Your Notebook

Many years ago your authors developed the habit of carrying a personal notebook and using it to record observations, ideas, meeting notes, plansanything we feel like writing about or drawing a picture of. We use our notebooks for both personal and work-related subjects arranged in sequential order of writing. We have found that the habitual use of a personal notebook has some interesting effects.

In particular, we tend to write things down more often. The notebook is intended purely for our own use, so we are not inhibited by thinking, "I haven't got time to write this really well." As long as we can read it, that is all that matters.

We are not alone in using notebooks in this way. Richard Branson, the millionaire chairman of the Virgin Group, always carries a notebook. He produces it whenever he talks with employees or customers, and uses it to make notes on the conversations. The result is always a list of things to be done, improvements to be made, and problems to be fixed. Most chief executives talk to employees and customers, but the next day have largely forgotten what was said.

The benefit you will realize from using a notebook in a similar way is the amazing number of good ideas that you will come across when you review your notebookideas that you do not remember having are there for you to use. Your notebook becomes a tool for helping you learn and become more observant about the world. In short, it becomes your own personal retrospective report.