Do you take notes, or do you make notes?

And do you even make that distinction? (I’m hoping, if you don’t, you will after today.)

A short one today because I’m sick, and I can barely string together two thoughts.

This note-taking vs. note-making concept comes to me from Nick Milo, who has a video going deep into the subject. But here it is, in my words:

Note-taking is the act of capturing other people’s thoughts. It’s copying and pasting excerpts, writing down what you hear, or highlighting what you’re reading. This is you curating the best of what you’ve taken in.

Note-making is the act of working out your own thoughts. It’s writing out concepts or connections you’ve made as you listen, watch, and read. This is where you bring new things into the world; your thoughts, in your words.

And my take (and Nick’s take) is that note-making is a far more powerful act.

Not to say there isn’t a place for both. Having those razor-sharp quotes at hand can be a true delight. But if you’re choosing between the two, err on the side of note-making.

Don’t just underline a phrase. Write in the margins why you think it’s important. Make note of what you think it proves, disproves, reinforces, or puts into question.

That’s it.

Make notes,
James