Note To Self by Brian E. Niskala: Summary & Key Takeaways

Name: Note To Self
ISBN: 9781475215441

Core Idea

Brian E. Niskala's "Note To Self" is a concise, motivational guide that encourages readers to take responsibility for their own happiness and success by cultivating a positive mindset and actively pursuing their goals. The book emphasizes the power of self-talk, the importance of learning from past experiences without dwelling on them, and the necessity of proactive decision-making. It serves as a personal pep talk, urging individuals to stop making excuses and start creating the life they desire through intentional thought and action. The central argument posits that true fulfillment comes from within and is a direct result of one's attitude and choices. Niskala advocates for a shift from a reactive to a proactive stance, where individuals consciously choose to embrace challenges, maintain optimism, and continuously strive for self-improvement. The book suggests that by consistently applying its principles, readers can overcome obstacles, achieve personal growth, and ultimately lead more satisfying lives.

Difficulty: Easy

Key Takeaways from Note To Self

The Art of Selective Open-Mindedness

Balancing receptiveness with a pragmatic filter for 'stupid ideas.'

Niskala presents a core idea: open-mindedness is good, but it has limits. He suggests listening carefully but knowing when to stop engaging with an idea that seems 'stupid.' This isn't about being arrogant; it's a practical way to stay focused and productive, especially for managers. The book, a collection of thoughts, suggests that because our mental energy is limited, we need to filter out unhelpful or illogical input. This allows us to focus on valuable ideas and save mental energy.

“In conversation someone asked me if I was open-minded, I replied “Yes, but not to the extent of listening to stupid ideas.””

In the book: The author's opening anecdote about his response to being asked about open-mindedness and his subsequent managerial strategy of 'listening with one ear' until an idea becomes 'stupid.'

Try this: Cultivate a 'smart filter' in professional and personal interactions. Practice active listening with an internal assessment, and learn to politely disengage or redirect conversations that are clearly unproductive or based on flawed premises. This prevents emotional drain and allows focus on constructive dialogue.

Humor as a Personal Outlet

Using wit as a coping mechanism and a means of expression.

The book, a collection of Niskala's notable thoughts, shows that humor is a big part of how he expresses himself. Even if his wife doesn't always appreciate it as much, he sees his thoughts as 'humorous and witty.' This suggests that creating and writing down these observations serves a personal purpose for him. It's a way for him to understand the world, find humor in daily life, and perhaps deal with the 'less than intelligible people' he met as a manager. This highlights that humor can be personally valuable even without external approval.

“I find most to be humorous and witty. My wife just finds them mildly funny if at all tolerable.”

In the book: His self-description of his thoughts as 'humorous and witty' contrasted with his wife's less enthusiastic reception.

Try this: Identify and cultivate a personal outlet for processing thoughts and emotions, even if it's not universally appreciated. Whether it's journaling, drawing, or a specific brand of humor, having a personal space for expression can be therapeutic and help maintain perspective.

The Managerial Challenge of 'Less Than Intelligible' People

Navigating workplace interactions with varying levels of comprehension.

Niskala's honest look at his management experiences reveals a common workplace problem: dealing with coworkers or subordinates who aren't intelligent but aren't necessarily 'stupid.' This difference is important; it points to a lack of critical thinking or understanding rather than a complete absence of intellect. His method of 'listening with one ear' and disengaging when ideas became 'stupid' was a way to stay 'tolerable' and effective. This idea is especially useful for managers, as it recognizes the emotional toll of such interactions and offers a direct coping strategy.

“As a manager, I often dealt with less than intelligible people. Most often times these people where far from intelligent, but not necessarily stupid.”

In the book: His direct statement about dealing with 'less than intelligible people' as a manager and his subsequent description of his listening strategy.

Try this: Managers should develop strategies for handling interactions with varying intellectual capacities. This could involve setting clear boundaries, simplifying communication, providing structured feedback, or knowing when to delegate tasks that align with individual strengths rather than forcing engagement on complex issues. Empathy, combined with practical limits, is key.

The Subjectivity of 'Stupid Ideas'

What constitutes a 'stupid idea' is often in the eye of the beholder.

Niskala's system relies on his personal decision that an idea is 'stupid.' This shows how subjective evaluating ideas can be, especially in real-time conversations. While his filter works for him, it's important to remember that what one person calls 'stupid' might just be undeveloped, unusual, or misunderstood by another. The book doesn't explain his criteria for the 'stupid' label; it seems to be an intuitive, personal judgment. This suggests that while his method helps with personal tolerance, it might risk dismissing potentially valuable, though poorly expressed, ideas in a team setting.

“as soon as I deemed it getting “stupid” I stopped listening”

In the book: The phrase 'as soon as I deemed it getting “stupid”' directly indicates a personal, subjective judgment.

Try this: Before dismissing an idea as 'stupid,' consider if it's truly nonsensical or merely poorly presented, or if it challenges your own assumptions. Develop a conscious checklist for evaluating ideas: Is it illogical? Is it based on false premises? Is it merely unconventional? This can help refine one's own 'stupid idea' filter.

Self-Preservation Through Disengagement

Protecting mental well-being by limiting exposure to unproductive input.

The author's admission that his selective listening 'helped me stay more tolerable to the people around me' offers a strong insight into the need for self-preservation in mentally demanding situations. Instead of getting frustrated or becoming impatient, Niskala chose an internal coping method. This suggests that keeping one's emotional balance is most important, even if it means mentally tuning out of some conversations. This is a practical, though perhaps cynical, way to handle interpersonal dynamics, putting personal peace above fully engaging with every idea.

“this helped me stay more tolerable to the people around me”

In the book: His explicit statement that his listening strategy 'helped me stay more tolerable to the people around me.'

Try this: Recognize when engaging with certain inputs or individuals is detrimental to your mental well-being. Develop strategies for polite disengagement or setting boundaries, whether it's mentally filtering, redirecting the conversation, or physically excusing yourself. Prioritize your mental health to avoid burnout and maintain positive relationships.

The Value of Personal Reflection (Even if Unfiltered)

The act of recording thoughts, regardless of their perceived profundity.

The book, a collection of personal thoughts, Facebook posts, and private reflections, shows the value of writing down one's thoughts. Niskala filters what he shares as 'noteworthy,' but the fact that the collection exists suggests he regularly observes and documents. This highlights that personal reflection, whether for others or just for oneself, helps with self-understanding, memory, and creative expression. The informal nature of the collection reinforces that such reflection doesn't need to be perfect or deep to be meaningful to the individual.

“This is a collection of my thoughts over the years, well the ones I felt note worthy anyhow.”

In the book: The book's nature as a 'collection of my thoughts over the years,' including 'Facebook posts, others private or not so private thought moments.'

Try this: Start a personal practice of recording your thoughts, observations, or ideas, even if it's just a few notes a day. This could be a journal, a digital document, or a voice memo. The goal is not perfection, but consistent reflection to gain clarity, track personal growth, and preserve memories.

The Disconnect Between Self-Perception and External Perception

How others perceive our humor or insights often differs from our own view.

This charming, self-deprecating admission is perhaps the book's best insight into human nature. Niskala humorously acknowledges the difference between how he sees himself ('I find most to be humorous and witty') and how his wife sees him. This gap is a common experience, especially with humor, which is very subjective. It's a valuable reminder that our inner world, our intentions, and our self-assessments are not always reflected in how others perceive us. This insight encourages humility and self-awareness about how we present ourselves versus how we are received.

“My wife just finds them mildly funny if at all tolerable. She reminds me often that I am not as funny as I think I am.”

In the book: The direct quote about his wife's reaction to his humor and her frequent reminders.

Try this: Cultivate self-awareness by actively seeking feedback (when appropriate) and observing reactions to your communication style, especially humor. Don't take differing perceptions personally, but use them as data points to understand how you are received. This can help you adjust your communication for different audiences.

The Brevity and Accessibility of Thought Collections

Short, digestible insights can offer value without demanding extensive commitment.

The book's short length (81 pages) and its structure as a 'short collection of moments and stories' highlight the appeal of easy-to-read content. In a world with too much information, a book that doesn't require a lot of time can still offer useful ideas or simply provide amusement. This approach makes the author's thoughts accessible and less daunting than a dense philosophical work. It suggests that deep or amusing observations don't always need long explanations; sometimes, a concise thought is enough to resonate.

“I hope you enjoy this short collection of moments and stories.”

In the book: The author's description of his book as a 'short collection' and its actual page count.

Try this: When trying to communicate ideas, consider the power of brevity. Focus on delivering key messages concisely rather than over-explaining. For personal learning, seek out short-form content or break down larger works into smaller, manageable chunks to improve comprehension and reduce overwhelm.

The 'Not Listening' Defense Mechanism

A humorous, yet effective, strategy for maintaining composure.

Niskala's vivid, almost cartoonish, description of his internal reaction to 'stupid' ideas — 'just short of sticking fingers in my ears and going “la la la la la not listening!”' — humorously illustrates a common, though unspoken, defense mechanism. While he doesn't physically do this, the mental image perfectly captures the desire to block out overwhelming or illogical input. This extreme comparison highlights the emotional burden that unproductive conversations can place on a person and shows the lengths one might go to internally protect their peace. It's a relatable moment that humanizes the challenges of management.

“just short of sticking fingers in my ears and going “la la la la la not listening!””

In the book: The specific, humorous description of his internal 'la la la' reaction.

Try this: Recognize when you're feeling overwhelmed or frustrated by unproductive conversations and acknowledge the urge to disengage. While not advocating for literal 'la la la' behavior, develop healthier, more professional ways to mentally or physically distance yourself from such situations, such as taking a brief break or politely redirecting the conversation.

Embracing Imperfection in Published Works

A collection of raw thoughts can still offer value and connection.

The book's unpolished nature – a collection of Facebook posts and private thoughts – challenges the idea that published works must be perfectly structured, well-researched, or universally profound. Niskala offers his thoughts as they are, acknowledging their informal origin. This approach makes authorship more accessible and suggests that authentic, raw observations can be as valuable, if not more so, than highly refined academic texts. It invites readers to connect through shared human experiences and reflections, even when presented in an imperfect, conversational style. This is the book's most understated but powerful message about authenticity.

“Either way, I hope you enjoy this short collection of moments and stories.”

In the book: The introduction explicitly states the book's origin as Facebook posts and private thoughts, and the author's simple hope that readers 'enjoy' it.

Try this: Don't let the pursuit of perfection hinder your creative or expressive endeavors. Embrace the value of sharing authentic, even if imperfect, thoughts and experiences. Focus on genuine connection and impact rather than flawless execution, especially in personal projects or informal communication.

Quiz

10 questions on the main ideas. Each answer comes with a short explanation.

Question 1
What is the primary source of the thoughts compiled in Brian E. Niskala's book 'Note To Self'?
1. Journal entries
2. Emails to friends
3. Facebook posts and personal thought moments
4. Transcripts of speeches
Show answer
C. Facebook posts and personal thought moments The author explicitly states, 'Most are Facebook posts, others private or not so private thought moments.'
Question 2
How does the author's wife generally perceive his sense of humor?
1. Hilarious and brilliant
2. Mildly funny to barely tolerable
3. She finds him very funny, but doesn't always show it
4. She finds him funnier than he thinks he is
Show answer
B. Mildly funny to barely tolerable The author mentions, 'My wife just finds them mildly funny if at all tolerable. She reminds me often that I am not as funny as I think I am.'
Question 3
What is the author's initial response when asked if he is open-minded?
1. Yes, I am open to all ideas.
2. Yes, but not to the point of considering foolish suggestions.
3. No, I prefer to stick to my own opinions.
4. It depends on the topic being discussed.
Show answer
B. Yes, but not to the point of considering foolish suggestions. The author states, 'In conversation someone asked me if I was open- minded, I replied “Yes, but not to the extent of listening to stupid ideas.”'
Question 4
According to the text, what was the author's strategy when dealing with 'less than intelligible people' as a manager?
1. To patiently listen to every word they said.
2. To immediately dismiss them as unintelligent.
3. To listen until the conversation became 'stupid,' then stop listening.
4. To ask clarifying questions to ensure understanding.
Show answer
C. To listen until the conversation became 'stupid,' then stop listening. The author describes his approach as, 'listening with one ear and as soon as I deemed it getting “stupid” I stopped listening.'
Question 5
The author's anecdote about listening with 'one ear' and stopping when an idea is 'stupid' suggests a management style that is:
1. Highly empathetic and patient
2. Efficient but potentially dismissive
3. Collaborative and inclusive
4. Focused on deep analysis and problem-solving
Show answer
B. Efficient but potentially dismissive The description of stopping listening when an idea is deemed 'stupid' implies an efficient approach that might overlook valuable input or alienate individuals.
Question 6
What does the author imply by saying his strategy helped him 'stay more tolerable to the people around me, present company reading this excluded of course'?
1. He was always tolerable to everyone, including readers.
2. His strategy made him more pleasant to deal with in a professional setting, but he acknowledges readers might find his writing less so.
3. He was not tolerable to people around him, but he didn't care.
4. The 'present company' refers to his wife, who found him intolerable.
Show answer
B. His strategy made him more pleasant to deal with in a professional setting, but he acknowledges readers might find his writing less so. The phrase 'present company reading this excluded of course' is a humorous aside, suggesting that while his management strategy made him more tolerable to colleagues, the readers of his book (the 'present company') might have a different experience with his thoughts.
Question 7
The author's self-assessment of his thoughts as 'humorous and witty' versus his wife's perception of them as 'mildly funny if at all tolerable' highlights a potential:
1. Generational gap in humor
2. Subjectivity of humor and personal taste
3. Lack of editing in the book
4. Misunderstanding of the author's intended audience
Show answer
B. Subjectivity of humor and personal taste This contrast directly illustrates how humor is perceived differently by different individuals, emphasizing the subjective nature of what is considered funny.
Question 8
The phrase 'well the ones I felt note worthy anyhow' suggests that the author:
1. Is a meticulous record-keeper of all his thoughts.
2. Believes all his thoughts are important and worth sharing.
3. Has a selective process for what he includes in his collection.
4. Was pressured to publish his thoughts.
Show answer
C. Has a selective process for what he includes in his collection. The qualifier 'note worthy anyhow' indicates that the author chose which thoughts to include, implying a selection process rather than a comprehensive recording.
Question 9
Considering the author's management approach, which of the following scenarios would he most likely find 'stupid'?
1. An employee presenting a well-researched proposal with a minor flaw.
2. A colleague asking for clarification on a complex procedure.
3. A subordinate proposing an idea that is illogical and lacks any supporting evidence.
4. A team member suggesting a minor improvement to an existing process.
Show answer
C. A subordinate proposing an idea that is illogical and lacks any supporting evidence. The author's definition of 'stupid' in the context of listening implies ideas that are unintelligible, illogical, or lack merit, as opposed to simple mistakes or requests for understanding.
Question 10
The author's self-deprecating humor regarding his wife's opinion of his jokes and his management style suggests he is attempting to:
1. Concede that his wife is always right about his humor.
2. Demonstrate humility and self-awareness, while still maintaining his witty persona.
3. Completely undermine his own credibility as an author.
4. Alienate readers by admitting his flaws upfront.
Show answer
B. Demonstrate humility and self-awareness, while still maintaining his witty persona. By acknowledging his wife's less-than-enthusiastic reaction and his own selective listening, the author shows a degree of self-awareness and humility, which can endear him to readers, while still preserving his intended witty tone.

Note To Self FAQ

What is 'Note To Self' by Brian E. Niskala about?

'Note To Self' is a collection of thoughts, reflections, and stories, primarily drawn from Brian E. Niskala's personal writings like Facebook posts and private musings. The author aims for a humorous and witty tone, sharing his observations on life, management, and human interaction.

What kind of tone does the book 'Note To Self' have?

The book is intended to be humorous and witty, reflecting the author's personal style of thought and expression. While the author believes his writing is funny, he humorously notes his wife's more reserved, albeit tolerant, reaction to his jokes.

Who is the intended audience for 'Note To Self'?

The book appears to be for a general audience interested in personal reflections and lighthearted observations. It might particularly resonate with those who appreciate witty commentary on everyday life and workplace dynamics.

What does Brian E. Niskala mean by his quote about not listening to 'stupid ideas'?

The quote suggests a selective approach to listening, where the author stops engaging with ideas he perceives as unintelligent or nonsensical. He likens this to a manager's approach, aiming to remain composed and focused by disengaging from unproductive conversations.

Does 'Note To Self' offer practical advice?

While the book contains reflections on management and interpersonal interactions, it's primarily a collection of personal thoughts rather than a structured guide. The 'practical' aspects are more in the form of relatable anecdotes and observations than direct advice.

Is 'Note To Self' a self-help book?

No, 'Note To Self' is not a self-help book. It's a compilation of personal thoughts and humorous anecdotes, offering a glimpse into the author's perspective rather than providing prescriptive guidance.

What inspired Brian E. Niskala to write 'Note To Self'?

The book originated from the author's habit of documenting his thoughts over the years, many of which were shared on platforms like Facebook. He decided to compile these 'noteworthy' moments into a short collection for readers to enjoy.

What is the author's perspective on dealing with people he considers less intelligent?

The author describes a strategy of listening selectively, disengaging when he perceives a conversation becoming 'stupid.' This approach, he believes, helps him remain more tolerable to others in professional and personal settings.

About the author

Brian E. Niskala

Brian E. Niskala is a non-fiction author known for his book "Note To Self." His writing often explores themes of personal growth and self-reflection, offering readers practical insights and guidance. Niskala's work is characterized by its accessible style and relatable approach to complex life topics.

Similar books

Atomic Habits: An Easy & Proven Way to Build Good Habits & Break Bad Ones
James Clear
4.3 (126k) average on GoodreadsBusiness
While "Note To Self" offers general advice, "Atomic Habits" provides a highly structured and actionable framework for self-improvement. Niskala's book tells you 'what' to do (e.g., 'be consistent'), but Clear's book meticulously explains 'how' to do it with practical strategies, scientific backing, and clear examples. "Atomic Habits" is far more prescriptive and effective for behavioral change, whereas "Note To Self" is more reflective and inspirational.
The Diary of a Young Girl
Anne Frank
4.2 (2.7M) average on GoodreadsBiography
During the Nazi occupation, a teenage girl's diary, written from a secret annex, shares observations on humanity, hope, and the wait for freedom.
Twisted 1. Twisted love
Ana Huang
3.7 (1.7M) average on Goodreads
A quiet billionaire with a difficult past finds his guarded heart opening to the woman he must protect, but their growing passion uncovers dangerous secrets and a shared, traumatic history.
Eat, Pray, Love
Elizabeth Gilbert
3.6 (1.5M) average on GoodreadsLifestyle
A heartbroken writer leaves her conventional life for a year-long global search for pleasure in Italy, spiritual devotion in India, and unexpected love and balance in Bali.
Night
Elie Wiesel
4.3 (970k) average on GoodreadsBiography
In the darkness of Auschwitz and Buchenwald, a teenage Elie Wiesel faces the extermination of his family, the loss of his faith, and the lasting scars of humanity's deepest cruelty.
Steve Jobs
Walter Isaacson
4.1 (957k) average on GoodreadsBusiness
Steve Jobs was a visionary who fused creativity and technology to revolutionize six industries and shape our digital world.

Enjoyed the summary?

A summary gives you the shape of the book. The book itself has the detail, the examples and the voice.

Find Note To Self on Amazon

As an Amazon Associate, BookBrief earns from qualifying purchases. How we're funded