My friend Janice Day (pictured), whose new book I mentioned the other
day (“How I Lost My Breast and Found Myself Getting It Off My Chest”) related a piece of advice given to her recently: Do less and record more.(update: "Getting It Off My Chest" is the actual title--that's the one to Google or type into Amazon if you want to find it.)
Meaning, if you’re a creative person, you can probably find ways to use most things that happen to you, if you take the time to record them—this could be in a journal, taking pictures, shooting video, talking into a tape recorder, etc.
In the bookreporter.com newsletter, Carol Fitzgerald mentioned how she equipped herself when going to the San Diego Comic Convention: “I perfected what I am calling the four-pocket system with my phone, BlackBerry, camera and wallet (with business cards/credit card/ID and cash for overpriced convention food) tucked into my jeans pockets. Thus, I was in ready mode for most of what happened on the floor.”
I think using these strategically is a great idea,
although the danger is that we may miss really experiencing what we’re
recording—like a man I once saw on the top deck of a London tourist bus
videoing everything and therefore seeing it only through a viewfinder. But if used wisely, these records can lead to greater inspiration, more resources to draw upon and, ultimately, greater income.
(Want tips and techniques for how to be more creative and productive? Sign up for my free monthly Brainstorm e-bulletin by sending an email request to [email protected])
