The PENCIL Principles.
April 16, 2012 
46 Comments
99% of the time I write my ideas down with a pen or I type them up. One day I was looking for something to write with and all I could find was a pencil. This took me back because just a few years ago a pencil was my best friend. I had no computer, smart phone and very rarely any ink pens. The intrigue of not having a pen inspired 6 success principles through the word PENCIL.
The P is for Point.
The point on a pencil represents the point of no return in your life. You can’t get a second chance to make a first impression. A pencil point can be sharp, dull or just need a little work. Some will know you mean business from the beginning and others will argue and make you prove your point.
The E is for Eraser.
When you write you don’t want to make mistakes and have to use your eraser. In life we should do more right than we do wrong which will give us a greater chance for negativity to be erased from our future. The mind is a terrible thing to waste and by all means we have to find ways to erase doubt. Doubt is what kills dreams. Erase fear.
The N is for Number #2.
In all my life I have never written with a Number #1 pencil. Every time I see Number #2 I realize I have to keep writing like I have something to prove while also believing the best is yet to come. In some cases it is easier to go from last to second than it is to go from second to first. Give your all even if you end up Number #2.
The C is for Colored.
Pencils come in different colors like rainbows. Not everyone wants to be a Plain Jane but with a touch of crayon life opens up to a different perspective. Black and white is only in the ink and the paper that it’s printed on. Put racism in reverse and enjoy our world that is diverse.
The I is for Instrument.
Every artist has their choice of instrument. Picasso chose the paintbrush. Michael Jordan selected a basketball. Kenny G dazzled through the saxophone. Right now you have the choice to pull out a PENCIL and use it to open doors for you. A PENCIL can take notes, leave instruction and write out the plans for your future.
The L is for Lead.
At the point of the PENCIL you see lead. There is much more lead beneath the surface of a pencil. We don’t get to use most of our pencil potential until we put in work and we realize that in order not to become dull we have to sharpen up. At the end of the day, life we ask if you have you lead anyone to the top with you?
Use The PENCIL Principles daily to prove your Point and Erase doubt. Work like you’re Number #2. Color the world and be an Instrument that is not afraid to be Lead.
Image courtesy of Simon Howden.
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Wow, this is just one of those articles that reminds us how a thing so primitive can remind us how useful a simple object is. Great article, an awesome one indeed. Writers everywhere can definitely use these principles in making a literary piece.
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Hey Derrick Hayes.
Well You really have a great work. Its 1st time am reading an article describing PENCIL in a great way.
Keep It Up. All the best
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I am moved by your post. Back then, life was also a simple one for me with no computer or gadgets. I loved writing even when I was still younger and everytime I feel like writing a poem or a short story, I always have my pen and notebook with me. I could write very fast. But now that I do my writing on a high-tech kind of notebook, I cannot seem to write well with a pen anymore. Great post, it made me reflect on the simple things in life.
Mae I thank you for your words of encouragement.
Hate to be a pedant, but pencils haven’t been full of lead for quite a long time. Graphite offered too many advantages, chiefly the fact that it didn’t poison people.
Also; I have no idea what a #2 pencil is; I think that’s an Americanism. In England I think we call them HB’s.
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Thanks Stefan. If everyone agreed with everyone we all would be alike.
Thanks Stefan, keep the encouragement coming. Have a great weekend.
I really like your first point.
My personal favorite is the color pencil. I agree not every one wants be the same.
Very interesting post!
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Thanks Lady. Is everything going good your way?
P for point really struck me. Especially your extended metaphor, “sharp, dull or just need a little work.” First impression really do make the difference between having a job or not. Exquisite article, thank you for this.
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Thanks Steven for leaving a comment. Much success to you and what you do.
I see you bonded with the old, loyal writing instrument.:) Your P.E.N.C.I.L points are very interesting and spot on. These are things that should be learned/realized by young, old, new and experienced workers, writers – everybody.:)
M, thanks for receiving what I wrote. I hope you come back soon.
Interesting principles, especially C from colored. Life can’t be just white, black or gray, so why should things be any different for writers and their masterpieces?
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Thanks and D is for Debbie and Diversity. Keep inspiring me to write.
Hi Derrick ,
Life with principles is a very disciplined life. I really liked the way you explained pencil principles and if we use PENCIL Principles daily then it will improve our skills, abilities and increase our work productivity.
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Thanks Pete for making my day complete. A positive word is a principle that I need to grow.
This post was a trip down memory lane. So many years ago when I preferred a pencil over a computer. Back then, computers were clunky and new; now they are a part of life. Thank you for this inspiring post and a chance to remember what I had all but forgotten.
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Sara. No problem it too me back down mempry lane when the idea came to me.
I love the creativity in this anagram! It’s so fun, and it’s true, too. I also like how you play with the words, like when you used ‘erase fear’ in the Eraser paragraph.
Thanks for these cool ideas!
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Thanks Elena. Keep dreaming up great ideas.
Absolutely fantastic! How simply you have put those great qualities in a day to day word. I myself keep remembering the “Eraser” rule. Yes, Derrick life cannot be erased and rewritten.
Thanks MoSo, what city do you call home?
I really like your point on the colors. Colors can make our life and perception much more enjoyable and fun, the human nature doesn’t work in a black and white environment.
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Anna that you for a positive observation of my work.
Wow! Your Pencil principles are great! I will try to follow this. I find them helpful, thank you for sharing..
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Thanks Gracielle for your positive feedback.
I like your 6 principles of pencil but second was great, eraser! in life no eraser to erase your mistakes and bad work.
Thanks Texas. You are right we have to focus on being the best we can.
I agree to that you can’t get a second chance to make a first impression. You have an awesome post.
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Hi Derrick..From just pencil alone, we can learn a lot of things that we can apply for our life and can make us a better person in return..
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Thanks Kazzsandra. Let’s help each other become better.
This is a fantastic post. I think it would be a good idea to point all these ideas at ones life as well.
You must have taken some time to come up with this and it is very, very good. My personal favorite is the color pencil. I agree not every one wants be the same. You should try the rainbow of colors.
If you adapt that to life as well as eating just think how your life could change!
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I really like your first point, the importance of the POINT. The first impressions play the most important and significant role of the trust-building process.
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Thanks Amy for sharing your feedback. It is necessary and on point.
I love this article! “Doubt is what kills dreams. Erase fear” is something I will always remember because it’s so true. I love pencils for everything they represent and what you can create with it. Thanks for the great article.
Thanks Ella. There is no doubt that you can be what you want to see.
First, everything you do will always leave a mark; that is to say in life, there are four things you can’t get back. The stone, after the throw. The word, after it is said. The action, after it is done. And the time, after it has passed. So be careful of what you throw, of what you speak, of what you do and of what you let pass by. Because, though your footsteps may not always be loud, your footprints leave a silent message of where your soul has travelled!
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Hi Derricks,
It’s your talent to make words from each alphabet of pencil and explain each word very beautifully. We should follow this pencil principles in our lives and yes, we could make our future bright if we use this principle.
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Thanks Syeda for your kind words. I hope you have a great week.
Hi Derricks
You have dished up creation from the word PENCIL.Very happy to read your research.
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Azam. Thanks for your valuable feedback.