A Better Way to Manage Information (and Your Sanity)
Hi ,
A year ago, I felt like I was drowning in a sea of information.
47 browser tabs open. Scattered notes I couldn’t locate. A brain working overtime to keep up.
Sound familiar?
As the year winds down and the holidays approach, it’s the perfect time to pause, reflect, and declutter. What if I told you there’s a way to capture, organize, and actually use what you learn—without the overwhelm?
Here’s the secret: simplicity and structure. Today, I’m sharing the PKM techniques that helped me transform chaos into clarity.
- Break It Down with Atomic Notes
The golden rule of effective note-taking: Keep it small and actionable. The old me? I’d cram dozens of random ideas, tasks, and to-dos into a single, never-to-be-seen-again note. Big mistake.
Each note should capture just one idea, question, or insight. Think of them as digital building blocks. When notes are concise, retrieving and connecting them becomes a breeze. - Harness the Power of Smart Folders
Say goodbye to endless folder chaos! Instead, use categories that grow with you: Projects, Areas, Resources, and Archives (PARA).
Think of it like sorting your closet into clear sections:- Projects: Temporary goals I’m actively working on.
- Areas: Ongoing responsibilities (like health or finances).
- Resources: Reference material.
- Archives: Completed or inactive items.
This system ensures I always know where to find what I need, just like a well-organized closet.
- Tag, Don’t Stuff
Tags create instant connections across categories. Use simple, memorable ones like #ideas, #research, or #personal-growth. Tags help me locate related information, no matter where it’s stored.
Actionable Tip: Build Your Notion Dashboard
Want to put this into practice? My Notion dashboard mirrors these principles. Here’s how I’ve set it up:
- Master Database: A single table for notes, tasks, and resources with fields for tags, links, and dates.
- Filtered Views: Separate views for Projects, Areas, Resources, and Archives to keep my workspace focused.
- Quick Capture: A template button to jot down new ideas instantly.
- Widgets: Add calendars or trackers to make it interactive and fun.
By designing an intuitive system, I’ve made information my ally, not my enemy— and reclaimed hours of my life.
This Week’s Reflection
Before the holiday magic takes over, how are you organizing your digital world as we head into the new year?
Hit reply and share your current go-to method for managing information—I’d love to hear your tips!
Wishing you calm, clarity, and a joyful holiday season,
Gav
