The Art of Smart Brevity: Writing Less, Saying More, and Taking Smart Notes

The Art of Smart Brevity: Writing Less, Saying More, and Taking Smart Notes

In today's digital age, we are bombarded with an overwhelming amount of information. The internet has given us access to mass amounts of data, but it has also perpetually distracted us. We skim articles, rarely reading them in their entirety, and share them without truly digesting the content. This has led to a society that values quantity over quality when it comes to information consumption.

A study conducted by the University of Maryland found that even when we make the choice to read something, we only spend an average of 26 seconds looking at it. Our distractibility has become a major issue, as a study by the University of California Irvine revealed that it takes us an average of 20 minutes to refocus after being distracted. This constant state of distraction hinders our ability to truly absorb and understand the information we come across.

So, how can we combat this problem of information overload and distraction? The answer lies in the art of smart brevity and taking smart notes. By writing less and saying more, we can effectively convey our message and capture the attention of our audience. Additionally, by implementing a note-taking system, we can improve our ability to retain and utilize the information we consume.

When it comes to taking smart notes, it is important to categorize them into four different types: fleeting notes, literature notes, permanent notes, and project notes. Fleeting notes are those quick thoughts or ideas that come to mind, similar to the notes you would jot down in the margin of a book. These notes should be thrown away once their contents have been transferred to literature or permanent notes.

Literature notes are meant to summarize the content of a text and provide proper citation. These notes serve as a reference point for future use. Permanent notes, on the other hand, should contain one fully explained idea, written in complete sentences as if part of a published paper. These notes serve as a repository of knowledge that can be revisited and expanded upon.

Lastly, project notes are specifically for a particular project, such as collecting all the necessary notes for a research paper. These notes can be discarded once the project is completed. By categorizing our notes in this way, we can better organize and utilize the information we gather.

In order to make the most of our reading and note-taking experience, it is essential to actively engage with the material. Rather than simply reading, we should make reading notes. By summarizing and extracting key points, we are more likely to retain the information and be able to reference it later. Similarly, instead of simply learning, we should aim to share what we have learned through blog posts or other mediums. This not only helps solidify our understanding but also contributes to the collective knowledge.

Productivity should not be measured by the number of pages we write but rather by the number of permanent notes we create. By focusing on quality rather than quantity, we can ensure that our ideas are well-developed and impactful. It is also important to take advantage of the Zeigarnik effect, which states that if we want to stop something from intruding our mind, we should write it down and promise ourselves that we will deal with it later. Conversely, if we want to continue pondering a problem or idea, we should refrain from writing it down and instead take a walk while allowing our mind to explore the concept.

Creating a network of slip-box notes, where certain notes have many connections and others have weaker ties to distant notes, can also enhance our understanding and creativity. This concept, known as the strength of weak ties, allows for the exploration of ideas from different angles and promotes a more holistic approach to learning and problem-solving.

In conclusion, in a world saturated with information and distractions, it is crucial to develop the art of smart brevity and take smart notes. By writing less and saying more, we can cut through the noise and effectively communicate our message. Additionally, by implementing a note-taking system and actively engaging with the material we consume, we can enhance our understanding and make the most of the information available to us.

Actionable Advice:

• 1. Prioritize quality over quantity: Instead of trying to consume as much information as possible, focus on deeply understanding and internalizing a few key ideas. This will allow you to truly grasp the concepts and articulate them effectively.

• 2. Develop a note-taking system: Categorize your notes into different types, such as fleeting, literature, permanent, and project notes. This will help you organize and utilize the information you gather, making it easier to reference and build upon in the future.

• 3. Actively engage with the material: Instead of passively reading or learning, actively extract key points and summarize them in your own words. This not only aids in retention but also allows you to share your knowledge with others, contributing to the collective understanding.

By implementing these three pieces of advice, you can navigate the information age more effectively and make the most of the knowledge available to you. Remember, the greatest gift you can give yourself and others in this cluttered world is their time back.