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🚀 Sam Altman’s Note-Taking System: How the OpenAI CEO Stays Organized

Ever wonder how one of the busiest minds in tech keeps track of his thoughts? Sam Altman, the CEO of OpenAI and former president of Y Combinator, has a unique approach to note-taking that helps him prioritize ideas, organize his workflow, and reflect on what truly matters. In a conversation with David Perell, Altman shared the simple yet powerful system he uses to track both short-term tasks and long-term insights. His method revolves around writing things down manually, focusing on the essentials, and periodically reviewing past notes to gain new perspectives.

Key Takeaways: Sam Altman’s Note-Taking System

• Manual Note-Taking 📓✍️ – Unlike many productivity gurus who rely on digital tools, Altman prefers writing things down by hand. "There’s something about physically writing something that helps commit it to memory," he explains.

• Two Categories of Notes 🔖 – Altman organizes his notes into two broad types:

  1. Tasks & To-Dos: Short-term actions that need to get done.
  2. Long-Term Ideas: Deeper insights, lessons, and reflections that compound over time.

• The Power of Review 🔄 – He regularly revisits old notes to spot recurring patterns and critical ideas that stand the test of time. This helps him refine his thinking and make better decisions.

• Simplicity Over Complexity 🎯 – Instead of overloading himself with dozens of productivity apps, Altman keeps his system simple and effective, ensuring he actually follows through.

• Journaling for Clarity 📝 – Writing things down isn’t just about organization; it’s also a tool for thinking. "I use writing as a way to clarify my thoughts," he says.

Why It Works

Altman’s note-taking system aligns with the way our brains process information—it captures fleeting thoughts before they're lost while also creating a structured way to reflect on long-term growth. His focus on manual note-taking and simplicity makes the system easy to maintain and effective for decision-making.

If you're looking to level up your own note-taking habits, take a cue from Sam Altman: write things down, review them often, and keep it simple!

Want to dive deeper? Watch the full interview with David Perell here.

🎙️ That's it for this episode! If you found Altman’s tips useful, let us know how you take notes. Stay curious, and see you in the next one! 🚀
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