To paraphrase myself, the problem with good ideas is “not in having them, of course” (that’s rather excellent) but in being beholden to them.

You could generically file this entire post under “perfectionism” and call it a day. But, for interested parties, there be layers worth peeling back here.

I’ve been obsessed with note systems of all kinds for a long time, especially analog ones.

So much so that I got into leatherworking as a hobby to experiment with different designs and configurations. And, not to brag, but I’ve made some very sexy goods.

One of the things I’ve learned with all this tinkering with analog note systems and their containers is that there’s an information sweet spot, balancing caring enough to write an idea down on something meaningful, but something not so precious to be paralyzed by 'good.'

For me, with regard to the physical medium an idea is recorded in, I find small paper formats that are nicer than a sticky note but scrappier than fancy hard bound notebook to be the chef’s kiss.

One caveat to note before venturing forth into the weeds: this isn’t really about the cost. Certainly, that’s a factor, but it’s far more about the 'mental weight' of the medium. I disrespect the crap out of sticky notes. I’m not above using one to jot a blog post idea on it, but it’s wholly utilitarian, and therefore insufficient for building ideas I care about. In contrast, a $40 A4 hard-bound Leuchtturm notebook is more an art piece than a writing instrument. I’m far too worried about whether an idea is good when staring at the blank pages of such a tool.

What we’re looking for, then, if you’re buying this shtick, is perishable, but pleasant.

For me, that looks like a pocket notebook with an endearing homemade cover. The small size and unbound pages mean I’m not fussy about perfect handwriting, stray entries to “remember to buy bread,” or getting stuck wondering if my current contemplation is worthy of a lofty page in a tidy archive.

However, given that it still is a notebook, encased in a cover I took care in designing and making, it’s substantial enough to build from and combine with other notes. Amidst the diminutive pages and scribblings about sourdough, you can still find me scheming and building cool stuff.

The Goldilocks of a point I’m making: even if you’re all in on digital notes apps: tailor your tools to foster the sweet spot of having pride in ideas, being ‘good enough’ to build on, but not so much to be precious about worrying if they’re ’good’ at the draft stage.

Because that’s a trap.

No one has good ideas at the draft stage. Almost definitionally, ideas only become good when they’re smashed together with other decent ideas within an appropriate context.

A good idea with no context is no idea at all.