How a Note-Taking System Can Make You Look Like the Smartest Person in the Room
How a Note-Taking System Can Make You Look Like the Smartest Person in the Room
by Danny Forest
1. Categorize
1.1. Create six or seven categories into which you can sort your information.
1.2. Choose categories that are broad enough to squeeze in ideas and concepts from different domains.
1.3. Then give each category its own folder — you can either use a digital organizer such as Google Drive or physical folders.
1.4. Limiting the number of categories forces you to consider what really matters.
2. Collect
2.1. Learn from books, articles, podcasts, videos, and seminars, and simply observing the world around you.
2.2. Actively engage with whatever content you consume.
2.3. Take notes in your favorite note-taking app, or email yourself the most salient points.
2.4. When you read a book, make small notations in the margins and then review them after you finish.
2.5. With audiobooks in Audible, add clips, which are similar to bookmarks, and return to them later.
2.6. When you watch videos, take notes in Evernote.
3. Curate and comprehend
3.1. Once you capture a piece of information, transfer it to the appropriate folder.
3.2. You only want the essence of the concept. A paragraph is usually fine.
3.3. This can help you retain information. You can also include an example
3.4. Each time you add a new piece of information to a category, read over the entire category.
3.5. Review your document every so often to eliminate redundant entries or ones superseded by newer insights.
4. Connect
4.1. With each bit of information you’ve added to your folder, ask yourself:
4.1.1. In what situation would this be useful?
4.1.2. Where would this benefit me (or my business or other people)?
4.1.3. How could this information solve my problem with [X]?
4.1.4. Try combining pieces of knowledge. What’s the thread that connects them?