Have you ever walked out of a class where you tirelessly took notes, and then when you looked back at them it looked like Morse code? There are a lot of people in that same position who struggle to take notes.
Good note-taking skills are essential in everything you do. “They are the key to success in any industry,” says Kaiser G., an experienced notetaker who has explored multiple industries and has been academically successful.
In the professional world, he suggests always having a notepad on you and getting as much information as possible. He scribbles his information down to have as much substance and information as possible. Then, he rewrites his notes to make them more visible and understandable.
“To make my notes effective, I use visual cues.” The organization tends to help with memorizing and soaking up information. Using arrows, bullet points, and underlining is the best way to use visual cues and make them effective because they are simple, but pay dividends.
For people who are struggling to take notes, using abbreviations help with the initial note taking process because it makes taking notes less overwhelming. You are able to get things down faster, and it is more effective. It allows you to get more information down, and it also allows you to keep up with the lecture, meeting, or class that you are taking notes on. “When I was younger, I often found myself trying to keep up with my classes, and I was always one behind because it took me a long time to take notes,” and, “once I started using abbreviations, it was so much more effective, and I felt like I could immerse myself more in the lesson,and I saw my academic performance increase” he says.
You will need notes for the rest of your life whether you are the CEO of a multi-million dollar company, or if you are a waiter at a restaurant, either way, “good notes are essential for success.”
