It’s been a while since I last posted here. Life has been busy with new priorities, pursuits, and ventures that have been taking up my time. While blogging fell off my radar for a bit, I’m planning to be much more consistent from here on out.

Today, I finished my ninth book for InfoSketches. These are my commonplace books, where I jot down notes and pair them with a visual. I use them to capture interesting quotes, new concepts, highlights from past reads, or even just random reflections.

The practice of keeping a commonplace notebook isn’t new; in fact, it started centuries ago. I wasn’t even aware of that history when I first began. It was a total “aha!” moment for me while reading The Notebook by Roland Allen.

Keeping a commonplace notebook has been an extremely positive habit. It gives me a daily creative outlet, helps sharpen my skills through consistent practice, and allows me to truly internalize what I learn. Plus, the feedback from all of you has been wonderful!

This is a practice you can start, too. I always recommend carrying a notebook with you at all times. You can simply jot down a piece of interesting information and draw a “container” around it to set it apart from your usual entries. You can even stylize those containers to give your notes a unique look.

The most important thing is simply to begin. It only takes a minimal commitment of five minutes a day.

Don’t let your best ideas evaporate into the busyness of the day. Grab a pen, find a scrap of paper or a fresh notebook, and capture your first entry right now. What’s one thing you learned today that is worth keeping forever?

Do you keep a notebook with you at all times? What other tips or best practices do you swear by? I’d love to hear from you—drop a comment below or reach out!