In an “information age,” how are you leveraging the best tools and strategies to put the best information at your fingertips?

Julie Bestry is a Certified Professional Organizer®, Evernote Certified Expert, and president of Best Results Organizing in Chattanooga, Tennessee. She and I have gotten to know each other through participation in virtual summits where we have both been speakers.

This interview with professional organizer Julie Bestry explores the evolution of note-taking from school to adulthood, highlighting the importance of finding a system that works for you.

Key takeaways:

  • Early influences: Both Julie and I recall their early experiences with note-taking, emphasizing the shift from guided note-taking in school to developing independent methods in college.
  • The value of analog: Julie emphasizes the benefits of analog note-taking, particularly for capturing the nuances of conversations and client interactions. She uses a dedicated notepad and pen, allowing her to focus on the conversation and capture key details quickly.
  • Integrating digital tools: While acknowledging the value of digital tools, Julie maintains a hybrid approach, using paper for initial note-taking and then transferring key information to digital platforms for further organization and action.
  • The importance of a consistent system: Both of us discuss the importance of establishing a consistent note-taking system, whether it’s using a dedicated notebook, a digital tool, or a combination of both.
  • Actionable advice: The interview provides practical tips for improving note-taking, such as using a dedicated notepad, creating a system for capturing and prioritizing tasks, and reviewing notes regularly.

Overall: The interview offers valuable insights into the art of note-taking and encourages listeners to experiment with different methods to find what works best for them. It emphasizes the importance of capturing information effectively, whether it’s for academic purposes, professional endeavors, or personal life.

The Cornell Method

In particular, we discussed the Cornell Notetaking System:

  • Structure: This method divides a page into three sections:
    • Notes Column: The largest section on the right, where you record lecture notes, key concepts, and important information.  
    • Cue Column: A narrower column on the left, reserved for keywords, questions, and study prompts related to the notes.  
    • Summary Section: A space at the bottom of the page for a concise summary of the key ideas and concepts.  
  • Process:
    1. Record Notes: Take notes in the Notes Column during the lecture or while reading.  
    2. Develop Cues: After the lecture or reading, review your notes and formulate questions or keywords in the Cue Column that relate to the main points.  
    3. Summarize: Write a brief summary of the key concepts in the Summary Section.
  • Benefits:
    • Active Recall: The Cue Column encourages active recall by prompting you to test your understanding by answering the questions you’ve generated.  
    • Organization: The structured format helps organize information and makes it easier to review and study.  
    • Focus: The process of creating cues and summaries reinforces key concepts and improves comprehension.  

Beyond the Cornell Method

  • The Interview’s Insights: The interview highlights the importance of finding a note-taking system that works best for you. While the Cornell Method is a structured approach, the interview also emphasizes the value of:
    • Analog Methods: Julie Bestry, the professional organizer, advocates for the use of pen and paper for initial note-taking, particularly in client interactions, to capture the nuances of conversations and emotions.
    • Hybrid Approaches: Combining analog and digital methods, such as using paper for initial notes and then transferring key information to digital platforms like Evernote or OneNote.
    • Consistent Systems: Establishing a consistent routine for note-taking, such as reviewing notes regularly and transferring action items to a to-do list.

Key Takeaways

  • Effective note-taking is a crucial skill for learning and productivity.  
  • The Cornell Method provides a structured framework for organizing and reviewing information.  
  • Experimentation is key to finding the best note-taking system for your individual needs and preferences.
  • Combining analog and digital methods can enhance the effectiveness of your note-taking process.
  • Consistent review and integration of notes into your workflow are essential for maximizing their value.

By incorporating these principles and exploring different methods, you can develop a personalized note-taking system that helps you capture, organize, and utilize information effectively.

Here is more information on turning handwriting into editable, digital text:

Here are the previous episodes featuring Julie Bestry:

You can learn more about Julie Bestry’s work here:

In school, you couldn’t use your notes on the test, because using your notes would make things too easy. In the larger test called “life,” we CAN use our notes. How good are your notes? With the advent of tools such as Google Lens and Evernote AI transcription, we’re able to take handwritten notes and turn them into editable, digital text. Given this capability, why would we not use it to our fullest advantage?

Life is too short and time too precious to waste one more day. If you are someone who stumbled upon this site for the first time, let me help you take a major step forward right now. When you join my email list, I’ll give you two free gifts. The first will get your desk clean. The second will put everything you have to do in one place. Plus, each week you’ll hear from me with nuts & bolts tools and strategies to make life easier and more productive. You’re one click away from making it happen.