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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

• 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!