Why you need to take notes
Gary Bloomer | SHAKING THE TREE #157
Are you a note taker?
Do you write down your thoughts, feelings, and ideas in order to help you understand your creative process?
I’m not talking about journaling. I’m talking about making notes.
Me? I’ve been a note taking fanatic for decades. I used to carry a little note book around with me, but after accidentally dropping my notebook into a toilet in a public bathroom, it’s a habit I began to rethink.
Other than the chance of accidents and loss, there’s another problem with this habit though, and it’s one you can probably relate to.
Before I started getting serious about content creation, notes to me were something of a blessing and a curse.
You see, more recently, and instead of using a tablet or a digital device, I’d been making notes on stray scraps of paper, only to eventually find my pockets stuffed with random bits of clutter.
Invariably, notes would get lost, or I’d forget what the note was about, or I’d find myself scratching my head trying to read my own writing, or I’d simply wind up with a cluttered pile of litter on my desk, little of which made much sense.
Naturally, this whole situation was more trouble than it was worth and all things considered, it was less than ideal.
Then, a few years ago, and as the proud owner of a shiny new iPhone, I stopped writing random thoughts on stray bits of paper and I began typing my thoughts into a note taking app to help me keep track of all my random thoughts and ideas.
Because I’m something of a Luddite, this new behavior was a big deal for me and honestly, it took a little bit of getting used to. But now, I wouldn’t be without it.
For me, writing articles always seemed like such a daunting task: as much as I was in love with the idea of finished articles, I wasn’t in love with the idea of the actual writing, But now, keeping digital notes means I no longer have to transcribe my scribbles, which saves masses of work and now, and through a a little time and effort, I’ve refined the process of note taking so that it’s easier and more enjoyable.
For me, the main benefit of taking notes are that they help me stay on track.
When you jot down ideas, keywords, and relevant information, you create a structured framework. Even if the framework is as rough as a bear’s backside, some sort of framework is better than none.
This organization enables a clearer path from concept to conclusion, making the writing process smoother and more coherent.
Any article that lacks a solid foundation can easily veer off-topic or turn into a convoluted diatribe of unrelated nonsense, leading to reader confusion. Well-structured notes serve as a roadmap, guiding the writer toward a focused narrative.
Note-taking allows you to distill essential information from various sources, making it easier to sift through research.
By summarizing key points and quotations, you can quickly reference material without wading through pages of text. This efficiency not only saves time but also ensures that critical insights are not overlooked, leading to richer, more informed articles.
Writing notes also reinforces memory retention. The act of summarizing information in your own words enhances comprehension and helps internalize concepts. This deeper understanding translates into more insightful writing.
When a writer truly grasps the subject matter, they can present ideas more convincingly, engage the reader, and contribute original thought, rather than merely rehashing existing material.
Note-taking isn’t just about recording facts; it can also be a creative exercise.
Writers can sketch out ideas, make mind maps, or list potential angles to explore.
This freedom encourages brainstorming and experimentation, often leading to innovative approaches that can set an article apart.
By capturing spontaneous ideas in the note-taking process, writers can cultivate a wealth of material that can be revisited and refined.
Your first draft of any article is probably going to be rough—even a little crappy—and that’s OK. Sketching out notes provides a valuable reference during revisions, allowing you to track your changes and ensure that all your critical points are addressed.
By comparing notes with the draft, writers can identify gaps, redundancies, or areas needing further development. This reflective process fosters a more polished final product, enhancing clarity and impact.
More and more these days effective communication is paramount, making the importance of note-taking in writing super important. Being able to take notes fosters organization, enhances your efficiency as a researcher, improves your retention, encourages your creativity, and streamlines your revisions process.
For writers at any level, embracing note-taking as a fundamental part of the writing process can unlock new potential and lead to more compelling, well-crafted articles.
Ultimately, in the pursuit of clear and engaging writing, the humble note is far more valuable than you might think it is.
As always, thanks for reading.
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P.S. Next time on Shaking the Tree … Don’t feel like writing? Write anyway!