Rolling over with a start two nights ago, I awoke. I had an idea, a good idea. I should write the idea down, but where was my notebook? I need to wear my notebook.
Off went the covers and my feet scampered down the stairs. Luckily, the thought did not escape me. I captured the idea with my pen and notebook. Close miss there, I thought, I almost missed the chance to share my idea. Shame on me.
Fortunately, I am now able to share my idea with you. The idea is: always, always carry pen and paper. You will get your ideas at the oddest times. In the shower, at practice, in a meeting, or right before bed are breeding grounds for thought. So, Mind yourself a notebook, an index card, or scrap paper. Then, destroy the medium. Scribble on it, convey your ideas on it, draw yourself pictures, and write notes to yourself
(people think, Reid is nuts, when he does this). Example: Dear Reid, Pick up pizza. From, Hungry Reid.
“Why now?” you ask, “Why do I need a notebook?” Answer now you get. If I Knew Now needs your ideas on paper. We need you to share your ideas with us. Who is us?
We, the readers of your wisdom. Your neighbors and friends are part of us. Get going
10.22
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The best part about carrying a notebook at all times is that you can write down so many ideas for later. You can write down ideas for later in the day, later in the week, later in the month, later in the year, and way later in life. You never know when you may need a random idea to start a project or an assignment, a business, or a book.
It is so hard to just sit around and conjure up ideas. Ask artists or writers what their processes are for creating art. They will probably answer, “First I get inspired, then I go create.” The process does not happen the other way around. You do not just create then get inspired. You have to Mind something that moves you.
The funny things about the somethings that move you is that you cannot plan for them. They just pop out at you like a Jack-‐in-‐the-‐box, with an incredibly mean Jack.
Unexpected, and sometimes frightening, ideas will thump you on the head. Ouch, you say? You can win this battle. The best way to Might the somethings is to have your pen and paper ready to write them down. This is the only method to capture them and defeat them. Otherwise, ideas are quick little buggers. They sneak away into the depths of your memory, never to be seen again. And then, you are that gomer who is looking sideways saying, “Now what was the great idea I had Mive years ago?” or “Now what was the great idea I had Mive minutes ago?” Embarrassing…
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This whole book, 10.22, started in a notebook. The Mlow arrows started in a notebook. The great writer list started in a notebook. The art started in a notebook.
Here are the times that these ideas were recorded. In logical order, of course, and at logical times, like I have described above, the notebook was scribbled and scratched.
June 7, Chicago rest stop 5:30pm: a book where 22 yr olds (approximately) write to other 22 yr olds would fun. Of course other people can read it too. Call Curt with hands free call during rest of drive…safe.
June 14, backyard mowing, 11:30am: I should call Kelly. She would have a great idea about how to do this, and she should write. Oh, other writers. Shane, Breanne, already called Curt.
July 28, apartment staring at sunset, 8:30pm: called shane, Lori is writing too. Nicole, Drew, Schwab, Niko. All would be great. Invite them now.
October 10, running, 7:00am: a creators bonus section. Elliot, Mandy, me (unfortunately) October 31, sleeping 12:00am: midnight on Halloween, this could be scary. But, I need to draw the cowboy comic.
So, there is a little chunk of my notebook. You can see that the times are all over, the activities I am doing have no pattern, and I just scribble words down on paper. You should feel fortunate I typed my notebook. The original version is basically unreadable
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except to me. Of course, I can read hieroglyphics; so deciphering the symbols of my notebook…
…Egyptian Pie baby.
Did you reach for a notebook yet? Have you been taking notes in your 10.22 notebook? At least, though dangerous, mental notes? I hope so. We need you to remember the next great business, project, music, or art idea that pops in your head.
Get that down on paper now and in the future. You won’t regret a little scribble that can pay dividends in the future.
-‐Reid, 24
my notebook pg. 12
What are three ideas you have had that you think you can execute this year? Which random moments conjure up your greatest thoughts? Exercise, staring at the sun, drinking beer?
no te bo ok n ig ht ma re - Rei d
my notebook pg. 13
In what new interest will you engage yourself this week? Which resources will you need to fully immerse yourself?
br ew a n ew y ou - Cu rt
Find something in which you can fully engage your mind in the learning process. Find something that could be just a hobby. Learn everything about that
hobby. Thus,turning it in to one more skill you have and an area of expertise you can share.
my notebook pg. 14
What are you choosing to do differently each day to make your life more exciting and less mundane?
A few years ago I became quite convicted as to how I was choosing to live this short life I had been given.
I didn’t have a near death experience; I just decided to make life more interesting. Life is short.
w ran gl in g l ife a s c owbo y -Sc hw ab (J ak e)
my notebook pg. 15
In what areas of your life can you welcome the support of others so that you may thrive?
Accepting support does not mean you are weak. It simply means you are smart enough to realize how much stronger you will be with the support of others. Alone one individual can survive, but with the support of others we thrive.
w inn er s embr ac e t he w or d u s - Lo ri
my notebook pg. 16
Our society talks a great deal about passion, and
passion is a critical element in discovering who you are and what you should pursue in life. Often, we overlook balance, allow that passion to own us, and end up out of balance.
Have you ever allowed your passion, or pursuit of a goal, to force you out of balance? How can you
realign yourself and your goals to create better balance in your life?
pa ssio n is n ot t he pu rsui t, l ov e is - Shan e
my notebook pg. 17
Your legacy will not be a full bank account, stock options and life insurance. Hopefully, it is tales some might call “tall,” photos for the grandkids to stare at in disbelief and a smattering of foreign currency left in a bedside drawer. Everyday, I’m trying to decide.
Have you decided?
What is the “photo” you want to share in the future?
sol o en se vil la - Br eann e
my notebook pg. 18
ha ppin ess in hai ti
-
Dr ew
Where will you have the courage to be controversial?
What will you do to innovate and better the world that immediately surrounds yourself and others?
Do you have the guts?
Open your mind to what’s in front of you. Step out of your comfort zone. Volunteer. Speak out for what you believe. Don’t be a cynic—they’re a dime a dozen and contribute little besides negative energy. Be an
innovator—not only in inventing new gadgets, but also in improving failing systems and governments and fighting for the underdog. Don’t be afraid to be controversial—
the most controversial and detested figures in history are the ones that reallybroke down barriers and made societal advancements.
my notebook pg. 19
When I was young, I thought I knew everything, and I thought I wanted to grow up. But, in doing this, you’ll miss out on enjoying exactly where you are. Don’t be in hurry to get where you’re going;
just enjoy the ride right here and now. Don’t settle, but don’t be too restless, and keep enough time and patience to enjoy the world around you and those close to you. Finally, pursue challenges, and seek to learn something new every day.
Will this matter 5 years from now? Are you too focused on getting there rather than enjoying your moment?
sp ee d pl ay - Ni col e
my notebook pg. 20
The hardest part of success is failure. Failure hurts. It leaves you writhing in purposeless, wondering how to accomplish your dreams. No one succeeded before they failed. Every failure is a preparation for success. The real challenge is having the gall to fail again.
go ne f ish in g - El lio t
If you could tell someone today how much they mean to you, who would you tell? Do it.
my notebook pg. 21
Respect, always try to understand, and help others whenever you can. Never underestimate the reciprocal power of kindness. In the wise words of Ralph Waldo Emerson, “It is one of the most beautiful compensations of this life that no man can sincerely try to help
another without helping himself. Serve and thou shall be served.”
Everything you do in life-including helping and taking care of others-will mean a whole lot more if you also take care of yourself. What are you planning on doing today to take care of you?
ju mp in the wa te r.. . of ten - Kel ly
my notebook pg. 22
Your story is what you have uniquely done. Create a resume that tells your story. Paint a picture with strokes no one else has. Make it sans-tasks. Create future resumes that highlight goals and success.
Make room because you cannot attach to past accomplishments. Instead, you must prepare for future achievement.
What makes you special, indispensable, and separate you from everyone, including the old you? How will this affect your next big transition?
de fin itel y so m eda y s tanf or d
-
Nik o
my notebook pg. 23
I can hardly believe I did not realize this sooner. Life is many a thing, but at its heart, life is about stories. Our ability to share and listen to stories is directly
correlated to the depth that we are able to appreciate, make meaning, and change our lives.
How have stories shaped or influenced your life and relationships? In what ways might you start to think about, listen, collect, and tell stories to assist you in achieving your goals? What story is your life
currently telling? What kind of story do you want your life to tell? How can stories help make the answers to the last two questions identical?
a s to ry w ith a tw ist ed ( tie ) hea rt
-
Man dy
my notebook pg. 24
What are three ideas you have had that you think you can execute this year? Which random moments conjure up your greatest thoughts? Exercise, staring at the sun, drinking beer?
no te bo ok n ig ht ma re - Rei d
Humans generate thousands of thoughts a day. Good job to you. But, humans lose thousands of thoughts a day. Be a contributor to your world by writing down thoughts that have substance, are engaging, and that you can act upon now or in the future.
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