The Power of Taking Notes: My Journey to Better Organisation

The importance of taking notes during university years is something everyone acknowledges. You attend a lecture, and the professor dives into the material. If you manage to take good notes, you’ll likely sail through the semester. But for those of us who didn’t develop a habit of note-taking before university, it’s not as easy as it sounds.

Let me admit it — I wasn’t exactly one of those legendary note-takers in university (or so I thought 😊). You know the type: the classmates famous for their impeccable notes. If you were in the same class as them, you’d often find yourself queuing at the photocopy shop by the end of the semester to get a copy of their notes.

I always took my own notes during lectures, but they were barely decipherable to anyone but me. In fact, I didn’t even trust my own notes entirely, so I’d grab a copy of those famous notes as backup. However, I rarely found them useful. Inevitably, I’d end up studying from my own messy scribbles. 

Over time, I realised something important: our own notes align with how our mind works, making them the best tool for our personal understanding.

Then came the working world. Just like at university, I noticed that people were split into two groups: those who took notes and those who didn’t. The difference was that, in meetings, only one or two people would bother to jot anything down. Since I’ve always struggled to make sense of someone else’s notes (and honestly find reading them quite boring), I stuck to my own style.

Over the years, I’ve reaped so many benefits from my note-taking habits that I know I must have been doing something right. I’d even go so far as to say that much of my success in my professional life has been due to my notes. Time and time again, I’ve noticed people forgetting details shortly after a meeting, while I could recall them with ease. You might think this is because I have an exceptional memory or constantly review my notes. But you’d be wrong! While I do have a slightly above-average memory, I eventually realised that the real magic lay in the way I take notes.

As I mentioned earlier, my notes make sense only to me because my note-taking style is a bit unconventional. I rarely write full sentences — just key phrases that seem important. At first glance, it may look like a jumbled mess with no coherence. If I need to create a connection between ideas, I draw arrows or symbols that only I understand. This system keeps me engaged; I listen attentively to ensure I capture the right points. If something doesn’t make sense, it stands out immediately, prompting me to ask clarifying questions — an added bonus.

Here’s the funny part: I almost never go back to review my notes. Writing down key points feels like writing them into my brain, so I rarely need to revisit them. If I do need to look something up later, my notes are neatly dated and organised chronologically, making it easy to find exactly what I need.

I always keep a planner and start each day by writing down the date. Throughout the day, I jot down tasks and notes from meetings or one-on-one discussions. Even during casual conversations, I make small notes to ensure I never forget important details — which often surprises people. 

 — Today, I’ve shared the secret behind my ability to remember details so well!

It turns out I’ve been unknowingly creating mind maps all these years. When I learned about the concept, I started consuming content on the subject and experimenting with ways to use it more effectively, especially for learning new topics. Once you get the hang of it, it’s incredibly easy to apply. I highly recommend looking into mind mapping if you’re someone who needs to process and learn a lot of information. 

 — Here’s a popular TEDx talk on the topic to get you started.

My note-taking skills have become so refined that they simplify tasks across many areas of my life. One of the biggest benefits I’ve experienced has been during job interviews. When the interviewer explains the role or company details, I jot down key points in my own style. I naturally group related information — technical details in one section, company specifics in another. This helps me identify questions to ask during the interview. By the end of the process, I have a clear understanding of the company and role.

Now, let’s talk about my tools. Apart from a pen and planner, I use almost nothing else. I’ve tried digital note-taking on a tablet with a stylus, but it hasn’t quite clicked for me yet. Typing notes on a keyboard? Forget it. Without the ability to draw shapes, I find typed notes useless. Even my to-do list for the day is written by hand — if not on paper, then at least mentally.

I hope I’ve managed to convince you of the benefits of taking notes. It’s a skill that can truly transform the way you learn and work. Give it a try — good luck! 😊