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This is about how to be a note-taking minimalist. Keep going or read this on Medium instead.

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Meetings, podcasts, online courses, and all the while that pile of books is growing higher and higher.

Our brains weren’t built to handle this much clutter.

So why are we adding to the pile?

I can tell just from quick Google searches and being around the productivity space that many of you are looking for the next edge with note-taking.

And just to be honest, you could be taking too many notes.

That’s what this article is about — minimalist note-taking.

It’s about cutting away the excess, making sure you get what really matters, and ignoring the rest.

If you’ve ever tried digital minimalism — paring back notifications, cutting screen time — this is the next logical step.

Here’s how to do it.

What is note-taking minimalism?

Minimalist note-taking is getting the facts without the filler.

You’re recording just enough to capture the big idea. The goal is not to document every word in a meeting or jot down every single bullet point from a presentation. The goal is to focus on what actually matters.

Most of us fall into a trap: more notes equal more knowledge.

We’re convinced that if we take copious notes, we’ll be more prepared, more organized. But all we’re doing is creating a massive backlog of information we don’t need, and that just clutters our thinking.

Note-taking minimalism means taking the right notes, not more notes. It’s about purpose, not quantity.

Why are minimalist notes better?

The most obvious reason?

Clarity.

With minimalist notes, there’s no sifting through endless paragraphs to find that one nugget of information.

You’re getting straight to the point. You know exactly what matters because you captured it — and only it.

Minimalist notes take up less mental space. When you’re not bogged down with excessive detail, you can focus on what’s important: making decisions, taking action, or moving forward with a project.

You’re not reviewing endless meeting notes wondering what it all means.

But here’s the kicker: minimalist notes make reviewing easier. There’s less to go back to, less to organize, less to worry about.

If you only wrote down what’s essential, then when you need it, it’s right there. No fluff, no filler.

3 Rules for Minimalist Note-Taking

Minimalism is all about focus. Here’s how to make sure your notes stay streamlined and effective:

1. Keep it short

Your future self will thank you if you can sum up a meeting, book, or idea in a few sentences. If you can condense a paragraph into two lines, do it. The shorter your notes, the more likely you’ll revisit them — and the easier it’ll be when you do.

2. Write only what matters

Before you jot something down, ask yourself: “Am I going to need this later?” If not, don’t write it. Capture decisions, actions, and ideas — not the whole conversation.

3. Build a simple system

Minimalism doesn’t mean chaos. You need a system to organize the few notes you do take.

​I take notes on a legal pad and then move those over to Notion.

Whether it’s a single folder or even sticky notes on a wall, find a method that works with your mind.

5 strategies to simplify your note-taking…

If you’re feeling overwhelmed by digital tools or the sheer volume of notes, simplicity is key.

Minimalism doesn’t mean giving up on organization or detail — it’s about refining your approach to focus on what really matters.

Here are a few simple strategies to integrate into your minimalist note-taking practice:

1. Use a physical notebook if you’re feeling overwhelmed.

Sometimes, the easiest way to declutter is to go offline.

When digital tools start to feel too complicated or overwhelming, switch to a physical notebook.

I like using a legal pad, this is the one I use.

The limited space naturally encourages you to focus only on what’s truly important. There’s no temptation to over-organize or create unnecessary categories — just you, a pen, and what needs to be remembered.

2. Try the “today note” strategy

Dedicate a section of your notes strictly to what you need for today.

This helps you filter out anything that isn’t immediately actionable — whether that’s long-term projects or future tasks — and hones in on what requires your attention now.

It’s a simple way to stay focused and avoid distraction from information that isn’t yet relevant.

3. Start with a blank page for your new notes

Each day, start fresh with a blank page. Whether you’re taking notes in a meeting or planning your day, begin from zero.

This approach prevents information overload and forces you to focus on what’s at hand.

4. Stick to one app or one system

One of the biggest traps in note-taking is the endless search for the perfect tool.

Constantly switching apps, chasing new features, or experimenting with multiple tools adds unnecessary complexity and wastes time.

Instead, pick one app, one notebook, or one method — and get really good at using it minimally.

The simpler your system, the less friction you’ll encounter in capturing and retrieving important information.

My system has advanced slightly — I use a legal pad for my daily to-do list, and then take notes or reminders. I like this, because I don’t have to flip between tabs on my computer.

I write it down next to me and don’t get distracted by going to a different web app.

Then for work, I transfer that info into Tettra and then I use Notion for my personal work and writing.

5. Try two columns

For a streamlined way to take notes, try the two-column method. On the left side, jot down actions — things that need to be done. On the right side, write supporting notes — details or context you may need later.

This separation helps you focus on prioritizing tasks while keeping relevant information close at hand. It’s a great way to align your notes with your goals, making your note-taking process more purposeful and productive.

When not to take notes…

Here’s a little secret: sometimes, you don’t need to take notes at all. We’re conditioned to capture everything, but often, we don’t need to. If something’s already in an email, a slide deck, or an official document — skip it. You can always refer back.

Be intentional. If the information is accessible elsewhere, don’t clog your own system with redundancy.

Keeping minimalist notes up to date…

Lastly, minimalist note-taking is only effective if you revisit and maintain it.

Prune regularly. Review regularly.

If a note no longer serves a purpose, delete it. If something needs refining, simplify it further.

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If you liked this, please reply and let me know or give some claps on Medium. ​
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Keep going-

​Josh Spilker​​

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​PS: You got this b/c you signed up for the Create Make Write newsletter or downloaded something on notes or writing from me on Gumroad​

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PSS: Still here?​ WHOA, good job. Here's 61% off the Quick Start Note-Taking Pack (SHHH....it's more expensive in the article above...)

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