When looking back at some of my writings, I see an intimidating attitude of “Just doing it”. I hope that doesn’t get me in trouble with the sneaker industry. I digress (Wow, I finally used that word). I think where I should start out is presenting a different perspective to “planning and thought” before just inspiring to create ( my definition towards the concept of a computer). Thinking in general, any event, project, and activity,usually comes with it first being suggested, and then the energy of putting thought into it. Events and celebrations always begins with a list of items needed, and things to occur to make the session a success. That applies to crafts too. Especially when using a computer.

      To those who don’t have a computer, start with what you would do with it personally, rather than what socially is done, such as surfing the internet, emails, and instant messaging. Give the computer more meaning other than what now can be all done on a cell phone. If you like writing, then think word processor. If you wish to use it in crafts, explore all the software in the stores that are craft related…even before owning a computer. If you would rather use it for you home records or business, then learn about spreadsheets and databases. If you wish to create music and other arts, there are so many software products available, to learn from, master, and enjoy. Then, decide on what type of computer.

      For a writer, an inexpensive computer with a built in word processor program might be all you need. For screenwriters, you might want to spend some money on a product to get you started. For photographers and videographers, you might need to spend more, not only on the software, but the type of computer, since quality “trumps” quantity. All this should start with researching and planning, and the most important stater tool, imagination. What are your expectations? What should it look like. For some, we just want to furnish a room. The rest really put thought into what the room will look like when it is done. Above all, give the computer a purpose. Something you want it to do when offline, to pass the time, when in leisure, and to create. Everything else, like surfing and texting, that simply can be mastered on a cell phone.

All about the list and note taking

      Looking back at my anticipation to having a computer, it was to write. Then, with seeing what they could do, it lead me to wanting to try, well, everything. Not everyone wants to Blog, and build databases, and How To videos, and manage finances (my weakest activity). Who knew exploring every program would push creative writing to share the time with networking, security, Office Programs, videographer, and my recent past time, Blogging. Eventually, I will work on making creative writing a priority. Right now, How To videos and building a record of business files became an obsession. This mood cannot last forever.

      When it comes to being so multi taking with many start up project, several in progress, and others still being articulated around what time is available, the only way it all remains real projects to address and someday complete, is in the way I take notes. I started out trying to make lists in the form of spreadsheets, but found I was too involved in its appearance, rather than just making the list. I slowly went to a word processor program, and tried to develop outlines, but again, found I was now trying to make the outlines look like an outline, and would lose the feeling of the theme of what it was for. Eventually I found my focus in the Office Outlook program, and started using the tasks in outlook. I never lost focus, and decided to start out with just the date, next line, write what was on my mind, and my future intent. That task program has all my notes of every project in progress, and even a few not yet started, but a place to start expressing what I wish to do.  Now I can start a project, and if I put it away for another inspirational task, returning to it starts with my notes, to know where I left off, and what I where I was going with it. For some reason, the Tasks in Outlook made it easier to just write what I was thinking, and not worry about the appearance. The office outlook might not be for everyone. My I suggest you try out the Evernote notepad software. It is cheap, and I think to get you started, it is free to download. What makes it enticing is that it has other uses, from a to do list, Shopping list category, and other categories. I use this when in conference calls, or quickly getting a phone number, address, or making an appointment. In my mind, its just a place to jot down something quickly. I can always go back and highlight, copy, and paste it in another project later, whether in my outlooks tasks, calendar, word document, or spreadsheet. This inexpensive notepad [plus more] looks attractive and self explanatory.

      Basically, you just need a program where you can keep all your lists thoughts, and ideas in one place, to recall later. I have two; Evernote, and my Office Outlook program.

      Once you find a software you feel comfortable with…use it, from the beginning of what you wish to do, to jotting down what got done, just before calling it “quits” for that moment. It is so important to make a little note, list, and agenda. It is just as important to keep it active. When something on the list is done, don’t highlight it and delete it. Instead, keep the line or sentence highlighted,  and change its color, go to the “Font” option in the Tools option of the menu bar, and draw check strikethrough, and click O.K. . Whichever way you choose, keep it, as a milestone; something to look back on, and recall what you were thinking of at that time.

      I learned this lesson over time. I had so many project I started, but over time, and returning back to them, I was lst at where I left off. Other files started made no sense to what their purpose was, or worse, what they were supposed to be used for. Over time, I found how important note taking would be, and since I already listed what I went through, I can only enforce this by stating that without note taking, a big project started will lead to big headaches without a list of things done, and returning points to return to, if you don’t keep notes in the beginning. Even end the project with notes, and even thoughts of what it didn’t accomplish. At a later date, you will stumble across those final lines, and the approach to resolving its shortcomings might just come with a fresh perspective.

      Whatever note taking software you use, use it often. Make it the sole focus point for all your idea, projects, and events. The more you use it, the better you will get at using it, and it will become an essential tool and reason for having it around; the most important two reasons are organization, and recollection.  Use it along side whatever you fancied when you first thought of using the computer for personally. Then…go buy that computer. 🙂