I just created a 3″x5″ index card template to take my notes on. Although the template is nothing fancy, it something special because it was created with purpose.

Structure Brings Focus

Before I created my notes template, I was using a blank note card to record my notes. Using a blank note card allowed for flexibility, but could easily descend into chaos. I felt unorganized. A template restricts options and gives purpose, allowing you to focus.

Part of my productivity plan includes me increasing the order of my external environment. As the environment increases in stability, less problems spontaneously emerge. I am allowed to focus on the things that I really care about, rather than on random problems distracting me. Putting structure into my note card increases the order of my system, allowing me to focus.

I recognize that the use of a template makes me more rigid in the way I approach tasks. If I lose my template, I may also lose some ability to maintain my level of productivity. Some may avoid clinging to structure to maintain “agility”. Avoiding structure discourages discipline, which ultimately discourages productivity through inconsistent results.

Active vs. Passive Consumption

Another thing that I have been trying is choosing to do things (active consumption), rather than doing things because they are there to do (passive consumption). Passive consumption makes you a byproduct of your environment, because you do whatever it gives you. Active consumption makes your environment a byproduct of your actions, because you control what gets done.

Using a blank note card to take my notes is passive consumption, where I used it because it was there to be used. The medium did not matter and could be any type of writing surface (I sometimes even used old receipts I had in my pocket). On the other hand, using a predefined template allows me to take notes on something purposed for taking notes. This gives meaning to the medium and a reason for doing.

Giving Things Purpose

Where there is a reason, there is meaning. Giving things purpose justify their existence, which motivates you to use them. In order to become more productive, you first must have a reason to do so. If not, then your system will quickly fall apart because you have no reason to hold it together.