Note taking

For note-taking, use a method that makes it easy to capture ideas and supports how you think and learn:

• Capture ideas promptly: Keep a small notebook handy—or use voice notes when stopping to write is impractical. Ideas can be hard to reconstruct later. 1
• Use handwriting for learning: One conversation mentions research suggesting handwritten notes can support memory better than keyboard notes. 2
• Make notes active, not just copied: After reading, step away and try to recall key points from memory; then check the material and note what you missed. 3
• Move work notes into the tool where they’ll be used: Capture writing ideas in the writing project, for example, and transfer rough working notes into the relevant final document promptly. 4

The best setup is one you’ll actually use and that fits the kind of work you’re doing. 5