What To Note
I read a book called Building a Second Brain, by Tiago Forte. In it he talks about how to organize your notes, your digital world, if you will. Many thanks Tiago, you helped me a lot!
If I could share one tip from it (which I can and now will )it is his method for how to organize your way of gathering information.
He uses the acronym code, C.O.D.E. It stands for Capture, Organize, Distill, and Express.
Choose a digital note taking app- I use Evernote because it sinks across platforms and is overall fantastic, or a bullet notebook (look up how here), or a little moleskin journal, or legal pad or just SOMETHING that is your personal one stop shop for info gathering that you can keep handy. Try out a few different things, there is no right or wrong just use what works for you.
If you can’t decide and don’t want to choose, choose Evernote and don’t look back. I’ve used it for years, it has bank level encryption, more important and far smarter people than me use it and run million dollar businesses with it. Are you smarter than them? Me neither. So copy them. Moving on.
Anything you find interesting you just write down. At the end of the day, organize the various things you Capture into your notebooks, or secondary categories… Whether it is taking names and phone numbers that you got from classmates, or to do items for the next day, or a shopping list that you keep running so you know what you want to buy when you get back home at the end of the week… Maybe you ran out of Gatorade too fast or you realize that coffee at the pilot flying J is five dollars a can and you can get it for two dollars at the grocery store when you have time.
Just take what you have learned and gathered that day and Organize it into a meaningful order or place in your notebook.
Next, the Distill step- if there are any takeaways that you want to keep with you, you can write down just a few key phrases to encapsulate your day. Maybe just circle something on the page or write down the biggest idea you had on a special page in the front or back section of your note taking system. Think of it as a highlights reel.
Finally, the Express step just means apply what you have captured in someway… When you have a “second brain” to help you remember stuff, you can build your business or trucking career or write a book or whatever it is you want to do much more effectively.
Because you haven’t forgotten everything the way that people traditionally forget, you can do more with the knowledge you’ve gathered because you know where in your “second brain” to hunt for it.
Sure, you can forget things that you take notes on, but if you have a way of easily searching through that “memory “, you become super human!
If that is too ambitious, just take a deep breath, and read through this little easy list of things to look out for as you learn in orientation or class.
Consider buying that book to read while waiting at the shipping ports in cape Canaveral for that cheap lumber load one day… don’t know what i mean yet, truck long enough and you will!
What to Note
Names: Record the names of colleagues, instructors, and key personnel you meet during orientation. This helps with networking and addressing people correctly.
Phrases: Jot down industry-specific terms, phrases, and abbreviations discussed during the orientation. Understanding the lingo is crucial for effective communication.
Resources: Note any training materials, manuals, or handbooks provided during orientation. These resources will be valuable for reference in your trucking career.
Tips: Document valuable tips and insights shared by experienced drivers or instructors. These tips can improve your performance on the road.
Phone Numbers/Addresses/Locations: Write down contact details, addresses, and locations of essential facilities, such as company headquarters, service centers, and training sites.
Proper Note-Taking: Pay attention to instructions on how to take proper notes, including what information is essential. Effective note-taking is a valuable skill for success in your career.
Study Tips: Record study techniques and strategies recommended during orientation. Effective study habits can help you prepare for exams and endorsements.
Study App on Toilet: Note the suggestion to use a study app during breaks, including restroom breaks. It’s a convenient time to review study materials.
Variation in Expression: Document the advice to find multiple ways to express the same concept or idea. This can enhance your communication skills.
Record and Replay Notes: Consider recording your notes and replaying them during long drives. This method can reinforce your learning and aid in memory retention, especially for DMV pre-trip checklists.
Listening to Podcasts: Make a note of the recommendation to listen to educational podcasts during long drives. It’s a productive way to learn while on the road.
Uber Focus: Remember the importance of maintaining focus during training and orientation sessions. Staying attentive ensures you grasp essential information.
Flashcards: Note the usefulness of flashcards for memorizing key information, such as road signs and regulations.
Notes on Walk: Capture the idea of reviewing notes while taking walks or during short breaks. Physical activity can help consolidate your learning.
Online Classmates: Connect with online classmates and consider taking notes from their insights and experiences. Peer learning can be valuable.
Creating Songs or Games: If you have a creative streak, create songs or games to remember information. Mnemonic devices can be fun and effective.
Teaching and Quizzing: Document the recommendation to teach your classmates and quiz each other. Teaching reinforces your own understanding, and quizzing helps test your knowledge.
Review During Meals: Use meal breaks as an opportunity to review your notes. It’s a productive use of downtime.
YouTube Videos: Take notes while watching educational YouTube videos related to trucking. These videos can provide valuable insights.
Online Quizzes Before Bed: Consider taking online quizzes related to your training before bedtime. It can be a helpful way to reinforce learning.
These notes will serve as valuable references throughout your trucking career, helping you stay informed, prepared, and continuously improving as a professional truck driver.