Commonplace Books: A Tool for Leaders

A commonplace book is a notebook that you write things down in, specifically your ideas about what you are learning, observing, or wondering. I like to take my commonplace book with me everywhere, because I never know when I am going to want to jot down an idea or insight. 

Perhaps the most famous commonplace book of all time belongs to Leonardo da Vinci. His notebooks have been published because they are so interesting, full of various ideas and thoughts on art, science, engineering, and philosophy. Other famous men and women have also been known to use a commonplace book as a way to organize or remember their thoughts and ideas. 

I started the practice of using a commonplace book about ten years ago. My biggest regret is not starting them sooner. Over time, I have become a lot more specific about what I am looking for in the physical notebook, but any notebook will work. Smaller books can travel with you much more easily, but if they are too small they are difficult to write longer concepts or ideas on. I like to have one side of the page lined and the other side blank. I find that this allows for more creativity. I also prefer a flexible cover. Having an aesthetically pleasing notebook will increase the chances that you will use it.

In my opinion, every person who is pursuing their education should keep a commonplace book. As ideas come to you, they can get lost in the shuffle of life if you don't write them down. Use a commonplace book to write down questions that you ask as you read and learn. I like to write primarily on one side of the page as I study. Often, I will return to the topic and fill in the other side of the page with more ideas and questions. 

If you or those you mentor are not using commonplace books, give them a try! Find a notebook and consciously use it. It probably won't be long before you find out just how amazing this tool can be.