The Virtues Of Taking Notes
Recently, I had to give a recommendation to a new hire on what note-taking software they should use. That conversation stuck with me more than I expected.
They told me they planned to use Microsoft Word to take notes—and for some reason, I cringed. It wasn’t their fault. They had just graduated high school, never worked in an office before, and probably never heard of tools like Obsidian, Notion, or OneNote. They just wanted to get started.
That moment reminded me: note-taking is personal. Everyone deserves the freedom to choose a system that actually works for them.
Why Note-Taking Matters
For me, note-taking isn’t optional—it’s survival. I have a poor memory. If I don’t write things down, I forget.
Taking notes has:
- Saved me countless times from dropping the ball.
- Kept my to-do lists sharp and actionable.
- Helped me document processes when no systems existed, ensuring I stayed consistent.
- Broken down big, overwhelming tasks into manageable steps.
It has been the single biggest factor in me getting better professionally.
Notes as a Thinking Tool
Notes aren’t just about remembering—they’re about thinking. Writing things down forces me to:
- Turn vague thoughts into concrete ideas.
- Connect dots and make associations between concepts.
- Rethink and rewrite until my ideas make sense.
- Have structured conversations and presentations instead of scattered ones.
When I take notes, I’m not just capturing the past—I’m shaping the future.
My Journey Through Tools
Like many, I started simple with Google Keep. I loved how easy it was, but I disliked how impersonal it felt. And honestly, the idea of Google training on my private notes bothered me.
I wanted something more personal. Something that was mine.
So, I built my own app: Notething. It’s been the best note-taking tool I’ve ever had, because it does exactly what I need, the way I need it. It’s private, it’s flexible, and it evolves with me. Using it has been a pleasure, and it’s become invaluable in my work and life.
Along the way, I also realized something: the file system is underrated, and plain text is god-tier. Developers know this. Plain text is fast, portable, and future-proof. Sometimes, the simplest formats are the strongest.
The Bigger Picture
Until the day we have chips implanted in our brains to boost memory, note-taking is the next best thing. It’s sustainable, if you find the right tool.
The danger is when you lock yourself into off-the-shelf proprietary apps. If the software annoys you and you can’t customize it, you’ll end up hopping from app to app, chasing the “perfect” solution.
Wouldn’t it be better to have a tool that grows with you—whether that means choosing an open, flexible app, or even building your own?
A Word to Beginners
If you’re new to note-taking, don’t overthink it. Start by exploring existing apps:
- Obsidian
- Notion
- OneNote
- Evernote
Or even just plain text and folders
Pay attention to how each feels. The “best” tool is the one you’ll actually use.
And if you’re technically inclined? Consider building your own. Your tool can become an extension of how you think, and it can evolve as you do.
Conclusion
Note-taking is more than writing things down. It’s a habit that sharpens your memory, clarifies your thinking, and makes you better at what you do.
The tool doesn’t matter as much as the practice—but the right tool can make the practice stick. So start small. Explore. Experiment. And if you’re brave enough, maybe even create something of your own.
Because until we reach that sci-fi future where memory is augmented by machines, a good note-taking habit is the smartest upgrade you can give yourself today.