Digital note-taking is broken (5 ways you can fix it)
2 min read
5 months ago
Published on Jul 09, 2024
This response is partially generated with the help of AI. It may contain inaccuracies.
Table of Contents
How to Improve Your Digital Note-Taking Process
Step 1: Understand the Tradeoffs
- Recognize that faster and more efficient technology doesn't always equal more productivity.
- Every technology comes with tradeoffs.
- Digital note-taking apps offer quick capture and automation but can lead to a higher quantity of lower quality notes.
Step 2: Develop Selection Criteria
- To become a synthesizer and a value creator, focus on developing the skill of selection.
- Establish selection criteria to guide your curiosity and generate creative outputs.
- Avoid best-selling books and conventional wisdom. Look for rare and novel ideas.
- Don't write notes on information easily found through a Google search.
- Select high-quality inputs to generate higher-quality outputs.
Step 3: Filter Your Inputs
- Use individual notes instead of fleeting notes for better knowledge development.
- Capture fleeting notes in a separate location and review them periodically to decide if they should become main notes.
- Implement a process to decrease unprocessed notes in your system.
Step 4: Utilize the Source Note Method
- Use physical note cards with handwritten notes to slow down your thinking and be more intentional.
- Write page numbers and quick jots of keywords or phrases on note cards.
- Underline key words or phrases to develop into main notes later.
- Handwriting your notes can improve memory retention and comprehension.
Step 5: Collect Quotes Mindfully
- Avoid copying and pasting quotes; instead, write them down by hand.
- Reformulate quotes into your own words and add value with your context.
- Use a reference manager like Zotero to keep track of your original sources and page numbers.
Step 6: Experiment and Find What Works for You
- Try out different criteria and methods to see what improves your note-taking process.
- Keep in mind the tradeoff between friction and note quality.
- Aim for higher quality notes with less quantity by carefully selecting and filtering your inputs.
By following these steps and implementing the suggested criteria, you can enhance your digital note-taking experience, making it more enjoyable and rewarding. Remember that the goal is to generate creative outputs and valuable insights from your notes.