Friday, May 31, 1996

Write it down

I had an epiphany this morning in the shower. A great idea for a Daily Motivator column. Later, in my office, I thought maybe I should write it down. But it was such a great concept, that I knew I would remember it when it came time to write the column.

Then things started happening. The phone started ringing. Problems came up and had to be dealt with. I still kept thinking about my idea, and knew it would make a great column. Then, somewhere along the way, I lost it. Perhaps it will come back to me, but I’ve tried for some time now, re-tracing my steps and thoughts, and I can’t seem to bring it back.

I should have written it down. I know better, because that’s what I usually do. It’s just that this idea was so compelling I thought I’d never lose it. And it made me wonder. How many other things get lost?

It is vitally important to keep a written record of important thoughts and ideas. In today’s complex world, with information coming at you all day long, it’s just not humanly possible to keep it all in your head. If it’s important, write it down!

There’s something I notice every time I go back and read material that I wrote years ago. I realize how much I’ve forgotten, and am thankful I had the foresight to put my ideas in writing.

Make a habit of putting your thoughts in writing. And make a habit of reviewing them on a regular basis. Your mind can only hold so much at once, and it might very well be that the answer you need today is something you thought of months ago. Keeping a written record of your important thoughts and ideas will give you a powerful, effective resource for a life of success.

— Ralph Marston

Leadership Take off the training wheels next

Copyright ©1996 Ralph S. Marston, Jr. All Rights Reserved. The Daily Motivator is provided for your personal, non-commercial use only. Other than personal sharing, please do not re-distribute without permission.