Inspired action requires inspiration, but what is inspiration and where does it come from? Inspiration is the process of being mentally stimulated to do or feel something, especially to do something creative.

Inspiration comes as a sudden brilliant, creative, or timely idea. It’s a prompting, a personal insight of revelation, an inner-insight into our purpose.

Inspiration comes from the Latin inspirare and it refers to “divine guidance,” and denotes “immediate influence of God.”

But inspiration is only the first step to great results. We must follow-up our inspiration with action, and this is what inspired action is all about.

Inspired action is the intentional execution of steps toward your vision. Taking inspired action means purposely moving in the direction of your BOLD goals and dreams.

Now that we’ve got these concepts down, I’m going to teach you how to take effective notes that inspire action.

Taking notes may sound old-fashioned to some, but it truly makes a difference:

“Write the vision, and make it plain upon tables, that he may run that readeth it.” Habakkuk 2:2 KJV

We are all blessed to have access to the Source of all ideas – all we have to do is get still. However, not all of us run with them. In fact, you may even have had the experience that someone else ran with your idea, but ideas belong to the one who executes them.

Taking notes is an important aspect of “writing the vision.” Of course, we love instant gratification and we would love to have a blueprint of our vision, with all details, measurements, and plans… but that’s not how God works.

Inspiration, personal revelation, and Divine Guidance comes to us bit by bit, inch by inch, line upon line, and we must collect each piece of the puzzle until it all starts to come together.

As a mompreneur, you are lifelong learner: you hire coaches, you go to conferences, you read books, and that leads to an increase of knowledge and a flood of inspiration. Have you ever felt overwhelmed to the point of inertia? That’s where taking good notes can help.

How To Take Effective Notes That Inspire Action

As a mom of three, homeschool educator, and mompreneur, I am all for habits that will help me manage my energy and my time effectively.

I recently added the title “college student” to everything I juggle, and it’s even more evident to me how fast memory fades and how taking great notes is an essential key to success.

Research from UTA on memory has shown that, without review, 47% of what we learn is forgotten within the first twenty minutes and 62% is forgotten after the first day!

To take effective notes that inspire action, we must:

Have a notebook designated for ideas, inspiration, and and note-taking and keep it handy.

Designate one page per topic or section and label it at the top so you can easily find them when you are looking for them.

Write your inspiration on one side of the page and the to-do’s you must follow up on on the other. 

Leave room for additional inspiration and guidance that may show up as you review your notes.

Review your notes within 24 hours and add your additional insights or clarifying comments on a different colored pen.

I recommend using the Cornell Note-Taking Method to organize your thoughts when taking notes at an event, during a coaching session, or while you are engaged in any learning process.

The Cornell Note-Taking Method

The Cornell Note-Taking technique has been proven to be the most efficient system for taking, organizing and reviewing notes. The Cornell Note-Taking method was created by Prof. Walter Pauk of Cornell University in the 1950’s.

To take Cornell notes, divide your page into 3 different sections: one narrow column on the left, one wider column on the right, and one wide row at the bottom of the page.

Note-taking Column:

The wide column area on the right of your page is your main note-taking column; where you record your regular notes from the meeting.

Cue Column:  

The narrow left area of your page is called your cue column and it’s where you reduce your notes to questions, clarifying key words and key points that will help you quickly know exactly what the notes on the opposite column are about.

Summary

Your summary will be located at the bottom of the page and it’s the section where you reflect on your findings and use your own words to help you ponder on what you have learned and how you can apply it. 

Cornell Note-Taking Method ~ Free Printable

Here’s a free printable you can use to get started taking Cornell Notes now. It always seems intimidating to try something new, but the more you do it, the better you will get at it, I promise! As usual, this printable is for personal use only!

Reviewing Your Notes

Writing down your notes and using the Cornell Note-Taking Method will help you retain and understand new information and inspiration, and to create a solid foundation for implementation.

However, you must also set aside quiet time to continuously review your notes so you can be open to receive further guidance and action steps along the way.

When it comes to information, ideas, and inspiration, less is more. Taking inspired action in the right direction can dramatically transform the course of your life and your business.

As you take the time to ponder, “to think about (something) carefully, before making a decision or reaching a conclusion,” you will gain the clarity, the confidence, and the courage to pursue the dream that already has your name on it.

I know it may sound crazy, especially in this season of my life, when I say I am not busy, but there’s a distinction between business and busyness. As I’ve learned to listen more and to act on purpose, I know I’m “about my Father’s business” and I trust that my actions will bring forth miraculous results.

How do you take notes effectively? Share what inspires you to action below! 

[ela]