Writing Notes for Your Future Self: Context Is Everything

You've probably opened an old note and wondered what on earth it meant. "Call about the thing." "Ask her." "Check option B." At the time it made perfect sense. A few weeks later, it's a puzzle.

The problem: context fades

When you write a note, your mind holds the whole situation: who, what, why, and when. The note stores only a fragment. Over time, the context disappears, and the fragment loses its meaning.

Write for a stranger

A useful test: could someone who wasn't in your head write the next step? Write notes as though you're leaving instructions for a different person, because in a way you are.

Add the four basics

For any note that isn't trivial, include:

• Date. When you wrote it, or when the event happens.
• Who. The people involved.
• What. The topic or decision in plain words.
• Why or next step. What the note is for.

Compare:

• Weak: "Ask about the deposit."
• Strong: "12 Oct: Ask landlord (Mr Rao) whether the £500 deposit will be returned within 14 days of moving out."

Use clear titles

A good title says what the note is about, and helps when searching: "Flat 4B move-out checklist" is better than "Flat".

Write full phrases for anything important

Abbreviations save seconds now and cost minutes later. Use full words for names, projects and unusual terms, at least the first time.

Record decisions and reasons

When you decide something, note why. Months later, when you wonder why you chose option A, you'll have the reasoning. This is especially valuable for work decisions and big purchases.

Include links and references

Where the source is a website, message or conversation, note it. "Per email from Sam, 3 Oct" is far more useful than nothing.

Add tags

Tags such as flat, money or project-x help you find related notes, even when the title isn't remembered.

Review and tidy

When you re-read a note within a day or two, add anything that isn't clear while you still remember it. Two minutes of tidying can save an hour later.

Reminders need context

A reminder that says "Call Sam" is less helpful than "Call Sam about the venue booking, before Friday". Include the reason.

Don't over-write

Notes don't need to be essays. A few well-chosen details are enough. The aim is clarity, not length.

Common mistakes

• Cryptic shorthand.
• No date.
• Vague titles.
• Never revisiting notes.

Try this

Open five old notes and see how many you understand instantly. Rewrite the confusing ones, and notice what was missing.

Write clear, dated, searchable notes with EasyNotes →