Scribbles, Jots, Notes and Napkins

By Rasul Sha'ir, 19, May, 2008

One of the hardest things in the world to do is to write down an idea. It seems simplistic but on numerous occasions an idea pops into our heads and that's where it stays - IN OUR HEADS. Why wouldn't it? How many of us have pen and paper handy when we are walking around or driving in our cars or at some random moment when an idea just hits us?  Writing down your ideas is something that you have to make a habit of doing.  Again not as easy as it sounds. Also once you write it down what are you going to do with that piece of paper anyway? 

Often times when you write something down it is usually for a a purpose. A step two needs to take place.  Its like when your write down a to do list.  Action is the next step.  Once you write an idea, phrase, or thought down it now has life. You gave birth to it. It isn't only in your head, it is now written down staring back at you saying "now what?" You took the time to jot down on a piece of paper or a napkin, this notion that just popped into your head, so do you just allow it to sit and collect dust or do you begin to breathe life into?

It is often said that the first step in making something happen is to write it down. Now will something happen after you jot your napkin note down? That's the next big question. Regardless the simple fact that you took the idea from your head to paper is an accomplishment in itself.

I wrote back in December a remixed version of Hugh MacCleod's 'How To Be Creative' and one of my favorite ideas of his mentioned is that "real talent only needs a rough idea, a bic pen and the back of a napkin." As I talk to numerous friends, mentors and colleagues this statement makes sense on so many levels. True talent isn't fancy gadgets, expensive equipment, or state-of-the-art 'anything'. Its a simple idea, passion, and a will to get it done.

Over the years I've compiled my own set of napkin notes that have taken me to some very interesting places, helped me meet some very cool people, start my own business and even helped to create this blog. Below are some of my favorite napkin notes that I've jotted down and kept. Some are my own ideas others are notes from conversations or from great books I've read.  This will be a three part series and during the course of the next week or so feel to drop a comment or two (or three) about some of your own 'napkin notes'.  Would love to hear them!

• The intersection is the ideal place for optimum decision making and new idea creating.

• The three most valuable commodities in the world are ideas, information and strategy.

• The first rule of of business is the same as the first rule of life: Adapt or die. -- Fast Company's the Rules of Business
  

• You want to get a music fan's attention . . . tell them you like vintage-futuristic warrior rock soul music.
  

• Curiology - the art and science of effective question asking

• The key to good decision making is not knowledge, it is understanding. -- Malcolm Gladwell

• Not just function but also DESIGN. It's no longer sufficient to create a product, a service, an experience or a lifestyle that's merely functional.  Today it's economically crucial and personally rewarding to create something that is also beautiful, whimsical, or emotionally engaging. -- Daniel Pink

• Prototyping is problem solving. It's a culture and a language.  You can prototype just about anything - a new product or service,or a special promotion. -- Tom Kelley of IDEO

to be continued. . . .

Comments

[kudzufire]

nice design

[Rasul Sha'ir]

Thanks!