Take handwritten notes on what you read

Write notes in your own words from something you just read or watched.

Why it helps

Putting ideas into your own words forces you to understand them. Handwriting slows you enough to pick what matters.

How to do it

1. Read or watch something for a few minutes.
2. Close it and write the main ideas in your own words.
3. Check against the source and fill gaps.

Make it easier

Write just three bullet points.

Make it harder

Turn the notes into a half-page summary.