High intensity is a prerequisite of the Zettelkasten method
The Zettelkasten method is a knowledge processing method. Depending on the “Zettelkasten school” you follow, the steps may change, but fundamentally they are the following1:
- you read a book
- you identify which parts are potentially valuable
- you rewrite those ideas in your own words
- you connect those ideas with the pre-existing ideas in your Zettelkasten.
This way of processing knowledge requires a high level of intensity on your part. Otherwise, you will not have enough concentration and commitment to execute these steps correctly and completely. In other words, being able to do Deep Work2 is a prerequisite for successfully implementing the Zettelkasten method.
When you want to process something with your Zettelkasten, aim for the highest level of intensity you can3.
References:
“The Barbell Method of Reading” and “Digital Zettelkasten Principles, Methods, & Examples” both explain their own version of how to read and process, but, in the end, they point to a similar workflow. ↩︎
“Deep Work: Rules for Focused Success in a Distracted World” by Cal Newport. ↩︎
“Practical Integration of the Zettelkasten Method: My Deep Work Days y “Some Q&A on the Zettelkasten Method and Student Life” show how to achieve this level of intensity in practice. ↩︎
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