Why I Stopped Classifying My Notes and Why You Should Do the Same: The Power of Association

Why I Stopped Classifying My Notes and Why You Should Do the Same: The Power of Association

Classifying information has long been seen as a practical way to organize our thoughts and make sense of the world around us. After all, if we want to retrieve something, having a well-organized system can be incredibly helpful. However, what if the purpose of an idea isn't solely to be retrieved or discovered, but rather to be combined with other ideas? This is a concept that I have come to embrace, and it has completely transformed the way I approach note-taking.

When I take a note now, I no longer focus on assigning it to a specific category or folder. Instead, I ask myself a simple question: What can I associate this idea with? By shifting my mindset in this way, I have discovered the true value of an idea lies in its ability to connect and intersect with other ideas. It is through these associations that new insights and perspectives emerge.

The notion of learning in public has gained popularity in recent years, particularly within the tech and coding communities. The idea is simple: by sharing your knowledge and ideas with others, you not only benefit yourself but also contribute to the collective growth of society. David Perell, in his book "The Ultimate Guide to Writing Online," describes this as creating your own "Serendipity Vehicle." When you publish your ideas, you become a magnet for new opportunities, connections, and unexpected collaborations from all corners of the globe.

While this concept may seem more prevalent in technical fields, it is crucial to recognize that learning in public can apply to any discipline or area of interest. As someone with a background in English Literature, I have noticed a lack of discussions around learning in public within the literary community. Platforms like booktok and booktube have gained popularity, but they often focus on entertainment rather than the exploration and sharing of knowledge. By embracing the idea of learning in public, we can create a space for meaningful discussions, the exchange of ideas, and the growth of our chosen fields.

Taking the first step towards learning in public can be intimidating. It requires vulnerability and a willingness to expose your thoughts and ideas to the scrutiny of others. However, it is essential to remember that every journey begins with a single step. Just as a teacher's answer to a question in a classroom benefits the entire class, your contributions can have a profound impact on others. Start small, ask questions, share insights, and engage in conversations. Over time, you will find that the benefits far outweigh any initial apprehensions.

Incorporating new habits into our lives can be challenging, especially when they seem vastly different from our current routines. However, the key to successful habit formation lies in starting small and being consistent. A friend of mine has been doing push-ups every day for years, and his method is surprisingly simple yet effective. He began by committing to doing just one push-up a day, at any time and in any place. This seemingly insignificant act gradually formed the foundation of a new habit. Once the one push-up a day became ingrained, he began increasing the number of repetitions. The key here is to be gentle with yourself and not push too hard too fast. One push-up a day is better than no push-ups at all, and it creates a solid starting point for further growth.

In conclusion, the power of association and learning in public can have a profound impact on our personal and professional lives. By shifting our focus from classifying information to making meaningful connections, we unlock new insights and perspectives. Embracing the idea of learning in public allows us to contribute to the collective growth of society while also opening doors to unexpected opportunities. To incorporate these practices into our lives, we must start small, be consistent, and be gentle with ourselves. So, let us embrace the power of association and the benefits of learning in public as we navigate our own unique journeys of growth and discovery.