I absolutely love sitting down with a pen and pad - no computer. Just my thoughts, a nice gel-tipped pen and a ‘Black n’ Red’ notebook.
When I’m brainstorming with pen and paper, it’s easy to get distracted when I remember things I need to do. So I’ve figured out a handy way to deal with that: I just stick a little chunk of sticky notes inside the front cover. Whenever I remember I’ve got to do something, I write it down on the sticky note and get right back to brainstorming. Bam!
Then I detatch the note and put it somewhere where I’ll see it later. Distraction averted.
Matt Carey
July 25th, 2007 at 8:58 am
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Good tip. I take time to sit and jot down with pen and paper every day and it does focus the mind. I’m a moleskine fan though. :)
Michael T. Halligan
July 25th, 2007 at 9:11 am
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Ryan, check out http://www.levenger.com/ .. We affectionately call it Office Porn. Their 60-lb paper stock is divine.
Stefson
July 25th, 2007 at 9:46 pm
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I have a similar notebook I carry around with me all the time to take notes in.
Ryan Carson
July 25th, 2007 at 10:12 pm
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@Michael - great site - thanks
Andrew
July 26th, 2007 at 1:24 pm
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@Michael/Ryan - I came across Levenger and their Pocket Briefcase a couple of weeks ago, but I couldn’t find a supplier in the UK. They look great.
If you have any luck finding somewhere that stocks them in the UK, could you post a link here?
MTIA.
Khoa Bui
July 29th, 2007 at 3:05 pm
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Great Tip! Nothing beats a Sunday morning after a good exercise workout and chilling out at a cafe by the river with a pad, pen and letting your mind run wild with ideas. I’ve created a FREE GTD tool called Destiny Goals that helps people achieve their goals. Check it out at http://www.destinygoals.com.
Keir
August 2nd, 2007 at 10:34 am
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That’s a really nice insight, thanks. I agree with getting away from the computer and reverting to pen and paper - the lack of electrical interference clears the mind!
See you at the FOWA Roadtrip in Bristol :)
Brainylisa
August 3rd, 2007 at 5:02 am
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Really liked your tip of staying focused..will try it next time…!
Michael T. Halligan
August 5th, 2007 at 1:24 am
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Andrew, as far as I know, Levenger only sells direct through their website and catalog.