De-Automating My Reading Notes: A New and Better Way For Capturing My Reading Notes in Obsidian

De-Automating My Reading Notes: A New and Better Way For Capturing My Reading Notes in Obsidian

In today's fast-paced world, finding efficient ways to capture and organize our reading notes is essential. Many of us turn to automation to streamline the process and save time. However, I recently learned a valuable lesson about the drawbacks of relying too heavily on automation. While it may be convenient and efficient, it can also lead to a detached and remote experience. In this article, I will share my journey of de-automating my reading notes and discovering a new and better way to capture and curate them in Obsidian.

When it comes to reading a book and taking notes, I follow a three-step process. First, I immerse myself in the book and mark it up along the way. This allows me to highlight key passages and jot down my thoughts and reactions. However, instead of immediately transferring these notes to Obsidian, I have found it more beneficial to wait until I finish reading the entire book. This way, I can review my markings and determine which passages are truly worth capturing in my notes.

Once I have finished reading the book, I create a source note in Obsidian. This source note serves as a map of content (MOC) for the book and helps me organize my thoughts and ideas. It acts as a central hub where I can link to separate notes for each significant passage or concept. By using transcluded links, I ensure that the full note will show up in preview mode, providing a comprehensive overview of the book's content.

Sometimes, I come across a thought or idea that doesn't require a separate note. In such cases, I simply capture it within the source note itself. This allows me to maintain a cohesive narrative and avoid cluttering my Obsidian vault with unnecessary individual notes.

Initially, I was drawn to the idea of automating the process of capturing my reading notes. I believed it would save me a significant amount of time and effort. However, I soon realized that automation hindered my ability to truly absorb and engage with my notes. By automating the titles of the reading notes with UIDs instead of readable titles, I found myself detached from the content and unable to remember the context behind each note.

In my quest to de-automate my reading notes, I discovered the importance of actively curating and reviewing my notes. Instead of relying solely on automation, I now take the time to revisit my notes, evaluate their significance, and decide which ones are worth capturing as separate linked notes in Obsidian. This process allows me to truly engage with the material, make connections, and gain valuable insights.

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To conclude, de-automating my reading notes and adopting a more curated approach in Obsidian has significantly enhanced my reading experience. By immersing myself in the book, carefully reviewing my notes, and actively curating them, I have gained a deeper understanding of the material and made valuable connections. Here are three actionable pieces of advice for those looking to improve their note-taking process:

1. Embrace the process: Instead of rushing to capture your notes, take the time to fully engage with the material. Allow yourself to immerse in the book, make markings, and absorb the content before transferring it to your note-taking platform.

2. Curate and review: Regularly revisit your notes, evaluate their significance, and curate them accordingly. Determine which passages are worth capturing as separate notes and which can be included within a source note. This process will help you make connections and gain deeper insights.

3. Avoid excessive automation: While automation can be helpful, don't rely on it entirely. Automation may save time, but it can also create a disconnect between you and your notes. By actively participating in the note-taking process, you will develop a stronger connection with the material and improve your overall understanding.

In conclusion, by de-automating my reading notes and embracing a more curated approach in Obsidian, I have transformed my reading experience. Through active engagement, careful review, and thoughtful curation, I have gained a deeper understanding of the material and made valuable connections. Remember to embrace the process, curate and review your notes regularly, and avoid excessive automation in order to enhance your own note-taking journey.