How to Choose Heading Topics for a Commonplace Book

word to know

commonplace book—a central archive of gathered sources for study under specified topical groupings

The process of selecting topics for my commonplace book is fairly intuitive. The choices I make come from the topics I come across in my daily life. Each topic helps manage my records while directing where I’d like to go next.

The beauty is I don’t have to be overly strategic at the start. The more I rely on my choices, though, the more I can tailor my content. Without clear labels, my notes become a little unruly. With clear labels, I can come and go from notes with a sense of organization. When my labels are functioning, they will help guide my process.

What is a worthy heading topic?

A worthy heading topic is a thread from your Everyday Living experiences—real or imaginary. My commonplace book houses musings and findings about literature, hobbies, recipes, music genres, historical eras, current events, blurbs from my influencers, and more. For a commonplace book to bring momentum to my creative work, I focus on topics that inform personal development, goal setting, and mindfulness. I am also helplessly in love with all things related to the four seasons or special holidays. My topics generally emerge from these aspects of life:

• challenges

• themes

• debates

• processes

• theories

• paradoxes

• perspectives

How do I refine my choices?

As with any space I care about, I like to tidy it up every now and then. Periodically, I revisit and revise my headings. I identify strong tones and patterns. My favorite thing to do at that point is unify all of my topics with a seasonal theme. Sometimes, I find a section that is barren, withering, or fruitless and eliminate it. Dormant topics might need revival. As my book builds, I attach some creative goals, looking toward other art or writing projects.

Final Thoughts

The key to my success seems to be staying true to the topics already at work in my life. However, when pain and low energy restrict my activities, my imaginary world yields wonderfully rich topics, as well. Keeping a commonplace book helps me gain clarity for the creative life I most want. Best wishes on your topic quest.

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Commonplace Book Topics

ambition

antiquing

collaboration

coping

courage

duality

failure

fashion

friendship

gardening

hairstyles

interior design

leadership

mythology

self image

service

study habits

sustainable living

technology

turning points

victories