How “Idea Journals” Accelerate Business Growth
Give yourself an “empty” gift to start-off the New Year.
It starts off “empty” at the beginning of the year, and then it gets filled once you′ve decided to record your new ideas and observations during the year. It’s the single most valuable gift you can give yourself this Holiday Season.
I call this gift my “Idea Journal.” It′s a “perfect bound” empty notebook that′s just waiting to get filled with your random thoughts and anecdotes on a weekly or even daily basis.
If I ever wonder about what I′ve accomplished during the year, I grab my Idea Journal and flip open a few pages and there I see ideas that have come to fruition. It′s a great confidence builder for me … and it usually floods me with gratitude.
You can do the same for yourself in 2008.
Somewhere, in one of Mahatma Gandhi′s Idea Journals, he wrote: “My life is my message.” It is thus my hope that you treat yourself this New Year with your own “Idea Journal” so too will enjoy your legacy of new ideas while you′re still living.
Alex,
Thanks for the great idea! I have a smaller version in my purse to write down people I’d like to contact and network with. I’m going to expand what I’m already doing to include ideas, encouragement, and inspirational quotes to propel me further.
I’m enjoying your TeleSeminars Secrets Training!
Blesings,
Kim Fredrickson, MFt, Coach
http://www.EncouragingRelaionships.com
Thanks, Alex! I have done this in the past sproradically, but in 2008 I will be consistent and keep an idea journal – I already have an empty book waiting for me!
Note – the link to my site will not be active until early 2008.
Hi Alex,
The idea journal is a great idea. I am just going to tweak your idea. For those of you who are like me, and get brilliant ideas almost while I am asleep. I used to call down to my office from the bedroom but since idea would follow idea Id be making a few calls in a row. Needless to say hubby was not thrilled 9 I heard you on the phone this morning, I figured you were getting ideas), he said through tired, slitty eyes) so I finally put a pad near the bed so I can reach down and write. If you are blessed with the flood of inspirations I am in the wee hours, I suggest you have a loose leaf so you can add the pages from your bed and around the house,
Your ideas can hit in the weirdest rooms!
This is my fist blog post. I hope I did it right!
;-)
Shulamit
http://www.limitfreeself.com
This is a HUGE idea. I can’t tell you how many 3×5 and 5×8 index cards I’ve filled up and LOST with killer ideas of all kinds. Having ONE place to collect all these ideas is the KEY to ever being able to follow-up on them later.
An additional tip that has helped me is to number each idea sequentially as they get entered in the book. Then I RANK each idea from 1 to 5 based on how impactful I think it is.
Finally, I have a section in the book that lists CATEGORIES that the ideas pertain to. Then I list the numbers of the ideas that fit under each category. That way I can tie all the ideas together within each category.
Keep ‘em coming Alex!
I’ve been keeping an idea journal for the past couple of years. I think it is a great IDEA — so glad you shared it with everyone. I have my 2008 idea journal ready to go!
On the preview call for Teleseminar Secrets, you mentioned something about keeping a journal of our progress throughout the course. I actually started it the day that I joined the program. I take notes on the things that I’ve accomplished, my thoughts, etc.
Teleseminar Secrets is fantastic. I recommend it highly.
Alex, your ideas are always so valuable! I count it a blessing to be a part of TSS.
I would like a little more detail about this Idea Journal idea. Perhaps you could give us a few examples to get us off and running with our own brainstorms…
Merry Christmas!
I love this idea, Alex. I’m big into using notebooks too but I never though about using one for the whole year. I tend to wind up with a few going at the same time.
I can see the value in having just one though – especially when you talk about flipping through it and getting a confidence boost as you look at all your ideas and remember which ideas were born into actual events or projects.
Thanks for the great tip!
So true. There is almost nothing more gratifying and inspiring than looking back and actually tracking the trail from inspired thought to real life project/product.
Hello Alex,
The journal is a great idea and I will start a digital version of it.
There is an interesting product that your class might like to try for brainstorming – Christine Comaford-Lynch mentioned it in her book. http://www.mindjet.com. It is easy and fun.
Thank you so much for your inspiration and education. It is mindboggling to think about the potential of teleseminars.
Have a happy and healthy holiday season.
Best wishes,
Gail
Greetings,
The Idea journal is so relevant and timely.
My best ideas come generally in the wee hours.
Helpful hint..if journaling in the dark be sure to leave enough space between the lines as not to write ontop of your thoughts! ha
I have come to learn that i will not remember that brilllant idea or dream in the morning to write down. Must be prepared for that “light bulb moment”.
Alex, thanks a million for the reminder.
All the best to you and yours,
Katrina Bee, Breakthrough Coach
http://www.BeeTheChange.com
Alex,
This is the year I will actually write in my idea journal. I already have it and can’t wait to start filling it up. It will serve as my idea capturing system for 2008. Thank you for your TSS class – it is changing my business!
Alex,
Thanks for the great idea! I just have one thing to add: depending on your Psychological profile and the way you do things writing the idea down might not be enough. I know it is not for me. I would advise myself and others to prioritizing the top three and figuring out ways to implement them regardless the obstacles( by working around them) and using visualizations as well as actual pictures of yourself accomplishing these goals that you post on a board that you can view everyday.) As well as giving yourself a deadline with real consequences(rewards)for meeting it or not and having someone to be accountable to, like a buddy system for example.
Thanks,
Vera
I keep a daily journal as a ‘catch all’ for to do’s, notes, thoughts, and ideas but this year I’m going to start a separate idea journal for ‘08.
Thanks, Alex, for your enthusiasm and great information.
Blessings,
Geoff
And, thank you again, Alex…for reminding me of SIMPLICITY. I had just shelved a gift of a recycled paper journal (www.ecopapers.com) wondering what I’d use it for..
It’s out and I’m gathering up all my idea notecards and consolidating them.
Love the course, thanks for your gift of teleseminarsecrets.
And, Happy Holidays to you and your and great beings in this network,
Rebecca@lifecoachinginnerprizes.com
Hi Alex,
Thank you for the Christmas email greeting from you and your family. I pray for you all in this new year, much joy, peace and more abundant success…
“Beloved I wish above all things, that you prosper and be in health, even as your soul prospers.” 3 John 2
Alice
http://www.thestressreliefsecret.com
Alex,
Fantastic idea. It goes right along with authors putting down their ideas in concrete form (for posterity), plus it supports the process of coming up with ideas for one’s website and blogs. I know because I spent years being unable to earn a living or produce anything “worthwhile” when I was physically ill! Little did I know that all those notes and scraps of paper would end up being my legacy in opening up a whole new dimension to life. It’s easy to lose little stuff though, so now I’ll put everything in one “Idea Journal.” Thanks! You are the master!
Hi Alex,
Thanks for the lovely Christmas wish – you both have two lovely looking children!
As to the journal idea – I already keep a work journal because my memory is not as good as it was; but this year I have bought The Secrets Gratitude book & am am also giving copies of it to my two daughters so that they can record whatever they want in them. It’s a good gift.
Lots of love for a Happy & prosperous New Year from England.
Great idea, Alex! I started journaling at the beginning of _this_ year, so you’ve inspired me to sit back and take a look at how much of what I wrote down has come to fruition.
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to you and yours!
Carl
Just another one of your great ideas Alex. Many uears ago I would journal like crazy, then I grew up. Now that I look back, I really believe the journal help me grow from the teen years, through college and into my professional career.
Now with my career at a crossroads, I’m going back to the journals. Thanks for a great start to the 2007 Teleseminar Secrets.
Happy Holidays,
Cindy
http://www.TotalGolfSwingSystem.com
Hey Alex,
Great idea. I started doing this a couple of months ago & it’s awesome to be able to capture those divine inspirations when they come. I used to have all these thought flashes which I would often forget. The idea journal makes it much easier to record them and bring them one step closer into physical consciousness.
HAppy Holidays to you and entire Telesminar family!
Here’s to a Great ‘08
I have been keeping Idea Journals for many years, and the interesting thing about them is the pattern I’ve seen develop. What I felt strongly about in the 80’s and 90’s have been fine-tuned in the last seven years resulting in the publication of six new books.
Thanks for your great ideas!!
Merry Christmas,
Gail Cassidy
http://www.coachability.com
Great idea!
I also keep one going.
I like to also keep post-its with pens/pencils conveniently placed where I get my ideas too, like the bathroom, by the coffee maker, in the car dash, on the night stand, by the computer…that way if my journal is not convenient to access, I can still have the “do it now” mind set of writing down the note while it is fresh and not use the energy to search for the journal. I can then just post it in on a page afterwards.
Loving the class…so much growth and learning for me! Thanks!
This is an excellent idea! I’ve had Idea Bank books for over a year and they are amazing!
Once Alex gets your marketing brain moving, ideas come very quickly and it’s important to capture them all immediately.
I’ve found it helpful to leave a blank page or two after each idea to add details every few days during review.
Reading your great ideas helps turn feelings of being overwhelmed into thoughts of gratitude and they are a great way to track progress.
Cool idea. Now, if I can keep to recording IDEAS and not rants (my New Year’s Resolution) my journal will be a productivity tool and not just therapy.
Tim Singleton
A paper journal has its advantages — you can take it anywhere and write in it any time. But a computer-based journal has its advantages too — it’s easy to search, easy to back up, easy to organize your thoughts a zillion different ways.
I happen to like The Journal, published by DavidRM Software. It’s available for a free trial at http://www.davidrm.com/thejournal/. (I make nothing from this referral; I simply believe in the program.)
If you like it, you can buy the program for less than $40. Not only is it a journal you keep on your computer, but the website above has lots and lots of journal-writing tips, how-tos, and idea-starters. Even if you don’t buy the software, check out all the free ideas available at the site.
Lee McIntyre
Riverside, CA
http://www.MakeMoneyWithYourMouth.com
Hi Alex!
This is a great idea that I believe everyone should do. To make the most of the ideas that come your way, they must be “captured” in some way.
Just like the “uncaptured article idea” is the article that does not get written,the “uncaptured
idea” is the idea that does not get acted upon.
Onward and upward in 2008,
Jeff
Hi Alex,
I have been using an idea journal sporadically and have always found the idea very relieving, that no idea gets lost. I will use my idea journal more consistently this year. I am also looking forward to your new ideas. You are one of the most creative persons I know. Thank you for all your inspirations.
Monika
An idea Journal is a great idea!
People should use it every day to record the things that make them *Smile* as well!
If they did that they could share their smiles with others.
TSS = The Smile Station :)
Hey Alex,
Thanks for all your tips and advice. I’ve used every bit of information you have given me and found that my online business has more weight and pulling power.
I quit my day job about a year ago and have worked online for almost a year now.
Thanks again!
Alex Coulson
Hey Alex,
This is a great idea, thanks for sharing the inspiration! Here’s another one that I use that works very well. I have a “Creation Bin” folder on the desktop of my laptop & desktop computers. When inspiration strikes I enter a one or two sentence description of the inspirational message. This way I need not worry about forgetting the inspiration that was given to me, nor do I need to keep track of little slips of paper that could become inadvertently lost or tossed. I often receive great ideas (I call them “incoming messages”) when I′m driving. Writing down things while driving is not a good idea. So… I′ll speed dial my house or office from my cell phone and leave myself a recorded message. This saves me time, keeps me and others on the roadway safe and preserves the inspiration for manifestation in the appropriate timing! This works for me and I hope your students and others find it useful, too! :)
Happy New Year Alex and TSS class!
I love the ideas I am getting from your great TSS program. Just wanted to share 3 tools I use for capturing them.
Google has a notebook that just stays available to me. I also use “stickies” on my desktop which can be downloaded from Microsoft. Recently I stumbled upon a great mindmap system at http://www.PersonalBrain.com. Hope these help.
Donna Mogan, Ph.D.
Alex,
The Idea Journal is a great concept. I have a journal entry every day for the last 20 years. Journaling is a great way to get the creative juices flowing.
Bentley J. Tolk
http://www.bentleytolk.com
This is EXACTLY what I did this year. Jan 1 started my new life journal and page 1 was about HOW I would use my journal this year.
One thing I like to do is to rule a line down the page so I put the ideas on one side of the line and actions I am going to take on the other.
It helps me to keep track of those things that I actually want to take action on.
Thanks for TSS – loving it.
May you all fill your 2008 with many delightful moments.
Shelley
http://www.leadership-and-motivation-training.com
Alex,
Thanks for the reminder. I carry a notebook in my purse to write down ideas about business expansion, new lines to pursue, ideas for new products or perhaps something to patent. I get more ideas when I’m attending a lecture, a professional paper, or on a teleseminar call — and I jot reminders for me to expand on later.
I like the notebook concept so much that I bought spiral notebooks for my entire staff (7) in early December so they could record their own brilliant ideas. I just realized from reading your post and the various blogs that this was not enough. Now we need to talk about these ideas at the office. Perhaps over lunch, since we all bring lunch or make lunch at the office. We can be a great support group for each other, whether the ideas are about our area of research or areas within our personal lives.
Thanks for the tremendous value you are providing through TSS! Here’s to a wildly successful 2008 for all of us!
Linda Cummings
http://www.paleoresearch.com
Wow – wow – wow.
You are an amazing source of information! Keep up the great stuff.
I’ve been looking at my journal, so now it is time to pick it up and actually do it!
Thanks so much!
Michael
Hi Alex,
Richard Branson is a big believer and has book shelves full of 30+ years of notepads. What a great review of your life’s ideas, goals and achievements..
I am also huge on writing and notepads but like Mona above I have many. One by the bedside for night time ideas and to record my dreams for analysis, one for my business Property Empowerment, one for the many Property Seminars, one for Alex’s Teleseminars, one for daily To-Do lists etc etc :D
This year after reading a fabulous book called “the monk who sold his Ferrari” by Robin S. Sharma, I also have a Life or Dream Journal where I record my dreams, goals, wishes etc in the five main areas of my life being Mindset; Career & Finances; Health & Wellbeing; Relationships and Spirituality.
I also glue in magazine pictures like a vision board of things I want or want to achieve, use colourful textas, draw pictures (or try to) to try and nurture my creative side. It’s pretty, motivational and fun so it encourages me to write in it daily.
So for all you left brain people like me, break out the scissors, glue and coloured pens and go wild…
Write down your goals and make 2008 Great!!
Luca Ricciardiello
Alex,
The journal is something that is amazing to read years later or even months.
TSS is great this year as always.
Keep it up!
Make 2008 Great!
Heather Ann Dueease
You can have all of the good ideas in the world and claim to be an expert on everything from nuclear fission to chicken manure but it does not make you an expert just because you say you are one.
There in lies the rub as it relates to anything peddled by anyone across the Internet.
It makes no difference if what they are peddling is sold for $7.00 or $700 people have gotten smart and no longer trust the three hundred millions people who hold themselves out as experts.
Great idea. I have been keeping a journal by my bedside for some time now. I find that at the end of the day when I am relaxed and settling down to some reading all sorts of ideas pop into my head. People I would like to meet for my business, courses I would like to take, places I would like to visit, books to read and things that I will do better tomorrow than I have done today. The idea book has two functions. (1) Obviously your ideas and later whether you have acted on those ideas (strike while the iron is hot) and (2) at the end of the year you can see how far you have come both in business and spiritually. Everyone should have an idea book.
Alex that’s a great idea – at the moment I write all sorts of things, ideas, contacts etc. in a big notebook/sketchbook I carry around everywhere with me, but to keep one book specifically for business ideas and to keep coming back to it seems like it has so much more potential for prompting Action, rather than getting lost in a sea of all sorts of ideas.
Brilliantly simple!! I’m starting mine today!
thank you and Feliz Ano!!
Michelle
You know…
Having kept a journal for some 20 years (30+ volumes of Bal’s Way) I can vouch for this. It’s amazing looking back…
I recommend keeping both paper and electronic and not worry too much about keeping them synchronized.
Someone recommended The Journal. Looks cool. I use Kinook’s Ultra Recall, which is more versatile, but is probably overkill if all you’re going to use it for is journaling.
One tip in journaling – treat it as something alive. In my view it doesn’t have to grow in any regular way, any more than YOU do. Life has its rhythms. Sometimes there’s lots to write about; other times not.
Go easy on yourself in this and you’ll do fine.
Bal
Dear Alex,
I am simply a motivational speaker who has not made any money yet concerning product. I have written my first book and would love so much for you to help me.
I hve heard you mention re-purposing books from other people (while giving them credit. Would you consider allowing me to use a bit of your material?I know I have what it takes yet I dont seem to be doing the thing that scares me most.
Alex,
That’s fantastic advice – keeping an Idea Journal. I recommend this practice to the inventors I work with. I also suggest that inventors draw a picture of the invention itself or a picture of the invention’s benefits. The visual picture is very powerful and puts the inventor’s brain to work on creating that vision.
Thanks again for your suggestions.
Steve Sponseller
http://www.TheInventionCoach.com
Thanks for sharing this idea. I call mine the journal for brilliant million dollar ideas.
Annette
New in 2008, Ideas are plenty. Great idea for the journal, now I have to follow through! Bal, I like your suggestions, especially to go easy on yourself. I need to treat me right, first.
Thanks Alex.
Thanks Alex for sharing this journal idea. I like Dr. Chris Bowman’s comment on tweaking, the impact idea. I put next to the idea whether I’m passionate about it, if not, I’ll outsource it.