Your Idea Journal
(c) 2000 Julie Jordan Scott


My friend introduced me to a simple concept that has had a very
powerful effect on my nearly every aspect of my life.

Everywhere I go I carry my idea journal with me. It is small, so
it can be tucked into my purse or carried inconspicuously in my
hand. I am now on my third idea journal of the year, so they
are used up quickly and effortlessly.

What is an idea journal?

It is a place to jot any free flowing thoughts or ideas that pass
through my brain as I experience life. I write notes while I read
the paper. I take note of syncronicities. If my intuition speaks
to me, I write it down. Later in the day at my desk, I review what
I have written. If I have projects currently brewing in a particular
area, I tear out the page, and file it appropriately. If it is
an area that needs research, I will create a new folder.

When time allows, I will take 15 minutes and do a websearch on
one of the areas of interest, seeing what takes root further.

The most important part of my Idea Journal is I have an easily
accessible depository for ideas, theories, random thoughts that
flow through my brain. As I make associations, I write them down.
It has relieved much of my brain clutter, clearing of cobwebs of
my thought processes on a regular basis.

Collecting random thoughts, beginnings of embryonic articles,
noting basic observations of life. Vignettes. An occasional stanza
of poetry. The Idea Journal is a launching pad of creativity.

Something we all need.

In reading "How to Think Like Leonardo da Vinci" by Michael Gelb,
I discovered yesterday that HE had a fifteenth century version of
an idea journal as well. This, I would think, is inspiration enough
to begin carrying an idea journal. Simply to see if you, too, can
gain insights and knowledge in unexpected places.

The Idea Journal is like a continual brainstorm. It is a place
where you can rain thoughts and ideas from the ridiculous to
the sublime. You do not have to worry if your thoughts make
any sense at all, like in brainstorming, you are simply seeing
where your thoughts take you without attachment to each
thoughts particularly "brilliant" quality. Simply thinking it,
writing it down, and observing where it takes you is dazzling
enough.

Your task for today? Purchase a notebook that can fit in your
Planner, Backpack, purse, or among the other books you carry with you
Throughout the day. Then start using it. My current idea books first
page says "William Blake". That's it! I have yet to expound on my
ancestor's page. (Yes, he is on my family tree) but I did read of
him multiple times in unlikely places over a several day period.
After the blank Bill Blake page, articles have been birthed, questions
have been asked, resources found and relationships built.

The lesson? Simply start.

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