It’s the start of the New Year, and many people are determined to be better than ever in 2017. For those who want to be more successful, take a leaf out of Sir Richard Branson’s book as he gives some advice on a simple action that would benefit anyone this year.
The Virgin group founder and chairman took to his blog on Jan. 1 and said that one way to transform a positive thought into a positive action is to write it down.
“Ever since I was a child I have made lists of all kinds, including short-term tasks, long-term goals and resolutions,” said Branson. “It’s how I make sense of the world, bring order to the ideas in my head, and start turning them into action.”
The 66-year-old encourages everyone to put their thoughts and ideas to paper, whether it’s an interesting idea from a friend, or notes about documentaries, articles, books, or films. He also urged people to have writing tools on hand this year.
“In 2017, get yourself a notebook, an iPad app, or a pen to write on your hand,” said Branson. “However you do it, take note: if you don’t take notes, your ideas will get lost.”
It has been said that writing things down is one habit that successful and highly motivated people have in common. Last year, Richard Branson said that despite being one of the most innovative people in the world, Microsoft founder Bill Gates is not above the humble pen and paper, and he witnessed this himself when the two shared the stage at a London event in 2016.
Branson recalled how Gates pulled out his notes which were scribbled on some crumpled paper which he carried inside his jacket pocket. The business magnate and philanthropist said that it delighted him to see the Microsoft founder smoothing down the creases of the paper to read his speech about challenges and how they inspire innovation.
Richard Branson revealed that he goes through dozens of notebooks a year. He also said that Virgin is very much a notebook culture, where people are always jotting things down and trying to learn new things along the way.
So this year, to be more productive, organized, and to keep ideas documented, try carrying a notebook. Whether it’s a fancy Moleskine pad or a standard-sized school notebook, which is Branson’s notebook of choice, the important thing is to jot things down as soon as they come to mind. It’s a good and simple habit to keep as one strives for success in 2017.
For more, check out Jobs & Hire's report on the skills that Bill Gates said a person must have in order to succeed in the future job market.
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