You are a scientist. Whether you are a senior postdoc or an undergraduate intern, if you are in a lab doing experiments, you are a scientist. One of the most important things a scientist does—if not the most important thing—is keep a strong, comprehensive record of their experiments. 
 
This booklet provides practical advice on some of the psychological barriers or mindsets that may prevent scientists from updating their notebooks regularly and comprehensively and how to take action to resolve these issues. It is one thing to know something is important, but it is another to feel personally invested in it.
 
Addressing these mental barriers can help scientists understand why maintaining a lab notebook is not just a chore but a vital part of their role, turning a task that may feel daunting or tedious into something manageable and meaningful.