My notes-taking secret
All of us watch videos, listen to podcasts, read books, or read articles, but we frequently forget what we have watched, listened or read.
It is entirely normal to forget things because that is how our minds work.
But does this imply that we take notes on every word we read?
That is even worse.
Imagine that you had to write down everything the teacher said in class, word for word, and it took you 25 pages to record just one lecture.
When you go back over those notes, you're not sure what you should learn and what you should leave out.
Perhaps what's on page 17 is more important than what's on page 2. But, by the time you get to page 17, your brain is exhausted.
So, how do you solve this?
I use a note-taking technique known as the capture-create method.
It's so simple that you won't believe it.
This is what I do.
On a page, I draw a line in the middle like this and write Capture on one side and Create on the other.
The left side is for taking notes, while the right side is for making notes.
Let's say I'm watching a video on how to lose weight.
I write down tips shared in the video under capture like exercising more than you eat, drinking more water, sleeping better, and so on.
When the video is finished, I move on to the create section.
Under create, I write down how I can apply what was just said, where I can apply it, and when I can begin using it.
This allows me to be more creative.
Exercise more, but what kinds of exercise can I do, and which would I prefer, running or dancing?
The benefit of this method is that when you create something on your own, you are more likely to understand it and thus apply it effectively.
Let's say I learn about NumPy (a Python library for performing mathematical calculations), I'd record it under capture and write down how I can use it and its other functions under create.
That wasn't so difficult, was it?
My challenge to you is to give this method a try for 30 days.
Until next Saturday,
I have some exciting news to share so stick around.