Thread by @IJaSport

In the last six months, I have developed a diligent notetaking process, and it's been transformational.

This process allows you to compound your knowledge by 1.) working it into a long-term memory 2.) creating connections between independent ideas.

My process is simple... 👇

The first thing I did was to create a place to store all of my notes - a "database".

I tested different programs, but what I found worked best for me was Apple's Notes.

I liked this the most because I was able to easily access from my phone and computer.

Next, I had to come up with systems that could collect notes from all of the sources where I typically found information.

Below are the systems for each source:

Source 1: Twitter

There are many morsels of information on Twitter.

When I find something of value, I add to my Bookmarks.

Then, once a week I go through all of my bookmarked tweets (usually about 4 or 5), and I take notes of the key takeaways and categorizing them in Notes

Source 2: Internet article or blogs

The process is relatively simple. It pits my hoarding tendencies against my minimalist tendencies.

When I open an article, whether, on computer or phone, I leave the tab open until I have read it and added key points to Notes.

Source 3: Physical Book (my book)

I need to buy myself a notebook

The process:
1. Scribble thoughts in the book as I read
2. At the end of the chapter, look through scribbles and write key points in notebook
3. When I finished the book, add key points from the notebook to Notes

Source 4: Physical Book (borrowed book)

This requires a separate notebook.

The process is the same as my own book but instead of writing in the book, I write my scribbles in my "scrap" notebook.

Source 5: Ebook

The process is the same as physical books but my scribbles are highlights.

The final step is to review notes you have accumulated every couple of weeks.

I typically look through all three locations; my "scrap" notebook, my nice notebook, and my Notes. Just to see if there is anything interesting.

I have some of my best thoughts in my review sessions

The biggest learning points throughout this process:

1. Consistency - It takes diligence to keep up with this notetaking system. Sometimes, I fall behind and it's frustrating.

I have started to schedule time into my week for catching up on reading/note taking.

2. Learning to take good notes - When I started, my notes weren't good. They weren't clear enough or didn't make sense weeks later.

“How can I make this idea detailed enough to stand on its own, without the context?"

This question has helped me take better notes.

3. Staying organized - The process requires organization of all kinds: mental, digital, and physical.

I have never been an organized person so this has been tricky but by forcing myself to stay on top of it, I am starting to create good habits.

As I mentioned before, this process has been transformational. I am now able to recall certain quotes, ideas, or concepts without looking them up.

I believe the process of meticulously taking notes in a variety of ways lets me reflect longer on what I have read.

Also, it's nice to have a 'database' to find, essentially, everything that I have read.

I am happy to give you more details, if you are interested.

Some good resources on the topic:

fs.blog/reading/

nateliason.com/blog/smart-not…

fortelabs.co/blog/how-to-ta…

fortelabs.co/blog/basboverv…

cultofpedagogy.com/note-taking/