Unlocking Your Digital Essence Through Note Taking
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Chapter 1: The Rise of Note Taking
Why has note taking gained so much popularity? The idea that note taking can significantly alter one’s life may sound unlikely, yet it has profoundly impacted both my work and personal experiences. Many others echo this sentiment.
At the age of 57, I discovered note taking in its contemporary form. Having been a note taker for years, my previous notes were often scattered and random—scribbled in notebooks and seldom revisited. Today, however, note taking has evolved into a more organized practice.
These new notes serve a purpose. They connect and interlink in both linear and circular formats, thanks to applications like Roam Research, Logseq, Notion, Zettlr, and my personal favorite, Obsidian.
Imagine a bucket filled with notes, web clippings, files, quotes, and references. Before adding them, categorize them with hashtags, then blend everything together. The result is not merely a bucket but rather a complex web of interconnected information.
Graphs and search functions act as navigational tools, guiding you through this rich landscape of knowledge.
Choosing Your Influences
While you can’t choose your family, you can select your teachers, friends, music, books, and films. Essentially, you are a compilation of the influences you invite into your life. As German writer Goethe noted, “We are shaped and fashioned by what we love.”
Note taking is a means of gathering ideas, references, and resources that resonate with you—whether they inspire, inform, or edify. Each collection of notes reflects the individual who created it, evolving into a unique representation of their essence over time.
By examining someone’s vault of notes, we can glean insights into their interests, passions, and even their career path. A person’s digital garden can reveal much about their character.
In this video, "How I Study and Learn - My Digital Note Taking Process (feat. Notion)", the creator shares their innovative approach to digital note-taking, highlighting how it enhances productivity and personal growth.
The Creative Process
My Obsidian vault has become integral to my creative journey. Over the past year, my notes have expanded and transformed. As I honed my note taking and writing style, I’ve shared more of my authentic self in my digital garden.
A Second Brain for a Creative Mind
As David Allen wisely stated, “Your mind is for having ideas, not holding them.” By establishing a repository of significant content, I no longer need to recall which book discussed topic X or which quote referenced theme Y. Tags, searches, and links retrieve this information for me, liberating my creative thinking.
Utilizing Obsidian has significantly boosted my writing output. It not only provides a dedicated space for drafting articles but also nurtures creativity in various ways.
Obsidian integrates into my workflow seamlessly. Ideas flow in and out, while workspaces outline upcoming tasks and my content schedule. Notes are more than just text; they are data that can be analyzed and leveraged.
Artists as Collectors
Artists are selective collectors, distinguishing themselves from hoarders, who gather indiscriminately. They curate only what they truly cherish.
Note takers share this artistic spirit. Our creativity is expressed through the notes we collect and the ideas we articulate, creating a mosaic of who we are.
Embracing a Slower Pace
Connecting with our creative selves often requires slowing down and returning to our core essence. It is during these moments of flow that we encounter our true nature.
The repositories of notes we cultivate evolve gradually, serving as reflections of our passions and interests. Perhaps our Second Brain encapsulates our digital essence.
[*]: Kleon, Austin. Steal Like an Artist: 10 Things Nobody Told You About Being Creative (Austin Kleon). Workman Publishing Company. Kindle Edition.
Chapter 2: The Art of Effective Note Taking
In the video "Digital Note-Taking System Pt. 1: How I Take Neat & Effective Notes on Google Docs," the creator demonstrates their method for maintaining organized and impactful notes, enhancing productivity and creativity.