Inspiration strikes at any time – it does not wait for us to be in front of a computer. In this post, I show you a convenient way I use to record notes. In part 2 we’ll talk about a simple system for databasing them.
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53 minutes 26 seconds? An episode of Burn Notice doesn’t count as a note.
Ever get a profound idea, only to forget it later?
If you’re like me, this is a terrible experience.
– You get a life-altering business idea, but forget the key points.
– A flash of insight that can improve your relationships – if you take action. Trouble is, you’re in your car. By the time you’re at home, it’s gone.
– There’s a great movie you want to see, but you forget it by your next visit to Netflix.
If this happens over and over, it’s a tragedy. Why get good insights if you can’t find and use them later?
One strategy is to keep a pen and paper with you. That’s a great system, if you ALWAYS have both a pen and paper.
Two things to remember = two things to misplace.
SURVIVOR’S NOTE: One day, you WILL leave a pen in your pants. One laundry trip later, your wardrobe is ruined. I’ve done this three times in less than six months, even while reminding myself not to every day. If you have an unlimited budget and want an excuse for a new wardrobe, here it is. For everyone else…
There’s also a computer or tablet device. This is great as well, as long as you have it with you. However, sometimes you have to drive, or walk, or be someplace where you don’t want to take expensive electronics with you. What then?
Here is what I use to record notes:
An audio recorder.
Specifically, I use an Olympus DP 201 Digital Recorder.
The pluses:
– It’s intuitive. You can learn to use this in 10 minutes – no instruction.
– Batteries are included, and recorder mode lasts 80 hours
– I keep it in my car or at my desk at home, so I always know where it is.
– Larger than a pen, but smaller than a notebook. So you know it’s there, and it’s easier to carry.
The cons:
– It’s 35$, but compared to the wardrobe malfunction above, that’s a bargain
– If you lose it, the cost to replace is higher than a pen and paper.
– You can’t move the audio files to your computer. There’s not even a USB port. If that’s important to you, use something else.
Is it the best system? No. But I record notes at the same speed as talking. That alone makes a huge difference.
So, what do you record? For inspiration, here are some things I record:
– Screenplay/book ideas
– business ideas
– action steps for major goals
– great quotes or things to meditate on
– jokes or stories for later use in public speaking or networking
– great questions to ask myself later
– new lessons I learned throughout the day
There’s no affiliate link for that recorder. I’m just telling you what I use. It is low-tech, but sometimes the fastest and easiest way is low-tech.
SURVIVAL TIP: If you’re listening to a talk, and there are other audience members, stick to using a pen and paper or a tablet device. Audio recording your notes is an easy way to create a circle of shame around you. You’re at the center, and everyone else is five feet or more away from you.
In part two, I’ll give you a simple way database your notes. You can then find any idea you want – within minutes of when you need it.
What system do you use for recording your ideas?
This makes so much sense. Why didn’t I think of it. I can’t even remember how many ideas I’ve fogotten. And I’m always reading articles about how important it is to keep a pen and paper handy, but it’s not possible since you could be walking or driving, just like you said. I’ll use my phone though. Much less expensive.
I considered using my phone but found it hard to navigate between files. I didn’t want to -while driving- unlock my phone, go to the app, hit record, find the stop button, switch to another menu for playback, etc. The large buttons on my recorder are tactile, so I don’t even have to look at it.
But that was for the iPhone 3. If you have a better system, go with it!
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