## Introduction - Sam Altman's Note-Taking Secret [(00:00:00)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=apWjoXCxDcg&t=0s) - The video discusses Sam Altman's note-taking method, which was shared in an interview with David Perell. [(00:00:04)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=apWjoXCxDcg&t=4s) - [[Sam Altman]] is known for his work with [[OpenAI | Open AI]] and [[Y Combinator]], and is considered a smart and innovative person who is constantly full of ideas. [(00:00:22)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=apWjoXCxDcg&t=22s) - In the interview, Sam Altman pulls out a little [[Police notebook | pocket notebook]] from his pocket to discuss his process of note-taking. [(00:00:44)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=apWjoXCxDcg&t=44s) - The video will cover a clip of the interview and then provide a top-down analysis of Sam Altman's note-taking strategy. [(00:00:53)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=apWjoXCxDcg&t=53s) ## Sam Altman Explains His System [(00:01:03)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=apWjoXCxDcg&t=63s) - A pocket notebook is used for note-taking, and it is preferred to be a spiral notebook because it allows for easy ripping out of pages and lies flat when open on a table [(00:01:16)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=apWjoXCxDcg&t=76s). - The notebook should have good [[Book of the Month | quality paper]] that is pleasant to write on, a hard front and back cover, and be small enough to fit in a pocket [(00:01:50)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=apWjoXCxDcg&t=110s). - The preferred pens for note-taking are the [[Uni-ball | Uni-ball Micro5]] pen and the Muji 36 or 37 pen in dark blue ink [(00:02:06)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=apWjoXCxDcg&t=126s). - The notebook is used extensively, with one notebook lasting around two to three weeks, and pages are frequently ripped out to review multiple pages at once [(00:02:29)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=apWjoXCxDcg&t=149s). - The notebook is not meant to be completed, and instead, pages are ripped out as they are finished, resulting in a pile of crumpled papers [(00:02:40)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=apWjoXCxDcg&t=160s). - The note-taking system has been developed through trial and error, with many different notebooks, pens, and systems being tried before settling on the current one [(00:02:46)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=apWjoXCxDcg&t=166s). ## Recreating the System (My Setup) [(00:02:52)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=apWjoXCxDcg&t=172s) - A consistent notebook brand is used, which is the same brand used in a three-notebook system, and it meets the prescription for Sam Altman's note-taking method [(00:03:01)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=apWjoXCxDcg&t=181s). - The notebook has a horizontal orientation and is placed underneath the keyboard [(00:03:11)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=apWjoXCxDcg&t=191s). - A space pen is used, which is the only pen that fits in the notebook, making it an interesting part of the system [(00:03:18)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=apWjoXCxDcg&t=198s). - The pocket journal is set aside, and the problem with it is that it doesn't fit in the notebook due to its spiral binding, which makes it difficult to tear out sheets and index them [(00:03:41)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=apWjoXCxDcg&t=221s). - The sheets are indexed into [[Notion (productivity software) | Notion]] instead, but a system like the [[Police notebook | pocket notebook]] would be ideal for keeping track of the torn-out sheets [(00:04:02)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=apWjoXCxDcg&t=242s). - The space pen is not the preferred writing instrument, but it's the only one that fits in the notebook, and other pens like the [[Uni-ball]] are considered as alternatives [(00:04:32)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=apWjoXCxDcg&t=272s). - The Micro Uni-ball pen fits in the notebook, but the normal-sized Uni-ball pen is too thick and doesn't fit [(00:04:58)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=apWjoXCxDcg&t=298s). - Fountain pens are not an option due to their size, but other pens like the Parker might be a viable alternative [(00:05:08)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=apWjoXCxDcg&t=308s). - The system is used by writing in the notebook, tearing out pages, and indexing them into Notion, and the complete system will be explained in more detail [(00:05:29)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=apWjoXCxDcg&t=329s). ## How I Use the Pocket Notebook [(00:05:44)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=apWjoXCxDcg&t=344s) - The [[Police notebook | pocket notebook]] strategy is being implemented using a Lockb or a [[Fieldnotes | Field Book]], which can store writing utensils and standard field notes, and is a self-contained system that doesn't require extra loops or a notebook cover [(00:05:44)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=apWjoXCxDcg&t=344s). - The notebook has a craft cover that can be labeled and contains good paper suitable for writing, watercolor, and sketching [(00:07:36)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=apWjoXCxDcg&t=456s). - The notebook is being used to take notes from various sources such as podcasts, with the intention of ripping out relevant pages and indexing them in a larger database, [[Notion (productivity software) | Notion]] [(00:08:06)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=apWjoXCxDcg&t=486s). - Notes are being taken on book advice from podcasts featuring [[Tim Ferriss]] and [[Ryan Holiday]], including advice on beta readers [(00:08:19)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=apWjoXCxDcg&t=499s). - The notebook also contains quotes from other podcasts, such as one featuring [[Rick Rubin]], and is being used as a commonplace notebook to capture interesting ideas [(00:08:47)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=apWjoXCxDcg&t=527s). - The notebook is also being used to brainstorm and develop ideas for a book, including working titles, book reviews, and concepts such as audience development [(00:08:58)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=apWjoXCxDcg&t=538s). - The notebook's contents will be reviewed and indexed regularly, with relevant information being transferred to the Notion database [(00:05:52)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=apWjoXCxDcg&t=352s). - The concept of note-taking is being explored, with a focus on a specific method that involves using a [[Police notebook | pocket notebook]] to jot down ideas and research [(00:09:32)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=apWjoXCxDcg&t=572s). - The notebook contains notes on various topics, including a book by Ryan Holiday, which is being researched and incorporated into a larger project [(00:09:50)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=apWjoXCxDcg&t=590s). - One of the notes is about "expressive writing," a concept that was heard briefly and is being researched further to see if it's useful [(00:10:06)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=apWjoXCxDcg&t=606s). - Another note is about using [[ChatGPT]], a concept that will be explored in more depth and potentially turned into a piece of content [(00:10:32)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=apWjoXCxDcg&t=632s). - A theme emerged about the challenges of doing PPC on one's own without being an expert, and the need to discuss this topic with others [(00:10:44)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=apWjoXCxDcg&t=644s). - Research is being conducted on personal brands, including looking into individuals such as [[Napoleon Hill]], who has been described as a charlatan in a [[Gizmodo]] article [(00:10:54)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=apWjoXCxDcg&t=654s). - The research on Napoleon Hill has led to a reevaluation of his writings and legacy, highlighting the importance of critically evaluating sources [(00:11:12)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=apWjoXCxDcg&t=672s). - The notebook is also being used to outline a video on the concept of using a [[Police notebook | pocket notebook]] for note-taking and research [(00:11:33)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=apWjoXCxDcg&t=693s). ## Benefits and Adaptations [(00:11:46)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=apWjoXCxDcg&t=706s) - The adaptation of using only one side of the page for note-taking has been beneficial, as it allows for each note to be relatively discreet and easier to move around, [(00:11:52)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=apWjoXCxDcg&t=712s). - This method also results in moving through the pages quickly, which can make it difficult to keep track of where you are in the notebook, [(00:12:43)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=apWjoXCxDcg&t=763s). - To address this issue, a simple sticky note is used to mark the back side of the last page worked on, making it easier to quickly find the next available page for note-taking, [(00:13:01)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=apWjoXCxDcg&t=781s). - This note-taking method is particularly useful for individuals who are constantly full of ideas and need to capture them quickly and efficiently, [(00:14:12)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=apWjoXCxDcg&t=852s). - The process of ripping out pages and moving them to a more comprehensive system, such as a database or series of databases in [[Notion (productivity software) | Notion]], is also an effective way to organize and review notes, [(00:14:31)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=apWjoXCxDcg&t=871s). - The use of smaller notebooks, which can be filled up quickly, may require finding ways to blend this method with other systems to make it more effective in the long run, [(00:13:47)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=apWjoXCxDcg&t=827s). - Overall, this note-taking method has been enjoyable and has shown to be an efficient way to capture and organize ideas, [(00:13:54)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=apWjoXCxDcg&t=834s). ## Call to Action - Try It Yourself! [(00:14:43)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=apWjoXCxDcg&t=883s) - It is encouraged to try out the [[Police notebook | pocket notebook]] method, with links to the notebook and pens used in the system provided in the description [(00:14:43)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=apWjoXCxDcg&t=883s). - The Lock B system, which comes with a notebook, is recommended for those who haven't tried pocket journaling before, or alternatively, Field Notes or a cheaper alternative, the [[Fieldnotes | Field Book]], can be used [(00:15:08)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=apWjoXCxDcg&t=908s). - Starting with a simpler system is suggested, as it's essential to quickly complete one notebook and get a feeling of traction and understanding of how to incorporate it into daily life [(00:15:27)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=apWjoXCxDcg&t=927s). - The advantages of using a pocket notebook include being able to think in an analog way, getting off the phone, and capturing ideas in a different way [(00:16:13)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=apWjoXCxDcg&t=973s). - The [[Sam Altman]] approach to pocket notebook journaling is recommended, and it's suggested to rewatch the video explaining it and see how it can be applied [(00:16:34)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=apWjoXCxDcg&t=994s). - It's encouraged to try the pocket notebook method and see what works best, with the goal of making it a part of daily life and capturing valuable ideas [(00:16:49)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=apWjoXCxDcg&t=1009s). ## Final Thoughts and Wrap-up [(00:16:50)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=apWjoXCxDcg&t=1010s) - The [[Police notebook | pocket notebook]] method discussed in the video is still being experimented with, and it's unclear if it will replace the existing three-notebook system, which includes a larger journal, but it's compelling to rip out pages and combine them with the existing system [(00:16:51)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=apWjoXCxDcg&t=1011s). - The pocket notebook can be used with field notes, and pages can be dog-eared or torn out, which is a common practice anyway, and then indexed and stored in the larger journal [(00:17:20)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=apWjoXCxDcg&t=1040s). - The paper in the pocket notebook is also suitable for sketches and watercolors, making it a versatile tool for creativity [(00:18:01)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=apWjoXCxDcg&t=1081s). - The video encourages viewers to test the ideas presented and adapt them to their own productivity systems, regardless of their profession or job [(00:18:16)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=apWjoXCxDcg&t=1096s). - The pocket notebook method is part of Sam Altman's approach to ideating, capturing, and documenting ideas, which can be adapted and combined with other tools, such as [[Notion (productivity software) | Notion]] [(00:18:38)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=apWjoXCxDcg&t=1118s). - Viewers are encouraged to try the method, like the video, and subscribe to the channel for more content, and affiliate links to the products discussed are provided in the description [(00:19:03)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=apWjoXCxDcg&t=1143s). - The channel aims to grow and provide a great experience for viewers, and feedback in the form of likes and subscriptions helps to achieve this goal [(00:19:14)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=apWjoXCxDcg&t=1154s). ## Sources - [website](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=apWjoXCxDcg?si=98Gz8hKsZ3MU8w5i)