Have you ever experienced a moment when a quote really touched you, a mind-blowing concept from a podcast, or some wisdom from your life that you said you would hold in your heart forever, only to forget it all the next day? If this sounds like you, you’re not alone. When you look at just how busy our lives have become and with all the information we receive on a daily basis, it is easy for us to forget even the most impactful things. This is why a commonplace book is an incredible secret weapon.
What Is a Commonplace Book?
A commonplace book is an organized collection of all the things that have touched your soul or fascinated you. It can include a quote from a book that describes your life, a new insight from a TED Talk, a motivational quote for tough times, an unusual but interesting fact, or an idea discovered during a moment of quiet reflection. Think of it as your mental scrapbook; it contains an encyclopedic collection of all the things that define you, your ideas, feelings, and experiences.
In present times, we consume so much that at this point in time, we cannot remember everything we have read or watched. A commonplace book serves as a filtration system for finding and retaining the most meaningful conclusions. Writing things down by hand or carefully typing the ideas helps create stronger mental connections. Therefore, the process of recording the information helps transfer knowledge from our short-term memory into a long-term context.
How to Make Your Own Commonplace Book
- Choose a format:
Choose a format that feels good for you. Some example formats would be:
Hardcopy: A notebook, bullet journal, or sketchbook
Digital: Notion, Google Docs, or OneNote
Hybrid: Sticky notes or index cards that you will digitize later
Some people also use voice recordings or Pinterest boards. It can be whatever way works for you.
- Decide on what to record:
Record anything that inspires or motivates you. Some of the things to record may include:
i) Quotes or sayings that inspire you
ii) Ideas you have for books that you read or from documentaries or during class or lectures
iii) Personal reflections or ‘Aha’ moments i.e. discovered an answer to a question or thought
iv) Creative ideas or drawings that come to you or ideas that you want to sketch out on paper
v) Lists, affirmations or dreams
3. Organize entries:
You will want to organize your commonplace book so you can easily find what you recorded. If hardcopy, you could use color-coded page markers or sections. If digital, you can use tags or hyperlinks. Possible themes for your entries could include: Creativity, Relationships, Spirituality, Personal Growth, Career, Health & Wellness, etc.
- Make it a daily habit:
Dedicate a minimum of 10 minutes every day or several times each week to reflect and record your entries into your commonplace book. Doing it first thing in the morning, doing it as a part of your relaxation time or doing it as part of your ritual to reset for the following week are all ways to incorporate it into your life. The biggest key here is consistency, not perfection.
How a Commonplace Book Changes Your Life
When you write down what you think, it helps you clarify your values and priorities. Looking back at your past ideas can inspire you with new ideas for writing, speaking, or finding solutions to problems. Also, keeping track of your personal growth and development will enable you to see how much you have changed throughout your life. When you have all of the best ideas in a single location, you gain the ability to express your thoughts, feelings, and ideas in a manner that is true to who you are.
So why wait? To start writing your commonplace book, all you need is to have a notebook or use an e-device to write in so you have a record of your commonalities and a way to explore your creativity through your thought process.
To read more blogs like this, click here.
Writer
Praptee Rani Sarker
Intern, Content Writing Department
YSSE