I loved this question: “… my problem is that I seem to have notebooks and tablets of paper with notes and lists and all kinds of things EVERYWHERE. Then, I get overwhelmed by the AMOUNT of notebooks and 3-ring binders, etc. that I use to keep track of everything from lists, journaling prompts, sketches, ideas, my writing notes, etc. etc. Any advice?!?!”

Yes! Here’s some advice.

I like to keep little notebooks like the one in the previous post in various places around my house to capture ideas, thoughts and to-dos. The idea is simply to get the info out of my head and onto paper (so I don’t have to keep thinking it or remembering it.) But this is a temporary holding spot for the idea. I then need to go around and collect the notes from the various temporary holding spots (primarily notebooks in my bedroom, office and kitchen … come to think of it I should put one in the bathroom for all my great shower-time inspiration. Do they make waterproof notebooks?) Then, I get the notes and put them where they belong “permanently.” Scrapbook page ideas in a folder called “scrapbook page ideas”. Things to pick up at the store in my circa notebook under “errands.” Ideas to blog about in a folder called “blog.” Article ideas in a folder called (you guessed it) “article ideas.” To dos go on a “next actions” list in my circa. New projects go on my master project list. And so on.

So the notebooks serve as temporary, unsorted places to capture ideas until they can be sorted and put into the permanent system — like the folders in my office or lists in my circa notebook (which I use like a planner.) So I think the big trick is to differentiate between notebooks designed to capture info and those designed to house the information permanently or at least until you’re ready to use it.

Does this help?