The Right Tool for the Job :: Delight the TOOL!!

I am so NOT a linear person. Flat lists of things TO DO bore me, but I find them so necessary in order to be productive. I wish there were a way that “kitchen reno,” when written on a piece of paper, could really represent what it is in comparison to “wash car.” Some things are certainly more *tasky* while others are major projects … so when I am listing out the *things to do* along with the more project-oriented stuff, it’s always better if I actually enJOY the creative process, pen to paper, of organizing the “work” … (for me, the right pen, is the right tool for the job) … When it looks aesthetically pleasing as I go, my “work” actually becomes appealing and it’s like I am engaging with this awesome colorful, dynamic charter.

my “dynamic charters”…

Several years ago, I attended a seminar where they provide the COOLest pens. They were felt, extremely fine tip, and writing with them a pleasure. The pleasure of the pen to paper actually increased my note-taking…

…So in addition to not being linear, I guess safe to say I AM tactile. My sister had attended the same seminar AND shared the same feeling about these pens, so she and I were on the hunt looking for similar pens online and at Staples’ everywhere. Sharpie sold a multi-color pack of fine tip pens in 2009, but there was a draw back in that the ink bled through the other other side of the page, and both my sister and I like writing on both sides!! Finally, about 2-3 years ago, Sharpie got it just right when they developed a pen that did NOT bleed through, but had an even finer tip, and was now available in even MORE colors!!

I love “working” with these pens. When I use them, my lists are no longer flat (and linear) – they take on dimension as it seems my color choice says something about what I am writing (totally subconscious) but I seem to know what color is more right when making certain notes.

I know not all respond to color and the “feel” of pen to paper the way I do, but I am convinced that we all have the experience of using the right tool for the “job” – the tool that makes work (or play) more enjoyable, and more efficient; dare I say, tools that make work = joy?! I am all over that! And I swear I notice, when someone is at my desk and happens to glance my “lists,” he or she smiles a little to see my color-coded notes…

I delight in many tools, some more than others, and have listed a few: