"How to Optimize Note-Taking and Knowledge Acquisition for Personal and Professional Growth"

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Sep 15, 2023
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"How to Optimize Note-Taking and Knowledge Acquisition for Personal and Professional Growth"
I finally figured out how to take notes! After discovering Apple's Shortcuts app, I realized it could help me automate actions between different apps. One of my main requirements was the ability to tag notes and easily search for them based on specific tags. Additionally, I wanted to track important details like the date, attendees, and key topics discussed. To make it even more convenient, I needed a way to create action items and quickly identify which ones I still needed to complete.
Fortunately, by combining Apple Shortcuts with Bear, an intuitive note-taking app, I was able to meet all of these requirements. I created a shortcut that automatically generates meeting notes, ensuring that I can quickly jump into a meeting with everything prepared. Additionally, I created a separate shortcut for daily "scratch" notes, allowing me to take notes outside of meetings.
One of the standout features of Bear that greatly enhances my workflow is its TODO management capability. At any point within a note, I can create a TODO, which appears as a checkbox item. This feature is reminiscent of GitHub's TODOs and has proven to be incredibly useful in ensuring that I don't overlook any action items assigned to me during meetings. As a result, I feel more organized and on top of my responsibilities. People no longer have to constantly follow up with me, which not only makes me feel good but also improves the overall efficiency of our team.
Moving beyond note-taking, I recently came across an interesting concept: cumulative vs. cyclical knowledge. It reminded me of a historical incident involving President James Garfield's death. Despite being attended by some of the best doctors in the country, their disbelief in germs led them to probe Garfield's bullet wound with ungloved and unwashed fingers. This lack of understanding and adherence to basic hygiene likely contributed to his fatal infection. This incident serves as a reminder that competence can sometimes have more detrimental effects than poverty.
In normal times, the average professional individual manages to make a decent living but typically lives up to the limit of their income due to various expenses. However, during times of economic depression, not only do they struggle to make a living, but they also lack the surplus capital required to invest in opportunities such as stocks and real estate. This realization emphasizes the importance of building a financial surplus during stable periods, as it acts as a safeguard against the unpredictable nature of economic winds.
The concept of cumulative and cyclical knowledge extends beyond financial matters. In some fields, knowledge is accumulated over time, passed down from generation to generation. However, in other fields, knowledge tends to be cyclical, with society repeatedly forgetting and relearning important lessons. This cyclicality poses a significant problem, as it prevents us from fully benefiting from the experiences and wisdom of those who came before us.
Unlike the fields of physics and math, where formulas and principles remain steadfast, topics guided by human behavior, such as money, philosophy, and relationships, cannot be solved with a simple formula. As the astrophysicist Neil deGrasse Tyson aptly stated, "The good thing about science is that it's true whether or not you believe in it." Unfortunately, cyclical knowledge and the inability to learn from past experiences leave us vulnerable to volatility and fragility in these areas.
In light of these insights, here are three actionable pieces of advice to optimize note-taking and knowledge acquisition for personal and professional growth:
- 1. Embrace automation and technology: Explore apps and tools like Apple Shortcuts and Bear to streamline your note-taking process and enhance organization. Take advantage of features like tagging, search functions, and TODO management to stay on top of your tasks and responsibilities.
- 2. Cultivate a surplus: Recognize the importance of building a financial surplus during stable periods. This surplus can act as a buffer during economic downturns and provide opportunities for investment and growth.
- 3. Pursue continuous learning: Despite the cyclical nature of knowledge in certain fields, make a conscious effort to expand your understanding and learn from both past and present experiences. Seek out different perspectives, engage in meaningful conversations, and remain open to new ideas and insights.
In conclusion, optimizing note-taking and knowledge acquisition is crucial for personal and professional growth. By leveraging automation tools, embracing financial prudence, and actively pursuing continuous learning, we can navigate the complexities of our ever-changing world more effectively. Let us strive to break free from the cycle of forgetfulness and build a foundation of cumulative knowledge that benefits not only ourselves but also future generations.
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