Write Things Down

There is a lot of “Everyday Carry” bullshit on the Internet. A loosely connected group of people who have put a lot of thought about what they fit into their pockets and bags. Most of these people are prepared for too many situations. Situations that they most likely will never run into. I think that’s a problem. I know it’s been a problem for me. A problem I’m getting better at. I don’t carry a letherman anymore or most of the things I carried a year ago.

I think the problem comes from fear, since most problems do. If you don’t see the problem in carrying a knife and lock pick kit everyday then you probably don’t see the problem in spending three hours coming up with a backup system for your files annually. Always fine tuning it. It might seem like a sensible thing to do to you. Still not seeing the problem?

What are you backing up?

What are you using that multi-tool for?

Probably not much of anything.

Coping with that worried feeling by over preparing is a waste of time and creative energy.

Time, we all know, is limited. No next second is promised. Think about that the next time you’re tightening your belt to hold your everyday carry load. Think about it the next time your reorganizing your tasks that never get done.

This is not saying empty your pockets and go out into the world with nothing. This isn’t another cry for minimalism. This is a helpful reminder that you’re going to die. This is a helpful reminder that you’re going to die with things undone. Everyone dies with a to do list. This is a helpful reminder that a multi-tool doesn’t make you a man. A reminder that having a system is a great thing, only if you use the system.

What is my system? What do I do? What’s in my pockets? What kind of pen do I use to write things down in my Field Notes Brand notebooks? Something, something, OmniFocus. Write. Keys, wallet, Space Pen, etc… The one that works for me the best.