How to take Notes (S4): S7:E3

Welcome to Inspirations for Your Life Podcast, hosted by John C. Morley, Serial Entrepreneur & Podcast Coach! 🚀 Ever feel like you’re taking notes but not actually remembering anything? Or maybe your notes look like a scattered mess, and when you revisit them, they make zero sense? 📝💭 Today, we’re diving deep into the art of effective note-taking—a skill that can supercharge your learning, boost retention, and make you unstoppable in both personal and professional growth. Whether you're a student, entrepreneur, or lifelong learner, these strategies will help you capture, organize, and recall information like never before. Let’s unlock the power of smarter note-taking—grab your notebook, and let’s dive in! 🎧✍️

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1️⃣ Choose the Right Method 📖📝

Not all notes are created equal, and the method you use can make or break your retention. The Cornell Method divides your page into key points, details, and summaries—perfect for structured learning. The Outline Method uses indentation to break down ideas hierarchically. Mind Mapping lets you visually connect concepts with branches and colors. Charting is great for comparisons, while the Sentence Method is useful for fast-paced lectures. Choosing the right technique tailors your notes to your learning style, making review sessions more effective and stress-free.

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2️⃣ Summarize in Your Own Words ✍️🧠

Copying word-for-word? Big mistake. 🚫 When you rewrite information in your own words, you're actively processing and understanding it. This technique, called active recall, helps your brain retain knowledge more effectively than simply memorizing. Instead of transcribing, listen, process, and condense the information in a way that makes sense to you. This way, when you revisit your notes, you’re not just reading words—you’re reliving understanding.

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3️⃣ Use Abbreviations & Symbols 🔤➡️⚡

Speed is key when taking notes, especially in fast-paced settings. Using abbreviations like "w/" for "with", "b/c" for "because", or arrows (→) to show cause and effect can make a huge difference. Develop your own shorthand for frequently used terms, and soon, you’ll be writing faster while retaining more. Symbols like Δ (change), ⬆ (increase), and ⬇ (decrease) can save space and time, making note review quicker and clearer.

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4️⃣ Structure with Headings, Bullet Points & Highlights 📌🖍️

A wall of text? No thanks! 🙅‍♂️ Good notes have clear structure—use headings for major topics, bullet points for supporting details, and highlights or underlines for crucial takeaways. When your notes are organized visually, your brain processes them faster and more efficiently. A well-structured page means you’ll spend less time searching for information and more time understanding and applying it.

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5️⃣ Leave Space for Later Additions 📄✏️

Your notes aren’t set in stone! Leave blank spaces between topics so you can add extra insights, clarifications, or updates later. This is especially useful when reviewing material or after discussing with peers. By keeping your notes flexible, you create an interactive learning tool rather than a static document. Plus, extra space makes them easier to read and organize over time!

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6️⃣ Review Within 24 Hours ⏳📅

The sooner you review your notes, the better they stick! Studies show that revisiting notes within 24 hours increases retention by up to 70%! This technique, called spaced repetition, reinforces learning and prevents information from slipping away. Set aside just 5-10 minutes to skim, highlight, and reinforce key ideas. Your future self will thank you for making review a habit!

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7️⃣ Summarize Each Section 📝🔍

At the end of each section or lecture, take a moment to summarize the main ideas in one or two sentences. This forces you to process the core message, making it easier to recall later. Think of it as writing a mini-executive summary for your notes—quick, clear, and straight to the point.

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8️⃣ Compare Notes with Others 👥📚

Two minds are better than one! Comparing notes with a classmate, colleague, or study partner helps fill in gaps, correct misunderstandings, and gain different perspectives. Sometimes, another person’s wording makes a complex idea click instantly. Group discussions can transform simple note-taking into an active learning experience!

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9️⃣ Use Digital Tools 💻📱

In the digital age, handwritten notes aren’t the only option! Apps like Notion, Evernote, OneNote, and Google Keep help organize, sync, and search your notes across devices. Tools like Otter.ai transcribe voice recordings, while Quizlet & Anki turn notes into flashcards for easy memorization. Whether you prefer paper or pixels, leveraging tech can take your note-taking game to the next level! 🚀

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🎧 Connect with John C. Morley & Stay Inspired!

Incorporating these techniques into your daily routine will transform how you absorb and recall information. The key is consistency—the more you practice, the more effective your notes become!

🌐 Website: John C. Morley’s Website
📱 Instagram: @JohnCMorleySerialEntrepreneur
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