Why do we take notes? You’ve probably done it a thousand times—jotting things down in meetings, making to-do lists, scribbling reminders. But have you ever stopped to think about why this simple act matters so much?
It turns out, note-taking is more than a habit. It’s a powerful tool for turning new information into long-lasting knowledge—and even wisdom.
Let’s break that down a bit.
When you take notes, you’re not just copying words. You’re processing ideas. You’re actively engaging with the material, forcing your brain to consider the information in context. That effort builds mental connections and helps you store the information in ways that matter to you. The act of translating thoughts into your own words—even if just scrawled quickly—means you’re making sense of them. You’re turning raw data into something personal and relevant.
But that’s just the start.
The physical act of writing—whether by hand or typing—activates different areas of your brain than simply reading or listening. In fact, several studies have shown that writing things down significantly improves memory and recall. For example, when you revisit your notes and make edits, you’re reinforcing that memory all over again. It’s like practicing a free throw over and over until it becomes second nature.
The Brain-Body Connection: Understanding Psychomotor Function
This is where psychomotor function enters the conversation. Psychomotor function refers to the way your brain (psycho) and body (motor) work together to carry out movements that are tied to cognitive processing. In simpler terms, it’s the brain-body connection that allows you to think, plan, and then physically act on those thoughts—like writing notes, driving, or catching a ball.
When you’re jotting down notes, your brain isn’t just memorizing the information—it’s also coordinating the fine motor skills needed to form letters or type words. This brain-body interaction helps reinforce learning because it engages multiple parts of your nervous system. It’s the reason why physically writing something down leads to greater memory retention compared to just hearing or reading it.
Enter Tony Buzan, the late British psychologist and the creator of mind mapping. I had the pleasure of sharing several pints of beer with Tony during my time at Digital Equipment Corporation, where we had deep conversations about how the brain processes information. He was a true pioneer in helping people unlock their brain’s full potential.
Tony often explained how repetition plays a critical role in memory retention. He famously pointed out that if you hear something just once, you’ll likely forget it within 24 hours. But if you hear it again the next day, you might retain it for a week. Hear it again a week later, and it could stick with you for a month. And if you revisit it once more after a month, there’s a good chance you’ll remember it for life.
His insights support a simple truth: Repetition and reflection are key to long-term learning.
That brings us to one of the most practical tools any business owner can use—a business plan. Think of it as your personal note to your future self. Writing a business plan isn’t just a formality or something you do to check off a box. It’s a way to organize your ideas, clarify your goals, and revisit what matters most.
But here’s the catch: your business plan is only as powerful as how often you interact with it.
So here’s a tough but important question: When was the last time you worked on your business plan? Not just glanced at it, but really worked on it—revised it, questioned it, and explored how your current activities are aligned with your original intentions.
If it’s been a while, don’t feel bad. You’re not alone. Most entrepreneurs write a plan once and never return to it. But if you start treating it like a living document—one that evolves with your thinking—you’ll begin to see the same benefits that note-taking brings. Clarity. Focus. And retention of the insights that move your business forward.
Back when I ran my documentation and training company, I made it a rule to spend one afternoon a month at the library specifically to revisit and revise my business plan. It was a ritual that gave me the space to reflect, refocus, and realign my goals with the realities of the business. That consistent, intentional review made a huge difference in keeping things on track—and ahead of the curve.
So, next time you find yourself thinking through a challenge or learning something new, grab a pen or open your note app. And when you’re ready, take another look at your business plan. You might be surprised at how much you’ve grown—and where your next breakthrough is hiding.
