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THE BEAT

December 20, 2024

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FEATURING Roland Allen This month, I chatted with Roland Allen, author of The Notebook: A History of Thinking on Paper, about the psychological, historical, and even philosophical power of the blank page. Read his interview here. Explore the Power of the Notebook

A New Year, A Blank Page:
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The Timeless Power of the Notebook

As 2025 approaches, many of us are reflecting on what we want for the new year.

In this intention-setting process, it’s easy to get swept up in the latest fitness craze or download a promising productivity app to transform your workflow. I once wasted several hours researching productivity apps.

But what if a simple, centuries-old tool could unlock your imagination, streamline everyday tasks, and leave a lasting impact on your creative process?

Enter: the humble notebook.

I spoke with Roland Allen, author of The Notebook: A History of Thinking on Paper, who reveals that a single blank page is more than just a place to jot down ideas — it can help extend your mind. By recording ideas and observations, we’re not just archiving information; we’re expanding the very space in which our ideas live.

Charles Darwin, Virginia Woolf, Agatha Christie, and Leonardo da Vinci all used notebooks in uniquely productive and powerful ways, and you can too. Read more here.

In a world of sensory overload, notebooks have the quiet power to reconnect us with ourselves.

What will you write in your notebook this New Year?

Your Mind on the Page “Psychologically, writing or drawing helps you think—it’s almost measurable. Historically, people accomplished amazing things using notebooks. Then there’s a philosophical angle: one influential theory suggests your notebook is effectively part of your mind. There’s no clear boundary between what’s in your head and what’s on the page.” —Roland Allen

​ ​ Explore the notebook on The Beat

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Monthly Practice: Your Gentle Companion

This month, let’s use our notebook as a gentle companion for the year ahead. Instead of fixating on big resolutions, start with small notes capturing daily life.

Step 1: Choose your Notebook

If you’re anything like me, shopping for stationery is a glorious process. Enjoy it! But if you’re less than impressed by the paper goods section, just find a notebook — lined, unlined, or dotted — that works for you.

Step 2: Face the Blank Page

Now that you have your notebook, it’s time to embrace the blank page. (I’ll admit, it can be a bit intimidating at first). Instead of setting lofty page goals, start with writing a single idea or observation. And remember - there’s no right way to journal.

Step 3: Reflect and Revisit

Over days and weeks, return to your notebook. You might do this daily, with a practice like morning pages, or whenever the inspiration strikes. But taking a moment to reflect on where you’ve been might help you clarify the road ahead.

A Personal Tip:

I use the Bullet Journal method. It's worked for me for years. I like it because I can craft any notebook to fit my needs, and I always identify different topics with an index at the front so my pages are easy to find. Here's a quick article explaining how to make your own. I like Leuchtturm dotted softcover notebooks in size B5 (7 x 10 in), but everyone has their preferences. Send me a note if you want to talk about journaling!

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Storybeat Updates

More Workshops in 2025 Our recent "Networking for Introverts - 90s Nostalgia Edition" workshop was a hit! Participants used their beloved ’90s items as conversation starters to forge real, authentic connections. If you missed out on the workshop, no worries! We’re planning a February event where we’ll use everyday objects about love, heartbreak, and crushes from yesteryear to spark meaningful conversation. Stay tuned for details. ​

Listen to Object Diaries Object Diaries is live on Apple and Spotify! Give us a listen and a written review. It means a lot. ​

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