Taking notes is like taking a breath. In our learning system, note-taking brings fresh air, pumps information into our knowledge system, and makes the information an integral part of us. A sound note system can create a knowledge system that we can rely on to extend our memory and form our thinking foundation. Some call it a second brain.
Taking notes starts with self-discipline and perseverance to note down ideas and information from books, web browsing, podcasts, youtube videos, or other sources. Then, it needs a process to organize the notes. The best note-taking system is the Zettelkasten Method, which starts with capturing ideas in a fleet note followed by paraphrasing the fleet notes into literature notes and a reference note. We then create permanent notes in our own words. The smart note-taking process drives a natural learning procedure to understand, digest, connect the dots, and generate new insights.
We need to have a sense of purpose to take the right notes. Again, this is a productivity issue. We have limited time, so we must stay laser-focused on reading and taking notes on one or just a few things we value the most.
Last, we need suitable tools to keep notes. There are several must-haves in these tools:
Taking notes starts with self-discipline and perseverance to note down ideas and information from books, web browsing, podcasts, youtube videos, or other sources. Then, it needs a process to organize the notes. The best note-taking system is the Zettelkasten Method, which starts with capturing ideas in a fleet note followed by paraphrasing the fleet notes into literature notes and a reference note. We then create permanent notes in our own words. The smart note-taking process drives a natural learning procedure to understand, digest, connect the dots, and generate new insights.
We need to have a sense of purpose to take the right notes. Again, this is a productivity issue. We have limited time, so we must stay laser-focused on reading and taking notes on one or just a few things we value the most.
Last, we need suitable tools to keep notes. There are several must-haves in these tools:
- Easy access from anywhere, like our phones, pads, and computers.
- Reliable to store and back up the content.
- Quick search to pull up information when needed.
- Comprehensive to build knowledge structure.
