Write it down
In 2010 I spent a few weeks with my maternal grandmother (we call her Nannans). She has done many things in her life, but has always been a creator. She has been able to write multiple books and consistently written articles for local magazines and newspapers, showing me clippings that she keeps in plastic folders.
During that time I asked her about her process for writing. I'd wondered how she managed to have the creative output well into her 70s (and now 80s) around her busy life travelling, teaching, being the board chairperson for her local writers circle, and taking tai chi and dance classes every week.
She advised me, simply, to write things down. Get it out of my head and put it on paper. Collect writing pieces that inspire. When travelling write down your thoughts about your experience. Review these things periodically - they might spark future ideas, or the words might mean something different to your future self.
At the time I was on an exchange program studying Economics and Finance at Lancaster University. I had always enjoyed the process of learning how things interact, intersect, and influence each other.
I started to collect ideas from things that I was reading, write them down, and a few short reflections. Occasionally I will review and add thoughts as my learning and experiences grow. This process inspired me years later to build a Personal Index so that I don't have to keep everything I learn in my head.
I was recently reviewing some of my thoughts and notes, and I was reminded of a quote from Alice's Adventures in Wonderland that has often come to mind when making key decisions or developing an action plan:
'"Would you tell me, please, which way I ought to go from here"That depends a good deal on where you want to get to." Said the Cat
"I don't much care where..." said Alice
"Then it doesn't matter which way you go," said the Cat'
- Lewis Carroll, Alice's Adventures in Wonderland
Writing this down in 2010 has kept this passage salient for me whenever I am wondering what action to take or what to do next. It guides me to pause and think about where I want to go.
Ideas are fleeting. Write them down. You never know when you might use them.