This is not a set-up. The attached picture is one of the many notes I jotted down a couple of weeks ago and to this day I am still attempting to figure out what the top note says. I wrote it, and it was one of those, ” I better jot this down in case I forget” moments. If you can figure out what it says, please drop me a comment.

I have been told I have the worst handwriting, and due to email and smartphones, my writing has not gotten any better. My grade school teachers are gasping in horror. I tend to take notes using a combination of printing and writing. It is a style that I have perfected over the years. However, when I am in a rush, that style is my greatest downfall. Just look at the note – what the heck is it supposed to mean?

So, this post is not only for me but all of those people who do not write notes legibly. There is no more frustration experienced than attempting to figure out what you are noting. You have no one else to blame but yourself. My advice to you and me is:

- slow down when writing notes.
- write two or three words as a trigger and expand on that note.
- take a moment after the meeting to review your notes to see if you need to clarify anything.
- take a voice memo if you are in a rush – but speak clearly.

This will save you countless minutes, hours and days attempting to figure out how important that note was, so write legibly.

Tomorrow’s post: Change by non-judgementally noticing things are not right