I write a lot – in meetings, and otherwise. Although I used to make notes even when I was younger, I took it to an extreme after I read David Allen’s “Getting Things Done” many years ago. One of the points made in the book is to write down things so that the mind is free. It is as simple as that. Most of the time we are always bothered about our next actions. We have to remember to do this, do that, tell someone something, and so on. My approach is to get it out of the mind and onto a paper. (For some, it could be into an app – whatever works best.)
In meetings, I make copious notes. While I have tried digital tools (the best one I came across thanks to a recommendation from a friend was reMarkable), I still find the combination of paper and pen works best. I write a lot and write fast. It keeps me completely focused during the meeting. And as I get ideas, I note them down prefixing them with my initials or a lightbulb, thus enabling me to reference them easily later.
If one doesn’t make notes in a meeting, one will remember the big ideas clearly. But I have realised that it is also the seemingly small ideas that matter. A phrase one hears, a memory that comes by, a trigger from the gut – these are hard to remember after the meeting. Especially, if one is in a series of back-to-back meetings. The best way then is to capture the moment by writing it down to come back to it later.
I always carry a 300-page spiral notebook – I have bought dozens of these, so I do not have to worry about finishing one and then having to go buy another. It is 20 cm x 27 cm. The spiral binding makes it easy to fold and write comfortably on both sides. I typically complete one notebook in about 2 weeks. I reserve the first page as a daily index for future reference. Once done, I put a sticker on the front with the start and end date.
I always have 2 pens with me – standard issue Bic “Round Stic” fine or medium, in blue and black. I like Blue Fine and Black Medium. I haven’t found them in India yet, so I buy them in bulk on my US visits. Each pen costs under Rs 10, so there is no regret even if I lose one. I keep two pens with me just in case the ink runs out on the pen I am using – this way I do not have to scramble around for another pen. Of late, learning from a colleague, I have added a red pen so I can highlight key points after a meeting.
I also carry with me a folded sheet in my pocket for times when it is unwieldy or unwise to carry a notebook – walks, weddings, movie theatres, social gatherings. I then rewrite these points into my notebook so everything is in a single place and I don’t have to deal with scraps of paper.
When travelling, I have a small bag (my son named it “BB” – Bangkok Bag, after the place we bought it). I can fit my iPad and the spiral book in it which helps when travelling.
Much of what I have said can be accomplished via an iPad and some note-taking app. But I like the certainty of paper and pen (no battery issues!). Also, the ability to quickly flip pages to refer to some past writings is easier. Just like we have spatial memory when reading physical books, I can generally tell where I wrote something so it is much easier to reference.
