Table of Contents
Are you reading more but remembering less? Struggling to turn pages into progress? If yes, you’re not alone. Whether you’re reading for personal growth, education, or productivity, effective note-taking while reading is the key to making information stick and applying it in real life.
In this post, I’ll break down my proven 6-step process to help you retain more, stay engaged, and transform reading into actionable knowledge. I’ve read over 150 books in the past two years, and this method changed how I learn from every page. Let’s dive in.
📚 1. Always Have Your Reading Accessories Ready
Before you dive into your next book, make sure your tools are within reach:
- A notebook for reflections and summaries
- A fountain or ballpoint pen to write in the book or notebook
- A highlighter to mark key ideas
If you’re reading at home, keep these tools handy. For Kindle readers or those on the move, consider using digital tools like Kindle highlights or apps like Notion or Evernote.
✅ Tip: Don’t interrupt your reading to look for tools—prepare beforehand to stay focused.
❓ 2. Ask Yourself a Question Before You Start Reading
This is the most important step in the entire process.
Before picking up a book, ask yourself:
“What do I want to learn or solve by reading this?”
This gives your reading purpose and direction. It helps you filter out irrelevant info and hone in on what matters most. It also increases the chances you’ll actually finish the book—because now you’re reading with intent.
🖍️ 3. Highlight and Annotate Key Ideas
While reading, engage with the text actively by:
- Highlighting impactful quotes
- Writing short notes in the margins
- Marking ideas that align with your initial question
✨ Pro Tip: Read the full page first, then decide what to highlight. Don’t turn every paragraph into a highlighter festival!
✍️ 4. Summarize Each Chapter in Your Own Words
Taking notes mid-chapter can interrupt your reading flow. Instead, use active recall:
- After each chapter, write a short summary from memory.
- Focus on what stood out and how it connects to your question.
This helps you retain more and ensures you’re processing the information, not just copying it.
📌 5. Write Down 5–10 Principles to Apply
Once you’ve finished the book, distill what you’ve learned into 5 to 10 actionable principles.
These should:
- Reflect your original goal or question
- Be simple enough to remember and apply
- Guide your behavior or habits going forward
For books on productivity, business, or self-improvement, this step is especially powerful. It turns passive reading into practical learning.
🔁 6. Review Your Notes Weekly
Reading without review leads to forgetfulness. That’s why I set aside one hour each week to revisit my notes.
Here’s how I do it:
- Review physical notes from my notebook
- Transfer them into Scrivener (or a digital tool you prefer)
- Tag ideas by theme for future reference or writing
Whether you use Notion, Obsidian, Evernote, or a plain document—reviewing is where the long-term value happens.
🔄 “Sharpen the saw” as Stephen Covey says—constant review leads to constant improvement.
Final Thoughts
Effective note-taking doesn’t have to be complicated—but it should be consistent and purposeful. With this 6-step method, you’ll read with more focus, remember more, and walk away from every book with lessons you can actually use.
🔎 Key Takeaways:
- Be prepared with reading tools
- Set an intention with a guiding question
- Highlight with purpose, not pressure
- Summarize chapters to strengthen memory
- Turn insights into principles
- Review regularly to reinforce learning
