A Huge Volume of Notes Is a Trap
Mindful note-taking will lift your productivity & insights
Note-taking is now a habit and a necessity.
And everyone has an opinion on how to do it (including me).
However, the sheer volume of notes is a trap.
It makes you look productive, but could actually distract you. Too many notes could lead to cluttered minds and disorganized information.
You won’t be able to make sense of it all without a plan or strategy.
Instead, I’d like to suggest mindful or purposeful note-taking. Have a plan for what you’re going to do with the information at your disposal.
Below are a few tips for more mindful note-taking.
BTW — Want more from your notes? Get my quick note-taking template and cheat sheet for free.
1. Have a purpose for your notes
Ever bought a used novel or textbook and seen so many highlights that it becomes useless?
I often had this experience when looking for used books at a bookstore.
So much yellow highlighter that they shouldn’t have highlighted anything at all.
There’s obviously no purpose when that much highlighting is done.
Mindful note-taking involves scenarios like that. aligning the intention behind taking notes with a specific purpose.
It’s not just about jotting down every snippet of information that comes your way.
Instead, it’s a deliberate focus on capturing relevant information that aligns with personal or professional objectives.
Before you start taking notes, consider the point of them.
It’s a very unusual circumstance for every word uttered or written to be important.
2. Be intentional, not random
Similar to the point above, the focus should be on capturing key concepts, actionable items, and personal reflections rather than random data.
Deliberate, focused note-taking fosters not just organization but also aids in information retention and utilization.
When you’re in a meeting, for example, don’t simply transcribe everything that’s said. Instead, focus on key takeaways, action items, and your personal thoughts or action items based on the discussion.
This not only makes your notes more meaningful but also makes them easier to review and use later.
3. Use visual note-taking or mind mapping
I’m an elder millennial and I can’t really remember using too many visual cues when taking notes.
There would be circles on a board sometimes, but really the notes were straightforward, like a list down the page.
We were taught how to take notes on lined paper, not on a blank piece of paper.
The difference really is shocking when you’re not bound by those wide-ruled lines.
They allow you to connect ideas, see relationships, and gain a deeper understanding of the subject matter.
With visual elements in your notes, you’re not only enhancing your understanding but also making your notes more engaging and memorable.
4. Incorporate reflection
Occasionally reflecting on your note-taking habits is essential.
Take stock of what’s working and what isn’t.
- Are you achieving your note-taking objectives?
- Are there areas where you can improve?
Adaptation to your personal style is equally crucial.
Note-taking is a personal process, and what works for one person may not work for another. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different techniques and adapt them to your unique needs.
5. Merge creativity with productivity
Mindful note-taking isn’t just about organizing information; it’s a tool for nurturing creativity.
Going back to the above point about visual taking, infuse creativity within your note-taking practices to generate new patterns, thoughts, and ideas.
For instance, you can use sketches, diagrams, or color-coded notes to visualize concepts and relationships.
This creative approach not only makes your notes more visually appealing but also helps you see the bigger picture and may lead you down a different path of insight than you initially thought.
6. Be Smart with your digital tools
Striking a balance between digital tools and analog methods is key to mindful note-taking.
Both have their advantages. Digital tools offer search and organization capabilities, while analog methods (like a pen and paper) provide a more tactile and personal touch.
The key is to integrate them mindfully. Use digital tools for easy access and organization, and analog methods for creative note-taking.
I do both — usually with quick notes for work on a legal pad and then I move them to my Notion documents to flesh them out.
It’s not enough to have good productivity software if you’re never productive.
7. Establish rituals for note-taking
Consistency is key to mindful note-taking. Establishing rituals or routines for note-taking can help you stay on track.
Whether it’s dedicating a specific time each day for reflection or setting up a designated note-taking workspace, rituals can make note-taking a habit that enhances your productivity.
I don’t write first thing in the morning, but when I do sit down for the day’s work, I open Notion and begin my idea process — aiming for 10 or so article ideas per day.
Then, I start chipping away at a few articles for the week, adhering to my 2/1 writing and publishing rhythm.
8. Create a personal style
Note-taking is a highly individualized practice.
What works for one person may not work for another.
Don’t be afraid to experiment with different styles and techniques until you find what suits you best.
The goal is to create a system that enhances your productivity and creativity, not to necessarily copy someone else.
What you find online and even in this article may be more inspiration than an exact roadmap. That’s okay.
Now what?
Incorporate these strategies into your daily life, and you won’t just be blindly writing things down; you’ll have intention and purpose, elevating both your productivity and creativity.
By adding a few of these suggestions into your daily routines, you’ll not only organize information more effectively but also nurture a fertile ground for creative thinking and problem-solving.
Give it a try and let me know how it goes.
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