So, you want to take notes. Awesome!
Note-taking is the process of caring for your life. I know, that's probably not how it was presented in school. But school got it wrong. Note-taking isn't about dates and passing tests (though it could also be about that). Taking good notes is about you as a unique individual, and about understanding the unique pattern of your life.
Humans have always needed to remember things. Long ago, we remembered through song, and dance, and paintings. Many cultures still use these powerful methods of memory, proving just how incredible they are.
But writing is so exciting because it allows you to do something special. You can communicate through the written word. When you read a book, it's almost like you are having a conversation with the author. You are hearing their thoughts (which they have written down) inside your own head! And those words can alter the way that you think, the way you live your very life.
What if you could also do this. Not for other people, but for yourself. What if you could write something, today, that would change your life next year? You can. It's possible. That's what note-taking is all about.
If you look up note-taking online, you will find oodles of theories, blog posts, and books about it. Different "methods" and ways of organizing your thoughts. That's great - but when you're just starting out, it can be a little overwhelming.
Which is why I want to present three key concepts:
- Your own words.
- One idea per note.
- Cite your source.
If you learn these three things, you'll be able to leap forward with your note-taking journey.
- Everything you write should be like you would write it. If you hear or see a quote you like - great! But always add your own thought after writing it down. Why did it stand out to you; what do you think of when you read the quote? It's okay if it's "messy," or if you totally ignore grammar. This isn't about getting a grade, it's about writing something your future self will understand.
- Keep each note to just one really specific idea. This might mean that you actually need to write two or three notes in a row, each one expanding on the original idea. But try to keep ideas separate.
- Always write down the date of your note, the name of anyone involved, and the title of any source that inspired you or that you quoted. Just write this info down as part of the note itself.
This might feel a little weird at first, especially if you're used to writing one long to-do list or a single page of thoughts from a meeting. The easiest way to think about this is to imagine your notebook is your kitchen.
Most people take notes like they'd shove things into a kitchen junk drawer, that old spatula crammed in with rubber bands, a chewed-on pencil, and the printed-out recipe you've been telling yourself you'd get to making for at least five years.
A "junk drawer note," similarly, could have a brilliant idea for your business is tangled up with a book recommendation, which is sitting next to a reminder to call someone back. It’s all in there, but it’s a mess.
The "one idea per note" rule helps you clean out that drawer and create a perfectly organized spice rack, where every single idea has its own container and its own label.
Let’s imagine you're listening to a podcast for your new business. In a single junk-drawer note, you might scribble this down:
Sarah Jenkins said to use Instagram for behind-the-scenes stuff to build trust. Main point was the "know, like, trust" factor for customers. Also, Dave said to read the book "Building a StoryBrand." Need to update my website's About page.
That single note has four totally different ideas! Also, your future self won't know when this was written or who "Sarah Jenkins" or "Dave" even are. When you come back to it next month, your brain has to untangle it all over again.
Instead, using the "one idea per note" method, you’d create a few small, separate notes right in a row:
Note 1:
Marketing Idea: Use Instagram to show behind-the-scenes content.
I think I could show myself packing orders or designing a new product. This feels authentic and could help people connect with me, like Sarah was talking about.
Date: September 21, 2025 Source: "The Build Up" Podcast Host: Sarah Jenkins
Note 2:
My customers need to "Know, Like, and Trust" me.
This really stood out to me. It's not just about selling; it's about building a relationship first. I need to remember this is the foundation for all my marketing.
Date: September 21, 2025 Source: "The Build Up" Podcast Host: Sarah Jenkins
Note 3:
Book to read: "Building a StoryBrand."
Dave at work recommended this when I told him about the podcast. He said it was great for clarifying your message so customers listen. I should check it out from the library.
Date: September 21, 2025 Source: "Dave from work"
Note 4:
About Me update!
I need to rewrite my about me page so it tells more of a story about why I started my business.
Date: September 21, 2025
By separating them, you've done something powerful; you've built a space that your future self can return to and learn from.
You might only have time for the "junk drawer" note at first, but come back as soon as you can and separate the ideas out.
Happy note-taking!