As writers our treasure is imagination and one of the things that feeds it is memory. Unfortunately we forget (at least consciously) most of what happens to us.
A few
months ago I started using an iOS app called “Collect,” which has a calendar on which you save one photo per day. Looking back even over a relatively short time I’ve been surprised by how it brings back little memories that would otherwise be lost.
This came to mind when I read a blog post headlined “Why Productive People Take Better Notes” on the Fast Company web site. The writer, Drake Baer, pointed out that our memory can hold only so many things at once and when we’re reading or listening or just experiencing, most of what happens will not be remembered.
The act of taking notes--in whatever format you prefer--by itself makes it more likely the information will make a lasting impression, as well as giving you something to refer to later if you wish.
If school turned you off to note-taking, try some other methods like:
- mind-mapping
- drawing pictures along with key words
- recording audio notes
- taking photos or videos
You may find you also begin to make more connections between various ideas--another key aspect of creativity. Plus, of course, it can be fun to look back and relive some of the good times.
(Want to write? Get guidance from the greatest writers of all time. Their advice is collected in my book, "Your Creative Writing Masterclass," available from Amazon or your other favorite bookseller.)