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Article 9

Tip: Staying focused

By

25 July 2007 | Category: Uncategorized

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.

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!

Black 'n Red notebook with sticky pad inside front cover

Then I detatch the note and put it somewhere where I’ll see it later. Distraction averted.

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Comments

  • http://www.studiolift.com Matt Carey

    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. :)

  • http://blog.bitpusher.com/ Michael T. Halligan

    Ryan, check out http://www.levenger.com/ .. We affectionately call it Office Porn. Their 60-lb paper stock is divine.

  • http://www.stefson.com Stefson

    I have a similar notebook I carry around with me all the time to take notes in.

  • http://carsonified.com Ryan Carson

    @Michael – great site – thanks

  • Andrew

    @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.

  • http://www.destinygoals.com Khoa Bui

    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.

  • http://www.iamkeir.com Keir

    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

    Really liked your tip of staying focused..will try it next time…!

  • http://blog.bitpusher.com/ Michael T. Halligan

    Andrew, as far as I know, Levenger only sells direct through their website and catalog.

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