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.

###########
Julie Jordan Scott is a Certified Life Purpose Coach. Visit http://www.5passions.com for free passion resources. Be sure to subscribe to her daily ezine, Discovering Your Passion simply by sending an email to DiscoverYourPassion-subscribe@egroups.com or via her website at http://www.5passions.com/subpage.html

Sponsored by:

How to Break Into the Freelance Writing Business  This book paints a realistic picture of what you can expect, shares the experiences of currently successful freelancers, tells you what you need to know, offers tips on how to be successful, and provides a step-by-step plan to get you started TODAY! How to Get Started Earning Money as a Poet This book will encourage you toward the level of professionalism you need to write, market, and publish your poems.  It also includes ideas for earning income directly by poetry writing and indirectly by being a poet with all sorts of income possibilities related to your poetry.  American Consumer Opinion Get Paid to Answer Online Surveys! Free Membership! Welcome to the place where you can finally get to work on your dream! HowMuchJoy.com

Related Items:

see all items...

Making and Keeping Creative Journals

Beautiful and exciting hardcover book to help you make and personalize your journals. It's a book you must have!!!

A Walk Between Heaven and Earth

A definite favorite among journal keepers this book is a journal about the creative process. It's one you'll definitely want on your bookshelf.

The Creative Journal

This book will help journal writers discover their inner potential. Drawing, letters, and poetry are just a few of the fifty simple exercises contained within.

Journal To The Self

Kathleen Adams' book shows readers how to use a journal for personal growth.

Keeping A Nature Journal

Spring is here! Why not take note of it with a nature journal? Beautiful and informative book.