Capture First, Organize Later: A Low-Friction Note System
Dump everything now, sort once a week. How a capture-first note system works, why filing at capture kills the habit, and how to stop the inbox piling up.
The systems library
Methods compared, choosing rules, and a workflow that survives a busy month. Start with the smallest system, then add only what you miss.
How to Choose a Note-Taking System: A Decision Table
Pick a system by the job your notes do, your weekly time and where you capture. A decision table for Zettelkasten, PARA, Cornell and bullet journal.
The Simplest Note-Taking System That Actually Sticks
A note-taking system small enough to survive a busy month: one inbox, ten minutes of sorting a week, and rules on what to leave out until you need it.
Tags vs Folders for Notes: A Simple Rule to Decide
Folders give one clear home, tags give several labels. A simple rule for when to use each, how many tags is too many, and when search makes both optional.
Weekly Review for Notes: A 10-Minute Routine That Works
A ten-minute weekly review for your notes: collect, sort, pick three, delete. Based on the GTD weekly review, with a checklist and a catch-up plan.
Why Note-Taking Systems Fail, and the Fixes That Work
Six patterns that kill Zettelkasten, PARA and second brain setups by week three, each with a concrete fix, so your next system survives a busy month.
Zettelkasten for Beginners: Start With Five Notes
Learn the Zettelkasten method from scratch: what a note holds, how to link, what Luhmann did, and a five-note starter exercise for paper or any app.
Zettelkasten vs PARA: Which Note System Fits You?
Zettelkasten builds ideas, PARA organises action. See where each wins, what each costs per week, and how to pick one or run a light mix of both.