In an information-rich environment, focus on your review system

Photo by Gian Cescon on Unsplash

Consuming content is easy. There’s always a new tool coming out that simplifies capturing ideas. But why doesn’t a big toolbox of capture systems translate into more output or more knowledge?

Capturing ideas isn’t the problem. The problem is a lack of a consistent review system.

Tips on a Review System

1. Schedule time for review. You are doing nothing else but reviewing content from all your sources and capture systems. Cannot over-emphasize this.
2. Create a checklist for review. If you’re like me, you have Pocket, Readwise, Instapaper, Hypothesis, email, etc… Create a checklist with all the capture systems you have so nothing is missed. Be liberal with the “delete” button. If you forgot why something resonated with you, archive it and move on.
3. Set an agenda for the review session. Our interests are all over the place. Focus your review sessions on media (articles, videos, podcasts) that will feed some product. In my case, I review highlights that will feed my next Ship 30 article. This keeps the session from going astray. You don’t want your review session to be like another social media binge. That’s what social media binges are for.
4. Produce content. Bring your idea to the marketplace of ideas. Publish your thoughts on the matter. Add a different perspective to the vast perspectives that are already out there.

An idea capture system is frictionless which means it CAN be messy and arbitrary. A review system must be organized and promote production.