While there’s consistency in many parts of my life, writing and blogging have not been those things.
However, I am consistent when it comes to certain systems. Evernote is one of those systems. Here are some of the ways I’ve regularly used Evernote to find what I need when I need it!
Evernote Overview
Evernote is an app designed for note taking, organizing, and archiving, allowing for retrieval of information from any device.
Evernote has four components to its structure – stacks, notebooks, notes, and tags.
Think of stacks as filing cabinets, notebooks like file folders, and notes as files.
Notes can contain text, images, audio files and/or attachments.
Tags are categories that can be applied to notes, and notes can have more than one tag. All notes, note titles, note contents, and tags are searchable across all notebooks.
5 Ways I Consistently Use Evernote
1. Books to Read and Book Notes
The Books to Read note includes every “you’ve got to read this” recommendation from people I know or recommendations from mentors and people I admire. While reading, sometimes I like to handwrite notes. This is especially helpful when absorbing new information. Or when the content is helping me generate new ideas or make connections between existing ideas. I’ll jot notes in my Moleskin-like notebook, take pictures of the physical notebook page, then upload the pictures to Evernote. I referred to Book Notes: It’s Hard to Make a Difference When You Can’t Find Your Keys by Marilyn Paul” when writing this post.
One of my all-time favorite features of Evernote is that handwritten notes are digitized and searchable. Not only is it super convenient and technologically fantastic, but I’m also not forced to change the way I best process information. I can use a pen and paper to write things down and once digitized, what’s captured by hand can be searched digitally and retrieved when needed.
In the example below, I searched for the word “organized” within the note. Matches found are highlighted in yellow.
2. A personally curated Google.
Any time I have a question or want to research something of interest, I Google it… doesn’t everyone? Reminding myself to search my own database in Evernote first, is a way for me to utilize the research that I’ve already done. Evernote’s Webclipper is one of the best features of this powerful app. The Webclipper is an extension for your browser that lets you capture anything. Save full-page articles, images, or selected text, web page that inspires you. Save to Evernote for easy searching and retrieval for the research you’ve already done.
3. Recipe Box / Cookbook
I have one notebook named Food. Any recipe of interest (that I know I’ll try) is saved into this notebook. I’ve easily captured the image of my Grandma’s original pumpkin bread recipe written on an index card found in her physical recipe box.
If I find a recipe online I’ll copy and paste it into Evernote or use the Evernote Webclipper to capture. As I tweak various recipes it’s easy to update the note with adjustments and substitutions that will always be legible!
4. Manage Receipts and Coupons
Do you have piles of unused Bed Bath & Beyond or other physical coupons that you forget to bring with you to the store?
Another great way to utilize Evernote is digitizing coupons and recycling the original. Take a photo of the coupon using the Evernote camera. Present the digitized coupon and the store’s scanner at checkout should be able to read the barcode and apply your discount. After purchase, scan your receipt and throw out the physical copy. The barcode from the receipt can be scanned should you need to return your item.
5. Quotes & Phrases
I keep a running list of inspirational quotes that I stumble upon, the latest two quotes added to this note were:
Science has found that nothing can disappear without a trace. Nature does not know extinction. All it knows is transformation.— Wernher von Braun
If your compassion does not include yourself, it is incomplete.— Jack Kornfield
Consistency Is Key
In an interview on The Tim Ferriss Show, LeBron James was asked many questions about his approaches, habits, tools, and tips that have gotten him to where he is today – revered as one of the best athletes of his generation. The response to almost every question ranging from training and diet to business and leadership – consistency.
What systems and practices have you been consistent with? What areas could use improvement? Share in the comments below.
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