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organization || Mistral Method Series: Efficient, Adaptable, Organized & Aesthetic Note-Taking

IoanaOctober 26, 2017

One of my biggest “academic” goals throughout high school has been to create the PERFECT note taking system. While high school is important for the marks, I think it’s more important to set yourself up with good study habits and a good system of learning that will stay with you for life.

In my search, I’ve decided that a good system must be:

  • aesthetic
  • efficient
  • organized
  • adaptable

(I talk about why each of these is important in the video!)

After a TON of modification and reflection, I’ve settled on this “Mistral Method” of taking notes, and I’m super proud of it.

The Mistral Method

to download this as a printout, click on the image or visit this link.
  • ADAPTABLE | I use it for typed AND handwritten notes, and I even use the same system in my bullet journal! No need to memorize different colour codes and styles.
  • EFFICIENT and QUICK | I HATE rewriting notes. I feel like I’m better off just studying. The Mistral Method withstands rapid-fire lectures and slow brainstorm sessions
  • ORGANIZED | I review, not study for tests – all because the process of taking the notes has already ensured I store the material in a logical, organized way – both in my brain and on paper.
  • TEST OF TIME | I’ve been using the same one for the past 2 years for all my subjects and it works perfectly!

I’ve thought long and hard about making this a video series or one long video, and I’ve decided make it into a three-part series.

Later, I might make shorter but more detailed videos about specific aspects of my system. Let me know what you’d like to see in the comments!Outline

PART 1/3: How to Create a good Note-Taking system for Your Needs
1. Important attributes of a good note taking system. (1:32)
2. What classes to use handwritten note taking system for (4:30) and a brief spiel about handwritten notes vs typed notes (6:38)

PART 2/3: The Mistral Method: the BEST Note-Taking System!
2. the Mistral Method:

  • Layout of the page and info (1:08)
  • Colour coding system (5:00)
  • Pens and highlighters that work well together (5:30)
  • Bullet system and signifiers (11:05)

PART 3/3: Tips and Tricks for Note Organization
3. Extra tips to incorporate (depending on the subject) (1:32)
4. Flip through some class binders where I use handwritten notes, and show you how I organize all the notes for a course (2:55)


Part 1/3: How to Create a Good Note-Taking system for Your Needs

PART 2/3: The Mistral Method: the BEST Note-Taking System!

PART 3/3: Tips and Tricks for Note Organization


And that’s it!

It was SO much fun to work on and to think about this video for the past, like, three months. And I realized DAMN this is one monster of a note-system. But it’s absolutely amazing and I’m so proud of it and I hope you use it and/or get inspired by it.

And remember: when it comes to studying, MORE isn’t necessarily better.

A lot of people ask me about the time it takes to stay organized and whether that’s an issue. And as I’ve come to realize more and more, BEING ORGANIZED is what 80% of my success is attributed to. Sure, it takes a bit more time to GET organized, but then your mind it organized too! The tasks are easier to break down and do. And the tests are easier to study for – because you’ve been studying this whole time already. Keep that in mind! 🙂


If you want to see more or have any feedback, let me know in the comments! I love hearing from you!

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Comments (22)

  • The Mistral Method: Colour-Coding and Note-Taking Overview – Mistral Spirit

    November 1, 2017 at 12:11 am

    […] out my post on my general note-taking system to see how this colour coding system gets put into […]

    Reply
  • Kait

    November 1, 2017 at 1:12 pm

    Watched them all (and your bullet videos) and I can’t wait to see more!! 🙂

    Reply
    1. Ioana

      November 5, 2017 at 5:53 pm

      Ahh thank you!! <3

      Reply
  • Jasmine H.

    November 24, 2017 at 10:19 pm

    Can u do a video or something showing/listing all the stationery u use? It’d be rly helpful for my Christmas list 😉P.s. love u 💕

    Reply
    1. Ioana

      November 26, 2017 at 12:36 pm

      AHH good idea! I’ve been thinking about what I could do that would be Christmas-themed and I LOVE that! Will do for sure! 😉 <3

      Reply
  • Taylor

    November 27, 2017 at 3:12 pm

    just letting you know, my college professor showed one of the videos you have over this in class today! I am such an unorganized note taker and i feel like this is going to help me a lot. Thanks for the helpful tips!

    Reply
    1. Ioana

      November 28, 2017 at 12:32 pm

      Oh my goodness. That is unreal! Thanks for reaching out to let me know, I’m just speechless! I’m super glad to have helped you out, and good luck with your studies! <3

      Reply
  • Johny Jackson

    January 9, 2018 at 6:16 am

    Wow, wonderful blog layout! How long have you been blogging for?
    you made blogging look easy. The overall look of your web site is excellent, as well as the content!

    Reply
    1. Ioana

      January 13, 2018 at 1:42 pm

      Thank you! I’ve been blogging since I was 9, it’s always been sort of a hobby 😉

      Reply
  • Johny Jackson

    January 11, 2018 at 11:11 pm

    Hello! This post could not be written any better! Reading through this post reminds me of my good old room
    mate! He always kept chatting about this. I will forward this page to him.
    Fairly certain he will have a good read. Many thanks for
    sharing!

    Reply
  • Keri Dawn Cuasito

    January 30, 2018 at 3:33 am

    I’m so excited to have stumbled across this!!! I found you on YouTube and I am a min if four and returning back to college to get my dental hygienist degree! I have been watching and searching for ways to get organized and take better efficient notes! What an accomplishment to have figured out how to take a time honored system (Cornell) and make it BETTER!!! I have tried multiple times using that method and just never used the summary section… So onward went my search. I just wanted to drop a line to say thank you for taking the time to do this and share with the world! I’ve already sent several links to my bestie who is on the same scholastic journey as myself.

    🤙🤙🤙

    Reply
    1. Ioana

      January 30, 2018 at 11:32 am

      Eyy, I’m glad you found my channel, welcome! 😉 Thanks for the kind comment and good luck with your dental hygienist degree! <3

      Reply
  • ergfir nolikz

    May 2, 2018 at 2:32 pm

    Your style is so unique compared to many other people. Thank you for publishing when you have the opportunity,Guess I will just make this bookmarked.2

    Reply
  • Strony internetowe gdańsk

    May 5, 2018 at 9:30 am

    Say, you got a nice article post.Really looking forward to read more. Will read on

    Reply
  • Jak si psát poznámky ve škole efektivně? – 2. část –

    May 18, 2018 at 8:18 am

    […] Její článek o Mistral metodě můžete nalézt zde. […]

    Reply
  • juliee2410

    June 19, 2018 at 1:09 pm

    Hey
    I just wanted to say thanks for this note taking system. I could watch you taking organized notes for hours.
    So esthetic!
    <3

    Reply
  • organization || my universal bullet, signifier and colour code system + FREE printable – Mistral Spirit

    July 2, 2018 at 4:39 pm

    […] post about my Mistral Method video series can be found here. This was a three-part YouTube series I made explaining how I take handwritten notes and giving […]

    Reply
  • writing || instagram ask me anything – Mistral Spirit

    July 12, 2018 at 8:46 am

    […] How I take my notes: the Mistral Method […]

    Reply
  • organization || how to study + take notes: my new university note-taking system (UPDATED) – Mistral Spirit

    October 21, 2018 at 10:01 am

    […] for my typed notes: I usually do this in the main section of my notes, and during step 2 I fill them in, and in step 3 I complete the highlighting and left-hand column of my cornell-based system […]

    Reply
  • Emma

    January 4, 2019 at 11:16 pm

    Hey girl I’m pretty sure were the same age so dont let this sound weird but I wish I had this in high school I probably wouldve had 4.0 (which is the real goal this semester) and I wish i had this in my first semester of college. You are wonderful and I really appreciate what you do. I also use your bullet journal as inspo bc its just amazing ❤❤❤

    Reply
  • LeQuita Hicks

    July 7, 2019 at 11:44 pm

    Hi I just learned about you today! My daughter is 16yo and had to do summer school this year. I’m no help with note taking and the way things are taught these day let’s me know im out of my league lol.
    We’ve decided to try the Mistral Note taking system this year. She has ADD and when she saw your video she said “Mom, I’m already tired of it” lol.
    I’ll try to remember to update on her progress. I l ow you get tons of messages daily but I want to update you anyway. Were setting up her journal for the upcoming school year (first week anyway) hopefully well be off to a good start.

    Thank you for your blog and videos.

    Reply
    1. Ioana

      July 15, 2019 at 8:21 am

      Thank you for the kind words and that’s so funny she said that! I hope she finds a strategy that is both enjoyable and successful. Best of luck!

      Reply

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Nice to meet you!

Hi, it’s Ioana! I’m a blogger, brand marketer, and recent Queen’s Commerce alumni. When I’m not drinking coffee, reading, studying or exploring the city, I dabble in creative projects like this one!

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ioana.pitu

ioana | mistral spirit | organization & creativity
Caught the @evergreen_brick_works farmers market t Caught the @evergreen_brick_works farmers market this Saturday for another @usktoronto sketching meetup! Always a great time with this group. 🥳 I’ll admit I didn’t do much sketching this time around… was *very* busy making the rounds at the farmers market. 😜

#usktoronto #torontosketching #evergreenbrickworksmarket #urbansketching #travelsketch
little cup, GIANT smile 🥳 Totally in my elemen little cup, GIANT smile 🥳

Totally in my element at the @usktoronto exhibition reception event at @atoriginto a couple weekends ago. The exhibit showcases sketches by local artists that are primarily done on-location in places we travel to or live in. I’ve tagged a few of the artists so you can tap through to their profiles!

You might remember helping me choose which two sketches to submit to the show application back in December. Check them out hanging right there on the wall in slide 3! 

And HUGE thanks for helping me narrow it down. 🥰

If you’re in the area come check it out. (Or better yet, let’s go together!) 👯‍♀️

#urbansketching #travelsketching #urbansketchers #usktoronto #usk #travelsketchtoronto #urbansketchersexhibit
Some more photos from our @usktoronto urban sketch Some more photos from our @usktoronto urban sketchers meetup this Sunday in Toronto at @theonlycafe!

Instantly loved the interior of this cafe. 👌 I feel like maximalist interiors speak to my soul. Its late and maybe this isn’t quite it, but … they sort of remind me of my favourite people.

#urbansketchers #torontoart #urbansketch #sketchbook #sketching #artjournal #travelsketch #drawyourday #watercolor #urbansketching #sketchjournal #finelinerdrawing #moleskine #moleskinesketchbook #watercolortraveljournal #watercolordrawing #traveljournal #travelwatercolor
The most perfect Sunday morning sketching meetup w The most perfect Sunday morning sketching meetup with @usktoronto at @theonlycafe 🥰 Art + chill + new friends + coffee = happy soul

Thanks for organizing @satori3000! Check out these talented artists: @deshpande.shardul @maragulens @aish_cj @april.sketchedthis @sarawenn17 @beverleydaniels5 @hirtescufineart @sonalipraharajarts @satori3000 @sonyapadovani @michaeltsouras
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Caught the @evergreen_brick_works farmers market t Caught the @evergreen_brick_works farmers market this Saturday for another @usktoronto sketching meetup! Always a great time with this group. 🥳 I’ll admit I didn’t do much sketching this time around… was *very* busy making the rounds at the farmers market. 😜

#usktoronto #torontosketching #evergreenbrickworksmarket #urbansketching #travelsketch
little cup, GIANT smile 🥳 Totally in my elemen little cup, GIANT smile 🥳

Totally in my element at the @usktoronto exhibition reception event at @atoriginto a couple weekends ago. The exhibit showcases sketches by local artists that are primarily done on-location in places we travel to or live in. I’ve tagged a few of the artists so you can tap through to their profiles!

You might remember helping me choose which two sketches to submit to the show application back in December. Check them out hanging right there on the wall in slide 3! 

And HUGE thanks for helping me narrow it down. 🥰

If you’re in the area come check it out. (Or better yet, let’s go together!) 👯‍♀️

#urbansketching #travelsketching #urbansketchers #usktoronto #usk #travelsketchtoronto #urbansketchersexhibit
Some more photos from our @usktoronto urban sketch Some more photos from our @usktoronto urban sketchers meetup this Sunday in Toronto at @theonlycafe!

Instantly loved the interior of this cafe. 👌 I feel like maximalist interiors speak to my soul. Its late and maybe this isn’t quite it, but … they sort of remind me of my favourite people.

#urbansketchers #torontoart #urbansketch #sketchbook #sketching #artjournal #travelsketch #drawyourday #watercolor #urbansketching #sketchjournal #finelinerdrawing #moleskine #moleskinesketchbook #watercolortraveljournal #watercolordrawing #traveljournal #travelwatercolor
The most perfect Sunday morning sketching meetup w The most perfect Sunday morning sketching meetup with @usktoronto at @theonlycafe 🥰 Art + chill + new friends + coffee = happy soul

Thanks for organizing @satori3000! Check out these talented artists: @deshpande.shardul @maragulens @aish_cj @april.sketchedthis @sarawenn17 @beverleydaniels5 @hirtescufineart @sonalipraharajarts @satori3000 @sonyapadovani @michaeltsouras
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Pls note: photos taken “while reading” are obviously not as impromptu as they may appear on Instagram. They’re usually when (a) you’re on a reading intermission because you either haven’t started or are getting a bit tired of reading for so long or (b) there’s a long period of descriptive text that doesn’t necessarily represent the quality of the book and is a good time to hashtag let-me-take-a-selfie. So don’t read this one page and form an opinion about the book. Instagram isn’t reality. 😜

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Can you tell I had so much fun unboxing this 😅 It’s my new desk pen for days that I want to feel a little ✨fancy✨

#gifted #pen #amwriting #bulletjournalleuchtturm1917 #gelpen #journal #journaling #planner #studygram #aestheticstudy #bujo #bulletjournal #bulletjournalpen #bujopen #minimalistplanner #bulletjournaling #bulletjournalcommunity #penlover
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