While reading Chapter 4 of Building a Second Brain, I came across the familiar concept of externalizing thoughts. The book states that Note Taking is the simplest and most effective way to externalize one’s thoughts.
Benefits Of Writing Things Down
- Generation Effect - You are more likely to remember concepts you write down in your own words.
- Journaling - Writing about your feelings can improve your mental health.
- Reactivity Loop - You get to take a breath before taking action based on the idea.
- Detachment Gain - Writing produces new knowledge that can be associated with past or future ideas.
Translating emotional events into words leads to profound social, psychological, and neural changes.