Anyone who has a notebook can tell you what a brilliant idea it was to invent it. Even those who own a laptop or PDA can still appreciate the benefits of having one. Albert Einstein, Ronald Reagan, Leonardo da Vinci and many other famous personalities have had one. And you might have one too!
Steps
Step 1. Determine the purpose of your notebook
Will you write down your inventions? Or rather your ideas for a screenplay, novel or poem that you will one day write? Will you write down your thoughts and ideas about a special project? Or do you just want to have a place to jot down your to-dos or grocery list? Some people do not write their thoughts or personal information on it, but only notes from work or meetings they have attended. Others, on the other hand, use the notebook as a diary in which to write down all the ideas that go through their heads.
Step 2. Choose the notebook that best meets your needs
There is a wide variety of notebooks available, so take some time to research the right one and don't worry about spending anything more than you expect. After all, you might need it to produce your best work! Here are some tips to take into consideration:
- Transportability and dimensions. The most important feature of a notebook is that you need to have it handy when you need it. Pick one that's big enough to hold all your writing and sketches, and small enough to carry anywhere. Do you want your notebook to fit in a handbag, briefcase, pocket or, rather, in a folder or backpack?
- Context in which you will write. Will you have to write while standing or walking? Then it will be better to choose a notebook with a hard cover, which you will be able to hold in one hand, while with the other you will write down the information. Will you have to use it in a particular context, such as in a laboratory, in a clean room, in the kitchen, in a factory or on a boat?
- Scope. A notebook with blank pages and a colorful flower cover might inspire you to write a journal in it, but it won't be ideal for a business meeting. A spiral notebook will allow you to open it fully and fold it back on itself, so it won't close as you try to write on it. Do you need a notebook with lines to help you in your writing or do you prefer it with blank pages, perhaps squared to help you sketch? Some even have a pre-printed staff.
- Sections and bookmarks. Do you want it to be already divided into various sections, such as Tasks, Ideas, Reflections, Things to do or to be presented in a more free and customizable form, as in the case of a diary? You can buy a notebook already divided into sections, or arrange them yourself with stickers, dividers, ribbons or bookmarks.
- Content. If you write information in your notebook that you will one day want to patent, look for one bound and with the pages already numbered. Pay attention to the rules to follow in case you keep a notebook for this purpose.
Step 3. Write
Find your personal style to make the most of your notebook. Use it in the way that best suits your needs. There are many occasions when it is useful to write something in the notebook:
- When you have a to-do list;
- When you think about a new invention or idea;
- When you receive compliments, recommendations, advice;
- When you hear something funny or extraordinary;
- When you want to remember something.
Step 4. Organize your notes, at least partially
Even if you don't think it's important, wasting time now organizing your notes from the start will save you a lot of time later when you need information written down, or otherwise useful in the future.
- Write the date of each note.
- Number the pages.
- If possible, write a title for each note.
- Write background information, such as who attended a meeting.
Step 5. Write legibly
Or, at least, to be able to reread your notes. You will obviously want to be able to reread your writings! If you use your notebook to write official notes, make sure they are written legibly enough for others to read as well.
Step 6. Write often
- Write on a regular basis. If possible, write at the same time every day. If you have the "lark" nature, which Shakespeare called "the messenger of the morning," the early hours of the day can be an important productive time to write, as your brain is fresh from awakening and more flexible. This activity can also help you set up the whole day ahead. If, on the other hand, you have the nature of the "owl", then the evening will be the best time to update your notes; it may be helpful to take a few minutes before returning home from work or school to write down the most important information of the day and plan the next day's activities. Plus, writing at the same time every day can turn this activity into a habit. The result will be that you will write often.
- Write in the free moments between activities, such as while waiting in line or waiting for something new to happen.
- Write whenever you feel the desire. Ideas come and go, and if you don't write them down you may forget them. Keep in mind the attitude of historians: "If it's not written, it didn't happen."
- You may also find it helpful to scribble, write down whatever comes into your head until you find the "right" thing to write down. And this "scribbling" of yours could turn into something important!
Advice
- Keep a different notebook for each purpose. Note pads are inexpensive, so it's easy to keep one in a school clipboard and one in your pocket for personal thoughts, project-specific notes, or just to collect your own ideas.
- If possible, take your notebook with you at all times so that you can write or sketch anything whenever you feel inspired. Write whenever you feel like it, because often a passing thought comes at the perfect time to write it.
- Make it easy to find the mark with a ribbon, bookmark, paper clip. For sections like the calendar or organization chart, you could just tear off the top corner of each page you've already used.
- Always write the date of a new note and, if the inside of the cover is blank, write down your phone number and other emergency contacts, so if someone finds your notebook, they can find a way to return it to you. Also remember not to write down too much personal information because someone might find your notebook and, out of curiosity, might take a look inside. Keep your notebook always with you so, whenever you see or hear something, or feel inspired, you can write it down or sketch it. And it might also be interesting that the notebook has a white cover, so you can decorate it however you like.
- Write your name and phone number inside: they will be useful in case of loss. Do not write your address instead, as the notebook may be near your house keys.
- If you don't have the notebook handy when you have inspiration, you can always write on a plain piece of paper and pin it somewhere so you will insert or copy it to the notebook later. However, if this happens very often, look for an alternative solution that allows you to always have your notebook with you.
- Remember: the notebook can hold many great ideas.
- If you don't know what to write to us, ask someone who already has one for advice.
Warnings
- Be careful who sees the contents of your notebook. If it's private, keep it safe under lock and key.
- Be careful not to lose it.
