Brent P. Newhall's Blog

Self-improvement – Feb 2007

This is Brent P. Newhall's blog, where I write about my never-ending quest for knowledge and cool experiences. You're looking at self-improvement posts.

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18 Feb 07 – 18 Feb 07

I like to keep my lists and reminders in a little pack of index cards in one pocket. Every time I whip out my cards, I get a smirk from someone watching. Frequently, someone pulls out a PDA or celphone and shows me how they can keep their to-dos on it.

I usually just shrug, since I don't want to start an argument. But now, here are my reasons for using index cards:

• Paper has extremely high resolution: about six hundred dots per inch, compared to about one hundred for a "high-res" monitor. It supports text and graphics, and direct input. It's also full-color. Input devices are ubiquitous, standardized, and cheap.
• My data is stored in a universal format that will still be recognized fifty years from now (compared to, say, a Microsoft Word 97 file).
• It never crashes. The data is rarely corrupted (smudged), and even then has always been limited to a few words and been recoverable by context.
• It never has to be reset. It doesn't have to boot; it's always immediately on.
• It uses zero power. Its batteries never die. It never has to be recharged.
• It's almost perfectly secure. While it's in my pocket, nobody else in the world can possibly access it. If I want to securely delete the data, I burn a card and the data can't possibly be recovered by a third party.
• It can be easily backed up (using a photocopier). It can be easily archived (drop it in a file folder). It fits a wide variety of standard media.
• The display can be expanded to huge size by spreading out cards on any surface. Cards can be posted publicly on almost any surface, anywhere in the world.
• I can buy massively more storage (five hundred cards) for about three dollars.
• If I want digital storage, the data can be scanned into a computer in about ten seconds using a $70 off-the-shelf scanner.

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10 Feb 07 – 10 Feb 07

For the past few days, I've been experimenting. I've committed myself to one project, and spending all my spare time on it. I've taken breaks, of course, but I've kept at it. I wanted to feel that long, unrelenting push to completion.

So today, I completed a twenty-two panel, nine-page graphic novel. I sketched the last page on Thursday, so in two days I inked, scanned, and assembled twenty-two drawings. I plan to post it all here, one panel at a time, starting Monday.

It feels great.

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9 Feb 07 – 9 Feb 07

From my sixth grade creative writing textbook:

1. Awareness — A creative person notices things that others overlook or are not even interested in. He also tries to see below the surface or the outside appearance of things.
2. Imagination — A creative person is able to look at simple things from different points of view and find enjoyment and appreciation in them.
3. Wonder — A creative person wonders about new and better ways to do things or to express himself. To a creative person, a problem becomes an opportunity to show his creativity.
4. Courage — A creative person is not discouraged when other people think that his ideas are silly. He believes in what he is doing.
5. Dedication — A creative person is willing to work—and rework—until he achieves his best. He is always jotting down words and ideas that he can use later.
6. Enthusiasm — A creative person is high-spirited. He is enthusiastic about the works and successes of others, and he is eager to improve and to help others improve. He enjoys life and is eager to share his enjoyment.

That's really good advice.

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8 Feb 07 – 8 Feb 07

Random self-improvement suggestions:

• Once a week, cook a big meal that'll provide enough leftovers to last a few days. Chili, soup, and stew are easy.
• Explore a unique interest of yours.
• Exercise three times a week for twenty minutes.
• When next you shop for groceries, avoid the chips aisle and instead buy cheese, vegetables that you like, and a favorite salad dressing. Don't even bother making a salad; eat 'em raw.
• Drive to the nearest park and wander around. Explore a part you've never walked through before.
• Go to the nearest Goodwill or Salvation Army store, and buy a used bread machine for about $15. Make bread twice a week.
• Remove all cash, credit cards, and checks from your purse or wallet, drive to your favorite shopping location, and window shop for at least two hours. Keep a running tally of all the things you're not buying.
• Put a book on your dining room table. When you're done with dinner, read for at least ten minutes.
• Spend at least twenty minutes eating dinner (not preparing it; eating it). Judge the flavor and consistency of the food.

Note: Pick no more than three of the above suggestions to attempt in any given week. Also note: I don't do all of the above. But I wish I did.

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5 Feb 07 – 5 Feb 07

I carry several index cards in my pocket, on which I write reminders to myself. At the end of the day, if I've written something on a card, I drop that card in my paper inbox to later process onto an appropriate list.

Today's card, for example:

This system works well for me. I can capture any idea, anywhere.

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