The Art of Writing: Like Building with Lego, Effortless, Fun, and Efficient

The Art of Writing: Like Building with Lego, Effortless, Fun, and Efficient

Writing is often seen as a challenging task, as it requires both creativity and discipline. It can be a painful process, especially when faced with looming deadlines and a lack of inspiration. The difficulty lies in the fact that without sufficient material and inspiration, it feels like attempting to cook without any ingredients. However, by following the "121" workflow, writing can become as effortless as walking and as productive as ever.

The "121" workflow is based on three significant numbers that hold special meaning. The first "1" represents searching in one place, specifically in Anki. By searching for relevant Anki flashcards, we can gather the necessary information for our writing. Once we have selected the appropriate flashcards, we proceed with two actions: copying and pasting. We copy the question and answer portions of the flashcards and paste them into our presentation slides. With the content already copied and pasted, we then arrange and sort the slides according to the logical sequence. This streamlined process allows us to work and think simultaneously, just like walking and contemplating at the same time.

The concept of using flashcards extends beyond writing to encompass the entire process of reading and learning. By treating the author's Q&A sessions, question and answer flashcards, and Anki flashcards as individual building blocks, we can construct a solid foundation of knowledge. Unlike fragmented articles that may provide valuable information but lack coherence, having a comprehensive collection of "bricks" allows us to build a complete structure when constructing our own "house."

Furthermore, by accumulating "bricks" from various masters and classic books in the same field, we gain the flexibility to select the most suitable "bricks" when building our own "house." This wealth of diverse knowledge empowers us to create a personalized and well-crafted piece of writing.

A key aspect of effective writing is the art of note-taking. Highly regarded authors, such as Qian Zhongshu, attribute their exceptional memory not to any inherent superpower but to their dedication and meticulous note-taking. Qian Zhongshu's note-taking process is time-consuming, as it takes him twice as long to make notes as it does to read a book. However, this meticulousness ensures that the knowledge he acquires from books remains ingrained in his memory.

Qian Zhongshu's love for books is evident from his extensive collection, most of which he borrows from various libraries. After reading and making notes, he returns the borrowed books, often giving away his personal collection. Qian Zhongshu understands the value of shared knowledge and emphasizes the importance of reading and note-taking in retaining information.

Incorporating the use of index cards has proven to be a remarkable tool for writing. Instead of starting from the beginning and writing each chapter in sequence, we can fill in the blanks based on a clear mental picture. Similar to assembling Lego bricks, we can pick and choose the appropriate pieces, gradually constructing a complete structure without the need for a predetermined starting point. This method allows for a more flexible and intuitive approach to writing.

While flashcards may seem fragmented, they can be advantageous if utilized effectively. The key lies in knowing how to best utilize them. Just as great individuals throughout history did not possess secret knowledge, but rather, they mastered what was known to everyone, we too can achieve excellence by taking commonly known principles and applying them to an exceptional degree.

The flow of work from input to output should ideally follow the principle of "water flowing to the channel." When we are beginners, we often lack a clear workflow and simply complete tasks as they come, focusing on finishing quickly rather than following a structured approach. As we gain experience, we develop our own habits and routines, creating a channel for our work. However, we should not settle for these established habits and repeat them for years without improvement.

Instead, we should actively design our workflow from input to output. Through continuous practice, we can identify and address any issues within each stage of the process, ensuring seamless integration and smooth operation.

In conclusion, writing can be a fun and efficient process when approached with the right mindset and tools. The "121" workflow allows for focused and effective writing by utilizing flashcards as building blocks. By incorporating note-taking techniques and designing a well-defined workflow from input to output, we can enhance our writing abilities and produce high-quality work consistently.

Actionable Advice:

1. Embrace the power of flashcards: Use Anki or similar tools to gather relevant information and streamline your writing process. Treat flashcards as building blocks for your writing.
2. Develop a habit of note-taking: Dedicate time to making comprehensive notes while reading. This practice will not only improve your memory but also provide a solid foundation for writing.
3. Design your workflow: Take an active approach in designing your workflow from input to output. Continuously evaluate and improve each stage of the process to ensure seamless and efficient operation.