Posted on January 18th, 2008 by Leisa
Filed under: Be Book Wise, Business Tips, Reading Tips
“A library, to modify the famous metaphor of Socrates, should be the delivery room for the birth of ideas—a place where history comes to life.”
~ Norman Cousin
Isn’t that the beauty of books? The ability to not only deliver us to different cultures, different places, and different times, but also the ability to give birth to new ideas. How often have you read a book and thought of something you could implement in your home, relationships or business? Perhaps, if you are like me, the idea is gone as quickly as it came. Perhaps in the instance they new idea popped into your head.
I found something that helped me solve the problem. Perhaps it will help you as well.
I read with a stack of 3 x 5 cards and a pen. When I read something that I want to put to use, or something that may later spur an idea worth developing, I jot it down on the card.
It may be something that can be used in a brainstorming session later. But a stack of cards with notes on various subjects doesn’t allow one to easily put the idea to use. You’ll need to be able to find the idea when you need it. So put the general subject in the upper right hand corner of the card, and the more specific subject on the left hand corner. List any addtional things that you’ll need on the card as well.
I may be reading a parenting book and come to a solution that I could use with my kids. Perhaps it is something to help with sibling rivalry (I can always use plenty of tips on that). I would write “parenting” in the right hand corner, and the topic: “breaking habits” in the upper left hand corner, and file it in the parenting box, under the sibling rivalry category.
My business box has categories like advertising ideas, training, networking resources and more. My training topics will be broken down into very specific categories; things like marketing, advertising, moral.
I’ll often write down very specific quotes. In that case I’ll write down the authors name, the name of the book, and the page number and other things I’ll need to reference later when I use them.
It comes in handy with magazines as well. If I’m reading and come upon a fun craft project my girls would enjoy I write it down on the 3 x 5 card and file it appropriately. If it is a Christmas craft I file under Christmas, and then crafts. If it is a general craft it just goes under crafts. I also keep notes such as appropriate ages, special supplies that are needed etc.
I keep a file box on separate subjects. One for business, one for parenting, etc. Organize the cards in a way that makes the best sense to you. That way you are more likely to find the topic when you need it.
I find that the old fashioned paper and pencil method works best for me because it can take it with me anywhere I am. If I am the mountains, in a restaurant, or reading in bed it works.
Feel free to share methods that you use to track your ideas.
Additional resources to learn about Norman Cousins.
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I usually just make a note of it in my mind. But thats not really working out.. have to try this!
Chica,
I know what you mean. I tried relying on memory and ended up losing many good ideas.
If I’m reading without a stack of 3 x 5 cards I always regret it because I ended up thinking of something I want to remember.
I even end up wanting some when I am reading novels. I’ll read a passage that I think is particularly well done and want to use it as an example for my children. (I homeschool). I’ll write down the page number, the paragraph, and something about “wonderful example of well done dialog” or perhaps “great details.”
Leisa
What a cool idea! Much more practical than notebooks, as they can be sorted. Humph–wish I’d thought of it first.
Makes me want to ride out and get a stack of cards now. Mind you, it’s raining.
Thanks for stopping by my blog.
Thanks Linda. I used to use notebooks myself, but also couldn’t find the info I as looking for. This works wonderfully, as long as I get the cards filed anyway.
Leisa
Oprah must have stock in 3M’s company for how much she’s pushing the highlighter and post it note all in one marker. Funny though, is that I do have one, but got it before Oprah spotlighted it. Perfect for highlighting and marking pages in books.