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 digital world, automation has become a key aspect of our lives. It helps us streamline processes, increase efficiency, and save time. However, when it comes to certain tasks, such as capturing reading notes, automation may not always be the best approach.

Taking notes manually has its own set of advantages. It helps us understand and filter what really matters to us. It allows us to engage with the content on a deeper level and make connections between different concepts. While automation may be efficient, it often lacks the personal touch that manual note-taking provides.

For me, the process of capturing reading notes has evolved over time. First, I read the book and mark it up along the way. This allows me to highlight important passages and make annotations directly in the book. It helps me engage with the material and grasp the key ideas.

Next, I create a source note for the book. This acts as a kind of map of content (MOC) for that particular book. It helps me organize my thoughts and provides a structure for my notes. This source note serves as a reference point for all the information I gather from the book.

After reviewing the notes I took, I decide which ones are worth capturing as separate linked notes and which ones are relevant to include in the source MOC. This process of culling and curating helps me filter out the information that is not essential and focus on what truly matters.

Instead of creating my notes in Obsidian right away, I have found it more effective to wait until I finish reading the book. This allows me to have a holistic view of the content and make better decisions about what notes to include. Sometimes, passages that I initially marked as important may not hold the same significance upon finishing the book.

When I finish reading a book, I do a couple of things. First, I update Goodreads to keep track of the books I've read. Then, I update my personal list of books I've read since 1996. Finally, I go back to the book and review the flags I've left. If I don't think a note is worth keeping or recording, I'll remove the flag. This helps me prioritize the notes that I want to capture.

In Obsidian, I have a dedicated "Reading" folder with two sub-folders: Sources and Commonplace. Source notes go into the Sources folder, where I have created a template to ensure consistency in formatting and content. This template helps me stay organized and makes it easier to find specific information when needed.

Once I have my source note and have filtered out the unnecessary flags, I begin adding my notes to Obsidian manually. This involves reading from the highlighted passages, typing them into a note in Obsidian, and adding any necessary meta-data. While this may seem time-consuming, I have found that it significantly enhances my understanding and retention of the material.

Automation may provide efficiency, but it does not always lead to effectiveness. When it comes to capturing reading notes, the manual approach allows us to truly absorb and connect with the information. It helps us grasp the key concepts and make meaningful connections between different ideas.

So, if you're looking for a new and better way to capture your reading notes, consider taking a more hands-on approach. Here are three actionable pieces of advice to help you get started:

1. Embrace the manual process: Instead of relying solely on automation, take the time to manually capture your reading notes. Engage with the material, make annotations, and highlight important passages. This will help you internalize the information and make it more meaningful.

2. Cull and curate: After you finish reading a book, review your notes and decide which ones are worth keeping. Filter out the unnecessary information and focus on what truly matters. This will help you create a more concise and valuable set of notes.

3. Find your own system: Experiment with different methods and tools to find a system that works best for you. Whether it's using physical flags, digital bookmarks, or a combination of both, find a system that allows you to capture and organize your notes effectively.

In conclusion, while automation has its benefits, it may not always be the best approach when it comes to capturing reading notes. Taking a more manual and hands-on approach allows us to truly engage with the material and make meaningful connections. So, give it a try and see how it enhances your reading experience.