For my entire life, or at least as long as I can remember, I have used a “black book.”  Over the years they have changed off and on in terms of binding, whether or not they have lines, and which brand – but, generally, they have all been a form of what is known as a “sketch book.”

In a day when people use smart phones, think pads, and every other techy-gadget out there, why would I still recommend using a “black book?”  Here are the reasons that I use one, and I will include some pictures to give you examples.  I am sure some these things I am sharing as what I LOVE about a sketch book are possible with some form of technology . . . but don’t even bother telling me.  I have ordered my supply of “black books” for the remainder of my life . . .

Here are my favorite aspects of the black book:

Visual Calendar:  I love seeing 10-12 weeks at ONE GLANCE.  For me, this is very helpful.   On my phone, it’s one month at a time, in my day timers, same thing.  I love to hand scratch out a 3 month window and see what is coming . . . I often will then work on an action list from that calendar.  It seems like when I see it at a glance, there are always things that need to be done in preparation.

Box “To Do” List:  Some people like “lists” and maybe some don’t.  For me, I love a list that I can refer to, see, and specifically, check-off the box showing that it is DONE.

Notes:  Whether I am listening to a talk or preparing to give a talk, they both start with notes.  I bring my book with me to church, to every meeting, to every appointment, and as I sit in my airplane seat I stow everything but a pen and my black book.

Documentation:  I have hired a lot of staff over the last 10 years.  I don’t know the exact number, but off hand it would be well over 100.  Every person that I hire in my line of work has a different “package,” start date, salary agreement, amount of funding that has to be acquired prior to starting.  On more than one occasion I have said, “I took notes, let’s refer back to our meeting.”

Scotch Tape:  There are certain things for me, for example, a Regional Financial Summary, I will cut out and tape into the book.  I also tape in random “lists,” directions for a future meeting, an email with info I want for another meeting.  If I am going to a meeting for a golf tournament for an example, I will tape in our player list, as well as a mock budget.  It’s info I know I will want.

Reflection Time:  If I am praying, if I am writing down thoughts, reflections, or things I sense God might be nudging me on . . . it’s in the Black Book.  I have a prayer list of who I want to pray for, and I have my own “Life Plan” in the book for weekly review.

The “Chuck”:  Many, many decades ago I had a meeting with a guy named Chuck.  (Chuck Reinhold, at the time was the VP of the Eastern Division of Young Life.)  Chuck asked me a question, and as I answered he began to take notes on what I said.  It stuck with me – I want to be a note taker, and specifically, a note taker on what people say to me.  It is quite affirming when someone writes down what you say . . . so I like to do that!

There are many more ways I use my black book.  But here are the final things I love about my black book:

• I am never looking for paper
• I am never bored or don’t have something to do while waiting – anywhere. (Dr.’s, airport, appointment, restaurant, oil change)
• In the end, it serves as a diary of sorts for my life
• I can always work on something – personal or work
• The blank canvas for vision is always before me
• I look teachable and organized when I show up to a meeting
• It can go anywhere, and never has to be “off” or in “airplane mode”

Do you want one?  The first 5 people that contact me and want one, I would be happy to send one to you!  Everyone else, here is the specific book I use and where you can get one for yourself on Amazon.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1402740824/ref=olp_product_details?ie=UTF8&me=&seller=

Bless you,
Eric