Pro-memory
Today is a time for self-criticism: I can't remember shit anymore.
All the research in order to set up valid methods and tools so as not to miss a single piece of information is transforming my memory into a geographical and non-semantic memory.
Hi, welcome back Between the Notes.
Let's start with greetings, otherwise I'll forget it, this will be the last release of 2024, I'm taking a couple more weeks off and we'll see each other again in 2025, which unfortunately is a year that sounds very good and we all remember what happened the last time with the “twenty”.
Finger Cross and Brace for the Impact.
Today we talk about memory, about 'productivity tools' and how these have made the rounds, since how efficient they have become. I realize that I am untrained by the memory, supplanted by a spasmodic capture of what I am told or how much I listen to, and this thing does not make me crazy, on the contrary: I am a bit angry.
Pen and paper have never been part of my active listening, I was always afraid of losing pieces or that I wouldn't even be able to reread what I wrote, I have terrible handwriting.
Except for the signature, I like my signature.
I have therefore worked hard to create or implement methods in my daily life and that of the people of Open, which, thanks to simple tools such as Notion or reminders, would allow us to always have everything written and organized
But there's a problem: maybe, I ended up relying too much on this reminder.
The 'CODE' method
I have been following the CODE method (Capture, Organize, Distill, Express) for some time: I capture everything, organize with care, simplify and, when necessary, use. In English it's more effective than it is, let me give you a quick example, you're on call with a customer or a lead:
C - Capture the information you need where it's most convenient for you,
Or - those organized together with notes of the same type, then in the notes of that customer or leads,
D - summarized in a summary to make them “beautiful”,
And - send them to your colleagues on the project or to the lead himself for confirmation.
Everything is perfect, it works, I assure you, but there is a big but to make it really useful:
You must distinguish information from knowledge
I know I know, I don't remember the reason for knowing, but I know where to find it.
This is where the paradox comes from.
I saved everything, but I often don't remember why that information seemed so important to me, because my note-taking engulfs not only information, but also knowledge.
“First World Problems” you will think, and with good reason, you are right, why not, I am not saying that I am missing pieces, but that it often makes me nervous to have to go back to rummage through the notes and not to remind myself on the fly the reason for something.
At work, the system holds up. Knowing where to find everything is essential and sure to carry out projects. But in personal life?
Not being divided as in Severance (watch it, incredible series), being dedicated to this methodology, I can hardly break away and move on to a different me, with all my senses engaged, ready to make memories. And there, technology can't help me
The 'gift' of synthesis
In addition to not helping me, Socially Speaking of it, it's tough: we are in the era of capture, of content creation. Simplifying to the extreme: we watch through a screen what happens to us, so at the same time we can capture it. No good.
Perhaps, out there, we should understand how the 'gift' of synthesis is not exactly a positive skill, and use a more maximalist approach: strive to hear Before capture, Take out the phone after checking the list of colors-shapes-smells and sensations in order to take a nice picture to share.
Perhaps, regardless, not everything needs to be saved.
Perhaps, it is worth it, to leave a little space for our memory to decide for ourselves.
Because in the end, what we really remember is what touched us, that left a mark.
Until the next note, to a more vibrant 2025.
Marco.
