Could note taking and journaling be your Secret Weapon for Creativity

We all have ideas, some good, some bad and some that make us think, Holy Shit, where did that come from?  Most of us aren’t short on thoughts but what we are short on is capturing them before they disappear into the ether. That’s where note taking and journaling comes in. Its not just for hyper-organized types or diary enthusiasts. I see it as a tool for anyone who wants to stay inspired, self-aware and in control of the endless stream of crap going through their head!

I'm going to let you in on a secret. I have any amount of copy books, note pads, moleskine journals and diaries lying around that might have one or two pages scribbled on them. A total waste!  So I thought, I’ll make my own and then maybe I might be more inclined to carry it with me.  So, next week I’m set to release the first edition of Useless Publishing's very own Journal (Its a fancy copy book!). In doing so I thought it would be the perfect time to talk about why taking notes and journaling are essential practices for anyone looking to harness the chaos of their minds.

Incubating Ideas: Your Brain’s Holding Tank!

Ever had a genius idea strike while you’re in the shower or stuck in traffic, only to lose it five minutes later? That’s your brain, running on its own weird schedule, tossing gems at you when you least expect it. Writing those thoughts down, no matter how random or half-formed they feel, gives them a chance to incubate.

When you journal or take notes, you’re essentially creating a holding tank for your creativity.  A half baked idea today might turn into a fully baked masterpiece tomorrow, but that is only if you don’t let it slip away.

Tracking Your Madness: A Roadmap to Productivity!

Keeping track of your thoughts isn’t just about creativity.  it’s about understanding your own patterns. Journaling can reveal what works for you, what doesn’t, and where your time is actually going.  It’s like a personal accountability partner, but cooler, because it doesn’t nag you when you binge-watch Netflix documentary on some random shit instead of brainstorming.

By jotting down what you’re doing, feeling or thinking you’ll start to notice trends. Maybe your best ideas hit after your second coffee or late at night when you should be sleeping. Knowing this stuff helps you lean into what works and cut out what doesn’t.

Giving Your Brain Some Breathing Room.

Our brains weren’t built to keep a running tally of every thought, to-do list or random snippet of brilliance. Writing it all down lets your mind relax, clearing up space for actual creative work instead of just keeping track of what might be next.

Think of note taking as decluttering your mental junk drawer. Once it’s all out of your head and on paper, you can sort through it later.  Filter out the trash, highlight the treasures and maybe even repurpose something that seemed useless at first.

This brings us to the  Journal, the ultimate tool for taking note of all the weird, wild, and crazy thoughts that cross your mind. Whether it’s your next big idea or just a reminder to buy more cat food, this journal is designed to hold it all. It’s not about being neat or structured, it’s about letting your thoughts run free. Doodle, write sideways or slap in a sticky note, it doesn’t matter! Essentially it’s just a blank empty book. It isn’t here to judge, to be structured or to keep you in check, It’s here to keep up with you and your brain’s nonsense. 

Final Thoughts. Write It Down or It Didn’t Happen!

At the end of the day, note taking and journaling aren’t about perfection. They’re about showing up for your ideas however messy or ridiculous they may seem. By putting pen to paper (finger to keyboard or even tapping on a touchscreen), you’re giving those ideas a chance to live, grow, and maybe even surprise you.

The Journal will be available on our website and exclusively off the shelf in Church & State, Kildare. I can’t wait for you to use it to catch all the crap your brain throws at you. Until then, start scribbling on whatever you have handy; napkins, receipts, the back of your hand or what ever you can make a mark on, just don’t let those ideas get away!

Stay useless,

A x