I have had an evolving relationship with different notebooks through the years, and I think I have finally settled on something for me. I am no longer a student, nor do I need to take detailed minutes of meetings in my position. I find myself taking more notes than others, but I don’t fill up several notebook pages an hour as I once did. So, find myself using a simple small Field Notes notebook.
I believe intaking notes. In many cases, I take lots of notes. It increases comprehension, it helps me stay engaged, and it helps me recall what was said in a class, from a speaker, or in a meeting. A couple of years ago, when I was first in the U.S. Army Command and General Staff College, I had a big notebook that I wrote down nearly everything I could to recall all of what was being said. Many times, I was able to use it as a reference or use those notes in an open book exam. It also helped me understand the material better. As the year when on and I began to take less notes, I chose to begin using a steno book to take notes, which worked well for me.
Then, I came to Korea where I have worked as a Deputy Division Chaplain and most of my notes became simply lists of things to do—some detail of complex operations or events, but by far, most of it was task lists. I kept using the steno books for my notes. Occasionally, I would be thinking about something and work it out in the notebook as well. Then, something began to change in my philosophy. I began reading more about writers keeping their notebook with them all of the time. And I realize that there are times that I think about things to take notes on when I step away from the office and begin to recharge. It was then that I began using my Field Notes notebooks. I wanted to be able to take notes where ever I go. I keep most of my critical lists inside Todoist, so I have a good handle on the storage of my tasks, if I ever were to lose the notebook. So, that’s where I have been taking my notes. It is a little durable notebook that can go everywhere with me and it fits in my pocket.
One of my favorite things about the new notebook style is that I can keep my hands free. The note books fits into my pocket and I do not have to carry anything. As a Chaplain, I can always be ready with a pat on the back, a fist bump, or a hand shake. It is important that I have a notebook at the ready. As a writer, I am constantly writing new ideas. And there is much more space in that little notebook than you’d think. But at the end of the meeting, I can just tuck it away and greet people around me. It is a great tool for productivity balanced by ministry.