you?
Do you review them on a regular basis against the activity of your day and thus life?
You know Tom is right with his comments on writing down goals. Or do you?
Why would you allow your dreams, talents, and gifts to never materialize in this world?
Do you not care? Are you not important enough and do you not value what it is you understand and can create in this life?
Your Dreams can be Achieved.
Write it down, make it happen … One of my sons who is now an ALL – American collegiate polevaulter started in the 8th grade writing his goals and marks down that he wanted to reach and credits his major accomplishments to this practice that he started after we read together the little book ” Write it Down, Make it Happen ” I am a copious notetaker and depending how how you “learn” this is a practice that is easier for some than others.
Greg, Raymond, Tim and Nancy – thank you all for visiting L2L and commenting on my post! Isn’t it interesting that in this technology driven day and age, so many wonderful comments were received about writing things down! Write on – El