If you wish to forget anything on the spot, make a note that this thing is to be remembered.
~ Edgar Allan Poe
I consider myself a bit of a productivity freak. I spend hours researching the best tools and techniques to maximize efficiency, learn faster, and accomplish more. In fact, I often spend more time researching study methods than actually studying. This became a real problem, and I had a moment of realization when I caught myself taking notes—in my note-taking app—about the best way to use my note-taking app to take notes. That was the wake-up call. It was time to stop overcomplicating things and start taking notes like a sane person.
The Purpose of Notes
A common misconception about note-taking is that notes serve primarily as a resource to reference later, like a personal textbook. Many believe that notes should contain every possible detail for future review. However, this approach is both incorrect and counterproductive. In reality, a note fulfills most of its purpose even if it’s never revisited. So why do people take notes? The process itself aids recall, deepens understanding, and forces information to be restructured in their own words. In fact, simply taking notes has been shown to significantly improve both memory and comprehension [1].
The Right Way To Take Notes
There is no single correct way to take notes. Personal preference plays a significant role—some people prefer minimal or messy, disorganized notes, while others favor detailed, well-structured, and visually appealing notes. However, this preference isn’t just about what feels right; it can actually indicate whether you are truly gaining the cognitive benefits of note-taking [1].
My Method
Frankly, my note taking is chaotic. I rarely revisit notes and mostly use note taking as an opportunity to put things into my own words or save resources. For example, I’m currently trying to get my NPCs to work in a game I’m making. There are a ton of options and it is simply to much to keep in my brain. So I made a short little note where I can drop thoughts or discoveries before moving on and risking forgetting. In my college courses I only take notes when I have a question, a “ah-hah” moment, or the lecture has value that cannot be easily researched after the class.
My “Terrible” Notes (it works way better)
Conclusion
Just do the thing you should be doing. Stop wasting time trying to take perfect notes. All that information you are writing is available online or in a textbook.
Sources
[1] Note Taking, Review, Memory, and Comprehension, memorylab.nd.edu/assets/258700/bohay_blakely_tamplin_radvansky_2011_american_journal_of_psychology_.pdf. Accessed 7 Feb. 2025.
