# How to Start Your First Commonplace Book  ## Intro [(00:00:00)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SYGZ_kr9nHI&t=0s) - There is a significant amount of information available about commonplace books and their benefits, which may have convinced individuals to start one, but the question of how to do so remains [(00:00:14)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SYGZ_kr9nHI&t=14s). - This tutorial aims to provide a comprehensive guide on starting a [[Commonplace book | commonplace book]], covering all aspects of the process [(00:00:19)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SYGZ_kr9nHI&t=19s). - The tutorial will first cover the different types of commonplace books to help individuals determine which one is best for them [(00:00:24)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SYGZ_kr9nHI&t=24s). - It will then delve into the various components that can be included in individual entries within a commonplace book, providing guidance on structuring them for different situations [(00:00:35)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SYGZ_kr9nHI&t=35s). - By the end of the tutorial, individuals will be equipped with the necessary knowledge to start their first commonplace book [(00:00:47)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SYGZ_kr9nHI&t=47s). ## The 3 Factors to Consider [(00:00:52)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SYGZ_kr9nHI&t=52s) - When starting a [[Commonplace book | Common Place book]], there are three key factors to consider: scope, source, and size [(00:00:52)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SYGZ_kr9nHI&t=52s). - The scope factor is about determining how wide the focus of the Common Place book will be [(00:01:03)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SYGZ_kr9nHI&t=63s). - The source factor is another important consideration, although no further details are provided in this segment [(00:00:56)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SYGZ_kr9nHI&t=56s). - The size factor is also a crucial aspect to think about when starting a Common Place book, but no additional information is given in this part [(00:00:58)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SYGZ_kr9nHI&t=58s). ## Factor 1: Scope [(00:01:05)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SYGZ_kr9nHI&t=65s) - The scope of a [[Commonplace book | commonplace book]] can be either general or narrow, referring to the focus of the collection, which can be anything and everything found interesting or dedicated to a specific subject [(00:01:07)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SYGZ_kr9nHI&t=67s). - A general scope allows for a collection of various items, while a narrow scope is more specific and focused on a particular subject [(00:01:11)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SYGZ_kr9nHI&t=71s). - An example of a narrow scope is a commonplace book dedicated to learning from reading, watching, or listening, while a general scope is exemplified by a book titled "[[Random access | Random Access]] thoughts" [(00:01:21)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SYGZ_kr9nHI&t=81s). - The recommended approach for a first commonplace book is to start with a general scope, providing flexibility to experiment and identify preferred types of recordings [(00:01:37)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SYGZ_kr9nHI&t=97s). - As themes emerge and dominate mental space, it may be beneficial to create a dedicated commonplace book for that theme, such as a book focused on woodworking [(00:01:49)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SYGZ_kr9nHI&t=109s). - Creating a dedicated book for a specific theme helps keep related information organized and prevents it from getting mixed up with other topics [(00:02:01)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SYGZ_kr9nHI&t=121s). ## Factor 2: Source [(00:02:20)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SYGZ_kr9nHI&t=140s) - A [[Commonplace book | commonplace book]] can house thoughts collected from others or serve as a repository of one's own thoughts, with internal sources including personal insights or observations [(00:02:22)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SYGZ_kr9nHI&t=142s). - Internal sources can include life lessons, such as those written by [[Marcus Aurelius | Marcus Aelius]] in his [[Meditations]], and personal insights or observations that one wants to remember [(00:02:33)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SYGZ_kr9nHI&t=153s). - Examples of internal sources include quotes or phrases that resonate with one's experiences, such as "criticism is easy, creation is hard," which can serve as a reminder or inspiration [(00:02:43)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SYGZ_kr9nHI&t=163s). - Internal sources can also be ideas that come up, such as taglines or concepts for future products, which can be developed and refined over time [(00:03:19)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SYGZ_kr9nHI&t=199s). - A commonplace book is not a journal, but rather an advice log for one's future self, where one can collect and reflect on insights and ideas [(00:03:28)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SYGZ_kr9nHI&t=208s). - External sources, on the other hand, involve collecting interesting things from others, such as studies, research, or quotes from authors [(00:03:35)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SYGZ_kr9nHI&t=215s). - Examples of external sources include studies, such as one from [[Colombia]] and [[Harvard University | Harvard]] that found perseverance without passion is merely a grind, not grit [(00:03:43)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SYGZ_kr9nHI&t=223s). - External sources can also be simple things that one finds interesting on a personal level, such as a piece of advice from an author, like Octavia Butler's reminder to always carry a notebook and writing materials [(00:04:00)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SYGZ_kr9nHI&t=240s). ## Factor 3: Size [(00:04:12)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SYGZ_kr9nHI&t=252s) - The size of a [[Commonplace book | commonplace book]] significantly influences how it is used, and a bigger notebook provides more space for free and loose thinking, making it easier to write in unrefined blocks or outlines [(00:04:12)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SYGZ_kr9nHI&t=252s). - A bigger page size is conducive to wrestling through abstract thinking, as seen in the example of working through a strategy for live streaming on a channel, which was written in chunks in an A5 size notebook [(00:04:33)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SYGZ_kr9nHI&t=273s). - A bigger commonplace book is also great for working on something that will become a long-form piece, such as a script, as it provides ample space to start and develop ideas [(00:05:09)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SYGZ_kr9nHI&t=309s). - On the other hand, pocket-size notebooks are easier to take on the go and the scarcity of page space encourages selectivity about what to record, making them best for succinct thoughts that are already well-formed [(00:05:29)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SYGZ_kr9nHI&t=329s). - Smaller commonplace books are ideal for recording short, concrete thoughts, such as one-liners, quotes, and catchphrases, as seen in the example of the [[Octavia E. Butler | Octavia Butler]] quote recorded in a pocket-size notebook [(00:05:49)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SYGZ_kr9nHI&t=349s). ## The Wild Card Method [(00:06:03)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SYGZ_kr9nHI&t=363s) - The "Wild Card Method" for creating a [[Commonplace book | commonplace book]] involves adding commonplacing elements to a diary, journal, or planner, making it an all-in-one method [(00:06:12)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SYGZ_kr9nHI&t=372s). - Some people recommend against this method because it can get confusing and messy to have different types of content intermingled, but it can also be an advantage to have everything in a single place [(00:06:25)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SYGZ_kr9nHI&t=385s). - The all-in-one method is convenient, especially for minimalists who already keep a journal or planner and want to try commonplacing without committing to a separate book [(00:06:34)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SYGZ_kr9nHI&t=394s). - It's recommended to start with the all-in-one method and only consider adding a separate commonplace book if feeling limited by the all-in-one approach [(00:06:46)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SYGZ_kr9nHI&t=406s). - The all-in-one method can be useful for capturing interesting thoughts that arise while writing in a planner, as it's easier to jot them down in the same book rather than switching to a separate commonplace book [(00:07:02)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SYGZ_kr9nHI&t=422s). ## My Current Setup [(00:07:12)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SYGZ_kr9nHI&t=432s) - The current setup consists of three commonplace books: an all-in-one/planner, a smaller mostly externally focused one, and a bigger mostly internally focused one dedicated to [[YouTube]] scripts [(00:07:14)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SYGZ_kr9nHI&t=434s). - The smaller [[Commonplace book | commonplace book]] is general and used for external sources, while the bigger one is for internal reflections and YouTube scripts, but not exclusively [(00:07:21)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SYGZ_kr9nHI&t=441s). - It can be challenging to limit the scope or source of a commonplace book, especially when thoughts need to be written down quickly, so a primary scope or source is set instead of an exclusive one [(00:07:29)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SYGZ_kr9nHI&t=449s). - Having a primary scope or source allows for flexibility and helps with jotting down internal reflections or external sources as needed, even if it's not the intended focus of the book [(00:07:50)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SYGZ_kr9nHI&t=470s). - Setting a primary scope or source is more helpful than trying to be too disciplined or organized, and experimentation with different approaches is necessary to find what works best [(00:07:58)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SYGZ_kr9nHI&t=478s). - The goal is to have fun and play around with different factors to find the right setup, rather than trying to achieve a perfectly organized set of commonplace books [(00:08:18)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SYGZ_kr9nHI&t=498s). ## Components of an Entry [(00:08:23)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SYGZ_kr9nHI&t=503s) - A typical [[Commonplace book | commonplace book]] entry has six components, but only a few are required, allowing users to mix and match them according to their needs [(00:08:28)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SYGZ_kr9nHI&t=508s). - The components of a commonplace book entry will be presented as options, giving users the flexibility to choose what works best for them [(00:08:32)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SYGZ_kr9nHI&t=512s). - A sample commonplace book entry will be used as an example to illustrate the components [(00:08:41)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SYGZ_kr9nHI&t=521s). ## Component 1: Title [(00:08:43)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SYGZ_kr9nHI&t=523s) - The title of an entry in a commonplace book can be seen at the top of the page, as shown in the example "DBT's Four Pillars" [(00:08:43)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SYGZ_kr9nHI&t=523s). - A title is not always required for an entry, as some entries may be short enough to not need one, such as a two-line quote [(00:08:54)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SYGZ_kr9nHI&t=534s). - The decision to include a title is left to the user's discretion, and they should use their own judgment to determine if a title is necessary [(00:09:06)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SYGZ_kr9nHI&t=546s). ## Component 2: Body [(00:09:08)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SYGZ_kr9nHI&t=548s) - The body of the [[Commonplace book | Commonplace Book]], also referred to as the ENT, contains the main content or notes that one wants to take note of [(00:09:08)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SYGZ_kr9nHI&t=548s). - The body is considered the "meat and potatoes" of the Commonplace Book, implying it is the essential part [(00:09:13)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SYGZ_kr9nHI&t=553s). - The body follows the title, if one is included, and is where the actual note-taking or recording of information takes place [(00:09:11)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SYGZ_kr9nHI&t=551s). ## Component 3: Source [(00:09:16)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SYGZ_kr9nHI&t=556s) - When recording information from an external source, it is essential to note the source from which it came, typically written at the bottom of the page, including the title of the source and the author's name, such as the book "Outlive" by author Peter AA [(00:09:16)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SYGZ_kr9nHI&t=556s). - In addition to noting the source, it is also crucial to record the specific reference point, such as the page number and paragraph number for a book, or the timestamp for a podcast or video, allowing for easy retrieval of the original reference in the future [(00:09:32)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SYGZ_kr9nHI&t=572s). - For sources like books, the specific page number and paragraph number should be written down, such as page 401 and paragraph 2, to facilitate finding the particular reference again if needed [(00:09:36)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SYGZ_kr9nHI&t=576s). - In contrast, for sources like podcasts or videos, the timestamp should be recorded instead, such as 5 minutes and 10 seconds, to enable easy location of the quote or reference in the future [(00:09:51)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SYGZ_kr9nHI&t=591s). - When writing down a thought of one's own, it is helpful to include a reference to the project that the entry applies to, usually alongside the title, to provide context and relevance [(00:10:16)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SYGZ_kr9nHI&t=616s). - This approach allows for efficient organization and retrieval of information, making it easier to work on projects and create content, such as videos, using quotes or references from various sources [(00:10:12)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SYGZ_kr9nHI&t=612s). ## Component 4: Project [(00:10:27)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SYGZ_kr9nHI&t=627s) - A project code can be used in a [[Commonplace book | Commonplace Book]] to organize entries related to a specific project, making it easier to find relevant entries when needed [(00:10:28)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SYGZ_kr9nHI&t=628s). - Writing down the project code alongside an entry allows for easy identification of related entries when flipping through the book [(00:10:32)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SYGZ_kr9nHI&t=632s). - Using a project code is particularly helpful for creatives, as their work tends to be project-oriented [(00:10:53)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SYGZ_kr9nHI&t=653s). - A project code can be a personal shorthand for the name of a project, such as "cpbt" for the "Commonplace Book Tutorial" [(00:10:35)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SYGZ_kr9nHI&t=635s). - Entries with a project code can be easily gathered and viewed at a high level when it's time to move forward on a project [(00:10:42)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SYGZ_kr9nHI&t=642s). ## Component 5: Date [(00:11:00)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SYGZ_kr9nHI&t=660s) - Including a date in a [[Commonplace book | commonplace book]] may initially seem unimportant, but it becomes crucial when revisiting entries to understand their context within one's life story [(00:11:01)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SYGZ_kr9nHI&t=661s). - Not having a date for an entry can make it difficult to recall when a particular interest or idea emerged, resulting in lost context and a disconnection from one's personal history [(00:11:17)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SYGZ_kr9nHI&t=677s). - Failing to record the date can lead to a permanent loss of information about when certain events, interests, or ideas occurred, making it challenging to reflect on personal growth and development [(00:11:23)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SYGZ_kr9nHI&t=683s). ## Component 7: Index & Page Numbers [(00:11:27)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SYGZ_kr9nHI&t=687s) - Including an index is considered the best form of organization in a Common Place Book, which requires the use of page numbers to reference them back to in the index itself and on individual pages [(00:11:27)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SYGZ_kr9nHI&t=687s). - Page numbers are necessary for creating an index, and they should be included on individual pages for easy reference [(00:11:33)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SYGZ_kr9nHI&t=693s). - Some people consider indexing an optional feature in commonplacing, but it is highly recommended for maintaining organization [(00:11:40)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SYGZ_kr9nHI&t=700s). - Indexing can be time-consuming, especially if the book does not have pre-printed page numbers, as it may require manually numbering each page [(00:11:55)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SYGZ_kr9nHI&t=715s). - Manually numbering pages can be a significant task, as it took an entire Sunday afternoon to complete in one instance [(00:11:59)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SYGZ_kr9nHI&t=719s). ## Best Brands for Commonplace Books [(00:12:05)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SYGZ_kr9nHI&t=725s) - There are only two notebook brands that offer built-in features for commonplacing: CLA Fontaine from [[France]] and a brand from [[Germany]], with CLA Fontaine's index being called a "table of contents" and featuring page numbers in darker ink [(00:12:09)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SYGZ_kr9nHI&t=729s). - The German brand's table of contents is preferred for its design, with page numbers printed in lighter ink, and is an alternative option for commonplacing [(00:12:20)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SYGZ_kr9nHI&t=740s). - The Playbook is a planner that has commonplace features already built into it, including an index, tabbed sections, and space for planning, making it a suitable option for those who want a more structured approach [(00:12:35)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SYGZ_kr9nHI&t=755s). - Some notebooks, such as the CLA Fontaine, do not have dedicated fields for date or title, which can make it difficult to maintain the practice of commonplacing and lead to forgetfulness [(00:13:10)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SYGZ_kr9nHI&t=790s). - The lack of visual cues for components such as indexing can cause individuals to forget to keep up with the practice, as seen in the example of a CLA Fontaine notebook that was not fully indexed due to forgetfulness [(00:13:04)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SYGZ_kr9nHI&t=784s). - The importance of having dedicated fields and visual cues for commonplacing components is highlighted, as it can help individuals maintain the practice and avoid forgetfulness [(00:13:08)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SYGZ_kr9nHI&t=788s). ## coming soon: The Ponderbook [(00:13:42)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SYGZ_kr9nHI&t=822s) - The Ponderbook is a notebook designed specifically for common placing, with a cover design and inner pages tailored for this purpose [(00:13:52)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SYGZ_kr9nHI&t=832s). - The notebook will be the same size as a passport, making it easy to take on the go [(00:13:56)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SYGZ_kr9nHI&t=836s). - The inner pages will have fields for the date, project, and title, as well as space for entries and content [(00:14:00)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SYGZ_kr9nHI&t=840s). - Below the body of the entry, there will be a faint line for the source, and at the bottom of the page, there will be page numbers and a checkbox to mark if the entry has been indexed [(00:14:10)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SYGZ_kr9nHI&t=850s). - The checkbox serves as a visual reminder to index entries, helping to keep track of what has been indexed or not [(00:14:18)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SYGZ_kr9nHI&t=858s). - The notebook will have 45 pages for entries, followed by three pages for the index, which will be pre-populated with page numbers [(00:14:28)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SYGZ_kr9nHI&t=868s). - The pre-populated index is designed to save time by eliminating the need to manually create the layout [(00:14:34)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SYGZ_kr9nHI&t=874s). - The Ponderbook aims to provide a convenient and organized way to maintain a [[Commonplace book | commonplace book]], with features designed to streamline the process [(00:14:39)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SYGZ_kr9nHI&t=879s).