How to record paper notes efficiently?

Now we really have too many excellent note-taking software to choose from, whether it is Evernote or Onenote. The efficiency and functionality of note-taking have long surpassed traditional paper notes. People really can't find a reason to continue picking up pen and paper.

But there are indeed times when paper notes are a better choice (or even the only choice) for us to record information. For example: 1. When going out 2. Some companies do not allow computers to be brought to meetings 3. Many people do not like to turn on the computer when they are reading 4. Other times when it is inconvenient to turn on the computer.

Therefore, as a supplement to our content records, it is very necessary to equip yourself with a paper notebook.

Paper note records have three characteristics: 1. The writing speed is slow. No matter how fast you write (except shorthand), it is difficult to type faster than typing on a computer. So, relatively speaking, recording content in a paper notebook is relatively slow. 2. High degree of free play. Whether it's writing text, or hand-painting simple diagrams, flow charts, as long as there is a piece of paper, a pen, we can freely records as we want. 3. Inconvenient to manage and retrieve. Paper notebooks are different from notes recorded with electronic devices. They have no labels and no search. If we don't use a proper recording method, our notes are likely to become a mess, and the follow-up is basically unusable.

In view of the above three characteristics, we should develop a set of rules and methods for our records. Using this system, we should minimize the impact of the shortcomings of paper notes on us, while maximizing the advantages of paper notes.

Here are some points that I should pay attention to when recording paper notes:

1. Short and lean. Because of the slow writing speed, we have to cherish words like gold when taking notes. In my opinion, paper notes are not the best choice for us to record long-form content when there are more and better choices. Even if it is only used to record information, try to avoid writing large sections.

2. Keep your notes tidy and clean. Because of the slow writing speed, sometimes in pursuit of speed, many people write very sloppy characters. This record is a record, but when I look back later, I don't know what it was written. At the same time, scribbled fonts and chaotic typographic layouts also greatly affect your desire to read.

Note-taking does not require your writing to be beautiful, but at least you must write clearly and horizontally. If you are weak in this area, try to use a notebook with horizontal stripes or squares.

3. Create partitions. According to the characteristics of the content, you need to establish corresponding sections in your own notebooks. This is a point that many people do not realize or pay attention to.

In fact, we can even use different types of paper to record different forms of content. For example, for inspiration, creation, and drawing notes, blank paper is best. For meeting records and reading notes that require regular content, horizontal paper is best. For more precise graphics, fine graph paper can be used. Many people like to use hand accounts, because several different types of paper cores can be inserted into one hand account at the same time, which is naturally suitable for recording content with different characteristics.