Digital Zettelkasten: Principles, Methods, & Examples

by David Kadavy

Active: If I’m cooking, taking a shower, or having dinner conversation with friends, I might come across an idea. I often listen to podcasts while active, and conversations are of course a great source of ideas. If I’m active and I come across an idea, I want to capture it. I also want something to do when waiting in line or at the dentist, besides scrolling through social media. Lying down: For me, lying down is the most comfortable way to read a book, whether on my couch, or in my hammock. This is how I prefer to do most of my reading, and that’s a main reason I usually don’t take detailed fleeting notes while reading. I mostly highlight on my e-reader, occasionally accompanying the highlight with a short note. Reclining: Reclining is a wonderful position for creative thinking, which is probably why writers such as Michael Chabon do a lot of writing while reclined – as did Truman Capote. I do most of my writing in my recliner. I use an over-bed table, like you might see in a hospital, to position my tablet and keyboard over my recliner. Upright: I spend as little time as I can on my computer. I have a desk that easily converts from standing to sitting and back, and I try to mix up between the two.