WordofMany

Note taking hacks

why your current note taking system is failing you (and how to fix it)

By Eleanor Vance

Published: 19 May 2025

“The faintest ink is better than the best memory.” - Chinese Proverb

Why Your Current Note-Taking System is Failing You (and How to Fix It)

person overwhelmed with scattered notes and papers | Image: Supplied

Ever feel like your notes are more of a chaotic mess than a helpful resource? Like you're spending more time finding your notes than actually using them? I get it. I've been there. Picture this: You're cramming for an exam, and you're 90% sure you scribbled down that crucial formula somewhere, but your notes look like a tornado hit a stationery store. Sound familiar? If so, chances are, your current note-taking system just isn't cutting it. Seriously, it's probably holding you back and you deserve better. Let's dive into why, shall we?

person looking frustrated while searching through messy notes | Image: Supplied

The Problem with Traditional Methods

stack of notebooks falling over | Image: Supplied

Okay, so what's wrong with just writing everything down in a notebook? Well, for starters, it's incredibly inefficient. Think about it. How many times have you flipped through pages and pages trying to find that one specific detail? How many notebooks do you have scattered about, each filled with fragments of information? I know a friend, bless her heart, who has a notebook for every single class. She's practically drowning in paper. It's a recipe for chaos and frustration. Plus, handwritten notes can be messy, disorganized, and difficult to search. It makes me cringe just thinking about it, LOL.

close-up of illegible handwriting in a notebook | Image: Supplied

Are You Making These Common Mistakes?

checklist of common note-taking mistakes | Image: Supplied

Let's be real—we all make mistakes. But when it comes to note-taking, certain errors are particularly detrimental:

Passive Listening: Just writing down everything the speaker says without really processing it. Like a robot. It's not effective. Actively engage with the material and summarize key points in your own words. Think about it...seriously.
Lack of Organization: Randomly jotting down notes without any structure or system. This leads to confusion and makes it difficult to find information later. This is my friend rn.
Ignoring Key Concepts: Focusing on minor details while overlooking the big picture. A well-written summary captures the important concepts.
Not Reviewing Regularly: Taking notes and then never looking at them again. Notes are meant to be reviewed and reinforced. Review regularly. It's important.

person passively listening in a lecture | Image: Supplied

Time to Upgrade: Introducing Digital Note-Taking

person using a tablet to take notes | Image: Supplied

Alright, enough doom and gloom. Let's talk solutions! Digital note-taking is a game-changer. It offers a level of flexibility, organization, and accessibility that traditional methods simply can't match. Think about it: searchable text, easy editing, cloud syncing, and the ability to incorporate multimedia elements like images and audio. Plus, you can access your notes from anywhere, on any device. No more lugging around heavy notebooks! It is a blessing, TBH.

comparison of digital and traditional note-taking methods | Image: Supplied

Choosing the Right Tool: My Top Recommendations

collage of various note-taking apps on different devices | Image: Supplied

Okay, so you're sold on digital note-taking. Great! But with so many options available, how do you choose the right tool? Here are a few of my personal favorites:

Evernote: A classic for a reason. Evernote offers a robust feature set, including note organization, web clipping, and collaboration tools. I've heard some people complain it's gotten bloated over time, but it's still super solid, IMHO.
Notion: A powerful, all-in-one workspace that combines note-taking, task management, and project planning. It has a bit of a learning curve, but once you get the hang of it, it's incredibly versatile.
OneNote: Microsoft's offering is a great option if you're already invested in the Microsoft ecosystem. It's free, easy to use, and integrates seamlessly with other Microsoft apps.
Bear: A beautiful and minimalist note-taking app for Mac and iOS. It's known for its simplicity and focus on writing. Plus, the UI is super cute.

pros and cons of different note-taking apps | Image: Supplied

Pro Tips for Digital Note-Taking Success

person smiling while taking notes on a laptop | Image: Supplied

Ready to take your digital note-taking to the next level? Here are a few tips to help you succeed:

Develop a Consistent Organization System: Use tags, folders, or notebooks to categorize your notes logically. This makes it much easier to find what you need later. I like using tags because they're more flexible than folders, IMO.
Use Keywords and Search Effectively: Take advantage of the search functionality in your note-taking app. Use relevant keywords and phrases to quickly locate specific information.
Incorporate Multimedia: Don't just stick to text. Add images, audio recordings, and even videos to your notes to make them more engaging and memorable. Visuals can really help you remember things, TBH.
Review and Refine Regularly: Set aside time each week to review and refine your notes. This helps reinforce your learning and identify any gaps in your understanding. I usually do this on Sunday afternoons with a cup of coffee. Makes it feel less like work.

examples of organized digital notes with tags and multimedia | Image: Supplied

Bonus: The Bullet Journal Method (for Digital Notes!)

digital bullet journal setup on a tablet | Image: Supplied

Okay, hear me out. The bullet journal method might seem like it's only for paper, but you can totally adapt it for digital note-taking. The key is to use a flexible system that allows you to track tasks, ideas, and reflections in a structured way. You can use a dedicated bullet journal app, or simply create your own template in your favorite note-taking app. I know, it sounds kinda dorky, but it can be surprisingly effective.

examples of digital bullet journal spreads | Image: Supplied

It's Time to Reclaim Your Notes!

person feeling empowered and organized | Image: Supplied

So, what does this mean for you? It's time to ditch that failing note-taking system and embrace a more efficient and effective approach. Whether you choose to go digital or simply refine your traditional methods, the key is to find a system that works for you. Don't be afraid to experiment, try new things, and tweak your approach until you find something that clicks. Your notes are a valuable resource—treat them that way! You've got this!