The primary reason I take notes is for retention. There are studies indicating that hand-written notes improve retention. That’s part of the reason I chose to take notes on the Amazon Fire Max 11.
The other reason I take notes is to remind my future self how to do something. I do tasks infrequently, yet regularly enough to warrant note-taking. The timeline varies from a few times a year to many years.
They say the best way to learn something is to teach it. By writing in an instructional style I’m effectively building a lesson plan for my future self. In doing so, I study the thing more carefully.
Writing doesn’t have to be complex or detailed. Because it’s for me first, I can sketch a quick set of steps. I typically take an iterative approach to writing. The first time I’ll write quick instructions. The next time I use those notes I’ll add additional detail, especially if I had to look up a detail or adjust something due to changes since I first wrote my instructions.
I’ve taken notes with the Amazon Fire Max 11, Rocketbook Reusable Notebooks, and in nice faux leather bound notebooks with the Fisher Space Pen. Whatever you choose, enjoy your notes.
Written by Joel Dare on March 19, 2024.