Write it down

By Tami Bonnell, CEO, EXIT Realty Corp. International

When I get a good idea, I write it down. Likewise, when a thought about someone pops into my head – even if it’s 11 o’clock at night – I write down their name, because that will prompt me to think about them the next day. So often the Universe is conspiring with you and when someone pops randomly into your mind and you call them, you may come to discover there’s something going on in their life and your call came at the perfect time.

I jot down ideas to create something, to market in a new way. I make notes about ideas that I think can help our business evolve, and how we can best compete while still having our own signature. I write them all down as soon as they come to me. When I revisit my notes, sometimes I can’t even remember why I wrote them but then after a night’s sleep, I’ll have an AHA! moment and those ideas grow and flourish.

Writing things down helps commit them to our subconscious so our conscious mind can move on to other things while our subconscious gets to work on the idea. It’s kind of like having a brainstorming session with yourself. The idea can then evolve into something that goes a little further. Maybe it opens up a whole new world, or helps you grow in a new direction.

If you write down a business plan, your plan is much more likely to come to fruition than if you don’t. When you write down goals, you’re much more likely to achieve them. When you write affirmations, they’re much more likely to come to pass. If you write down a concern, maybe the next day you’ll think of a great affirmation that will help you with that concern. Writing it down assures your mind that you’ll think of it later and frees your focus for the task at hand.

When I’m frustrated with someone, instead of lashing out in anger, I write it down. Sometimes I come to a resolution myself or I even come to a better way of handling my frustration – it’s like I’m on the outside looking in. Often, I gain a much better perspective because I give myself a chance to let it work through in my mind before bringing it up to someone else.

Motivational legend, Jim Rohn, carried his journal with him everywhere to record his observations, capture good ideas and talk to himself. He said, “It is challenging to be a student of your own life, your own future, your own destiny. Don’t trust your memory. When you listen to something valuable, write it down. When you come across something important, write it down. Take the time to keep notes and keep a journal.”

I think, especially with technology the way it is, so many people are using their phone, or a tablet, laptop or desktop instead of literally a good old-fashioned pen and paper. I keep a pad of paper with me everywhere – I have one in my purse, my truck, my briefcase – like Jim, I always have one with me, because a great idea might strike at any time.