Make a Start by Writing it Down
I mentioned in the launch post for the ‘start’ series that I’d include something on:
How writing things down (in a journal, a doodle, a line of a poem, in one word or three words or a series of posts) can help us to get started with new projects, dreams and ambitions
Although we have touched on the idea of a word that will last for the year, I haven’t yet written the post I wanted to on the idea of writing it down to make it happen. And sadly I don’t have enough time to do the reading & write it up properly for you. Maybe a suitable moment will come at another point in the year. So for now just a couple of quotes from two books I’d recommend if you’re interested in this idea:
Writing down your dreams and aspirations is like hanging up a sign that says ‘open for business’. Or as my friend Elaine puts it, by writing it down, you declare yourself in the game. Putting it on paper alerts the part of your brain known as the reticular activating system to join you in the play.
Write It Down, Make It Happen: Henriette Anne Klauser
Perspectives is a journal technique that allows you to explore the possibilities of the roads not taken… to step into the future or the past. It is a process of altering your personal reality, your world view, to try on another perspective. Perspectives can be a valuable tool in the decision making process. When you find yourself up against a life choice… you can gain valuable insight by using Perspectives to fast-forward yourself in time and space and write from the point of view of having already made the choice… We often block ourselves from really knowing what we want because we think we can’t have it or we shouldn’t want it. But we hold in our awareness, even if it is on the unconscious level, an inherent wisdom that wants to guide us in the direction of our fullest development. The Perspectives technique can give this wisdom a voice.”
Journal to the Self: Kathleen Adams ~~~ One more post on things to stop and things to start coming up… then we’re into a new month and a new theme. How did it get to be nearly February already?!
Oh yes. This is why I always have pen and paper with me, even on the bedside table. Everything from sudden rememberings (must post that book I sold through Amazon) to *brilliant* ideas (moving our bathroom light switch has thrown unexpected light in dark places). The act of making a note indeed starts something, and also gives the brain a bit more RAM to work on more rememberings and fab ideas! Love it. Thank you, Joanna.
.-= Jan Scott Nelson´s last blog ..Snow joke =-.
I simply cannot agree more wholeheartedly. Somehow ideas become more real, more solid when pressed onto a page. It’s like being able to empty a heavy bag too – all those ideas and things banging around in my skull need to be written down to free up some space inside.
I’ve also found that writing it down so others will see it helps too. That’s certainly been the case with my blog, and as you know from being in my secret project support group, even writing stuff out for a small number of kind souls to see can help immensely!
Awesome book recommendations. Both of those have been on my shelf, my bedside table and in and out of my hands for years. I would even say it has become difficult for me to think through a problem or an inkling without a pen in hand and a tablet on my lap.
Also – I have found that using pen/pencil and paper is much more conducive to deep thought than the white screen on the computer.
I have been lurking on your blog for awhile now and your posts show up on my iGoogle home page. Thank you for all your inspiration and encouragement.
.-= Kirsten´s last blog ..Again, with a Body Image Post =-.
The written word has magical power. Does that sound goofy? I don’t care, I believe with with all my heart. There is notebook and paper with me everywhere I am. And now of course, even our phones can be a place to write and capture magical moments when words wander by and tuck them aside for safe keeping. Many a times I have sent myself a text message with even a few sentences to remind me of snippets of creative thought that tried to sneak by when my pen was occupied.
Once it is “In the Book…” We can always go back and redefine, explore, stretch and color in the magic of those captured words. But to let them slip away like air dust in a sunny window….that is sad. Very sad.
.-= Wendi Kelly~Life’s Little Inspirations´s last blog ..Sith Lords In The Real World =-.
I read Write it Down, Make it Happen about 10 years ago and it made such a difference in my life. I have been wanting to re-read it lately, but despite many searches of my bookshelves I can’t locate it. I hope whoever I loaned it to is enjoying it!
.-= Janel´s last blog ..Book Review: The Feasting Season =-.
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Since I’ve started writing I’ve realized that “thought management” is actually more important than “time management”. You need to capture the little synaptic flickers before they fade.
You know I am smiling at this post…Sticking a flag in the sand, on territory we want to conquer…that’s what writing it down can be like…Bergman said of making his films that he throws a javelin into the space he wants…and tries to find a way to get there himself ( and bring the crew with him) through the making of the film. Some journal entries feel like that to me. Most initial quick sketches, and certainly the drawings and scribbles of words in my notes do. Some of them clear, startling clear vision, others, not so much… but then there’s the fun, yes?
.-= Janice Cartier´s last blog ..Not There Yet =-.
It is amazing how the process of writing something down allows you to take action. I cant wait to read the book Write it Down Make it Happen. Thanks for the suggestion. I am always looking for a great book to read and review on my site.
.-= Julia Lindsey´s last blog ..How To Eat Healthy Despite a Busy Schedule =-.
Hi Joanne .. it’s a good way to take that ‘clutter’ from your mind and file it in another place ..then you can work on different aspects – either on the table, or visualising in the mind and adding those notes across to your jotted, or neat notes.
It’s clearing the path forward .. thanks = helps me .. makes me realise that if I do declutter my mind, I can move forward ..
Hilary Melton-Butcher
Positive Letters Inspirational Stories
.-= Hilary´s last blog ..Haggis, Whisky and Poetry .. means only one thing "Robbie Burns" =-.
Joanna, there are too many times that our thoughts preventing us to make things happen. I’ve had several times struck by writing inspirations when I woke up, but then thought I could still remember it later so I delayed. Eventually, I hardly remember what it was! Regretted!
It’ s interesting how you shared about how our body is alerting our brain when jotting down our goals, for instance. I guess it’s a way to get our body all perked up and ready for actions.
Gotta write something down at this very minute. Thanks Joanna, it’s a great advise.
@wchingya
Social/Blogging
.-= Ching Ya´s last blog ..7 Productive Things To Do When You Can’t Blog =-.
“Write It Down, Make It Happen” is another book on my list.
I always keep my mini Moleskine notepad and pens in my purse with me “just in case”. I am constantly writing, because if I don’t get it down on paper when it pops into my head, its too late.
@ Jan – light in dark places… the power of writing
@ Emma – so many valuable points there, esp the bit about getting the stuff out of your head. Such a relief at times. I think the secret project support group is / was a great idea… one that more of us should borrow I think
@ Kirsten, thank you for letting me know you’ve been reading. Interesting about different impact of different media – I think that can also shift over time and according to mood / times of life / things we’re dealing with. The mind / unconscious is a wonderful thing isn’t it?
@ Wendi, no not goofy. I believe it too. I’ve seen so much of what it can do. I love how you express what’s in your heart… that’s word power in action… ripples all round the world
@ Janel, I bet they are. But maybe you need to get yourself another copy too!
@ Brad, I’d never thought of it like that before but know just what you mean… get the thoughts right and the time will pretty much take care of itself
@ Janice, I love that Bergman example. Sometimes I beat myself up for having so many dreams and wild ideas but without throwing out that javelin I wouldn’t reach the new ground, find the truth I want to tell…
@ Julia, I found it a really interesting and valuable book – hope you enjoy it… and find yourself changing your world through your words!
@ Hilary, yes that’s another very powerful dimension of writing it down… gets it out of your head and allows patterns to emerge (as well as the mental junk to clear)
@ Ching Ya… I love the way my words got you off straight away to write! Thanks
@ Carla – the book is definitely worth a look. I wanted to write more on this for you but just ran out of time.. it’s a fascinating topic, esp the interaction with the way our minds work.
Great words, and timely as usual, Joanna. I’m working on a new product, a type of keepsake organizer that is all about this concept. I like Brad’s “thought management,” vs. “time management” concept (can I use that Brad?) We can’t manage time, we can only manage our lives within the boundaries of time. If our thoughts are scattered, our lives will show it, and we’ll rarely, if ever, realize our dreams. Writing them down is the first step to “thought management.” The rest, not without hard work, will then fall into place.
“Write it Down Make it Happen” has just been written down on my reading list.
There is just something about putting pen to paper in comparison to typing at the keyboard. Maybe it has something to do with actually writing and forming each letter as opposed to typing them artificially. I miss journalling. Really ‘should” make the time…
.-= Davina´s last blog ..This Effortless Brilliance =-.
Have you read about Keri Smith’s Wish Jar idea? You take a jar or bottel and everytime you wish something, however silly or impossible it may seem you write it down on a slip of paper and put it in the jar. It really helps free yourself and focus. Writen words do indeed have magic.
.-= Paula ´s last blog ..[Friday Fashion] Vorlesungs Outfit =-.
Everyone can benefit from writing it down. Those brilliant ideas seem to happen only when you’re not thinking about thinking. I do keep pen and paper handy, pretty much at all times, so it’s almost automatic for me. What is less ingrained is making sure I go back and read what I wrote. One comment was for a jar to keep ur ideas in, I would suggest to make it a lot easier to go back and re-read what you wrote. A small pocket pad is best for me. Keep the great posts coming! Cheers.
Leah I think you’ll find the book a great addition to the thinking behind your new organizer… which sounds very exciting. Good luck with it
Davina ouch! I heard that should
How much time could you make? 5 minutes, 10 minutes…? Journal to the Self has some suggestions for people just like you… 
Paula I haven’t… till now… but it sounds interesting. I can see from the responses here that we’ve different ways of using the ‘write it down’ approach.. some to clear our mind, some to express a wish, some to articulate ideas… some to make a commitment to ourselves. Much food for thought.
Andy thanks, I know what you mean about a pen and paper and that can generate a feeling of relief to get things down – and an aide memoire for future action. I think Paula’s reference to the wish jar was probably for slightly different kinds of ideas, intentions and wishes… perhaps the glass jar was just the right place for them… out there, but kept safe till the time is right?
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