How to Keep a Notebook

Decide on the purpose for your notebook. Will you write down your inventions? Will you write ideas for a screenplay, or novel, or poem you will someday write? Will you write down thoughts and ideas related to a particular project? Or do you simply want to have a place to jot your to-do list or shopping list? Some people don't write any thoughts or family information in it, just things from their job or meetings they have attended. Others use their notebooks as a catch-all for the many ideas popping through their heads.

Choose a notebook that is right for you. There is a wide variety of notebooks available, so take the time to look for a good one and don't be afraid to spend a little extra money. After all, your greatest work may be produced in this book! Here are some things to consider:^[1]

• Portability and size. Notebooks work best when they are at hand when you need them. Choose something large enough to contain your writing and sketches and small enough to stow away. Would you like this notebook go in a purse or briefcase, in a pocket, in a binder or backpack?
• The writing environment. Do you need to write standing up, or on the go? Then you should choose something stiff-backed that you can hold with one hand while you write with the other. Does this notebook need to function in a special environment, such as a laboratory, a cleanroom, a kitchen, a factory, or a boat?
• Purpose. A blank book with a colorful, flowery cover may inspire you to write a journal, but it won't fit at a business meeting. A spiral notebook can open fully and fold back and it won't push itself closed while you try to write. Do you need ruled lines for writing or would you prefer blank pages or a grid to aid in sketching? Some notebooks even come printed with a musical staff.
• Divisions and markers. Do you want it to be divided into different categories, say, Homework, Ideas, Reflections, and To-Do Lists, or be more random or free-form, like a journal? You can buy pre-divided notebooks, or divide them yourself with stick-on dividers, flags, ribbons, or bookmarks.
• Legality. If this notebook will contain information that you may someday wish to get a patent, look for a bound book with pre-numbered pages. Understand the rules about keeping a notebook for such purposes.^[2]

Write in it. Find your own style to make the most of your notebook. Use it the way that works best for you. There are many scenarios when it is a good idea to write something down in your notebook:

• When you are given a task.
• When you think of a new invention or idea.
• When you are given a compliment, recommendation, or piece of good advice.
• When you hear something funny or out of the ordinary
• When you want to remember something.

Organize your notes, at least a little bit. Even if you don't think it matters, spending a little time now to organize your notes now can save you a lot of time later, when you're trying to find a piece of information, or can provide valuable later.

• Date each entry.
• Number the pages.
• Possibly title your entries.
• Write down background information, e.g. who attended a meeting.

Keep it legible. Write at least well enough that you can read your notes. You want to be able to read your own handwriting. If you're keeping a notebook for official purposes, then make sure your handwriting is legible enough for others to read as well.