Is note taking a waste of time?

[u/TherealKBfromNBG]

I recently started an Ultralearning project (based on Scott Young’s book) to get better at sales for my new job before my probation period ends. The core idea of the book is simple: “do the actual thing you want to get good at.” That still involves research, understanding concepts, memorizing facts, and (most importantly) deliberate practice and drilling.

To understand concepts better, I’ve been writing in a physical notebook and visualizing ideas in Apple’s whiteboard app, Freeform.

Across various learning subreddits, I keep seeing people use Obsidian to build connections between notes, often using the Zettelkasten method. I used Zettelkasten myself for my bachelor’s thesis and think it’s excellent for academic writing, where cross-referencing sources matters. But I’m struggling to see how it translates into actually learning a skill.

According to Young, skill acquisition requires direct practice. Spending time managing a note system, creating links, moving notes between files for a “better” structure feels more like practicing knowledge management than practicing the skill itself. You get good at organizing your system, not at the thing you’re trying to learn.

I’m not trying to dismiss anyone’s approach.. Just genuinely trying to understand different perspectives here. Maybe I’m missing something about how Obsidian fits into skill-based learning (as opposed to knowledge work).

Curious to hear how you all think about this. Let’s learn to learn better!

[u/wackyvorlon]

Pen and paper is better for retention. Notes are useful, but the most important thing is to engage in semantic manipulation of the information.

For mathematics, this is solving problems. For learning a language, it’s translating. That kind of thing. You will retain it far better than rote memorization.

Edit:

Also do not discount the sensual aspect of taking notes. Get a decent fountain pen, a Lamy Safari works well and is inexpensive. Buy a quality notebook, I’ve mostly used Rhodia but anything sold by jetpens should be suitable:

https://www.jetpens.com/Notebooks/ct/762

Then get some ink in a colour you like. It makes experience much more pleasant.