Sam Altman doesn’t see himself as a big note-taker. But he literally rips through a 100-page notebook every 2–3 weeks.
He’s analog, fast—and surprisingly prolific.
Altman, founder of OpenAI (i.e. ChatGPT) uses a spiral-bound notebook. He jots quick ideas, then rips out the pages, processes each idea, then crumples up each page onto the floor.
His goal? Think clearly, act quickly, and move on.
It’s a system that works for him. Altman has figured out that speed and disposability serve his workflow. Every few weeks, his entire notebook ends up on the floor in a pile of crumpled thoughts.
He understands the point of analog isn’t perfection—it’s clarity. He doesn’t want to archive thoughts; he wants to use them now and let them go.
His notebooks are a scratch pad for action.
A System for Connecting Ideas Over Time
The beauty of analog is that it bends to fit your needs. While Sam optimizes for quick thinking and immediate action, I’ve developed a different approach focused on building connections over time.
Every morning, I start with my notebook—before I touch any digital tool. I use it as a buffer to clear my head, set my priorities, and capture anything pulling at my attention.
Writing by hand slows me down enough to think clearly. The pause helps me choose action over distraction. Instead of tearing pages out and crumpling them on the floor, I break the best ideas into smaller, reusable pieces.
If something stands out while I’m reading or thinking, I’ll capture it quickly—then decide later if it’s worth turning into something more durable. That’s where index cards come in.
Each card holds one idea from a highlight, a thought, or a note. I write it in my own words. I add context. I treat it as a potential building block—not just a reminder.
I’ve used this approach to outline videos, plan newsletters, and sketch creative projects from scratch. Instead of staring at a blank page, I’m sorting through a pile of idea blocks I already trust.
When tackling bigger goals or mapping a project, I go visual: sticky notes on the wall, sketches on the whiteboard. It’s how I think best—moving pieces around until the structure emerges.
The Value of Keeping What You Capture
That’s the biggest difference between Sam Altman’s approach and mine.
While he rips pages to rearrange his thinking, I make space to revisit my notes.
Flipping through old notebooks provides a value well beyond pages of ideas.
Dan Sullivan talks about two ways to measure progress: “the gap” and “the gain.” The gap is the distance between where you are and where you want to be. The gain is how far you’ve come.
Old notebooks provide evidence of who you once were and what you have aspired to become. My notebooks are proof of progress.
→ Want to see how I use index cards in practice? Here’s a short video that walks through it.
There’s no single “right way” to take notes.
Sam Altman uses notebooks as disposable tools. I treat mine like a personal library of building blocks—where ideas evolve over time.
You don’t have to take notes like Sam Altman or me. Either way, analog helps you think clearly. The right system helps you return to what matters—again and again.
Do you cringe just a little bit at the idea of tearing pages out of your notebook? Or are you eyeing the special Field Notes Steno? Hit reply and let me know. I do read every note email.
Matt
p.s. I mentioned Sam’s note-taking in the WRAP a couple weeks ago. Get the link and more thoughts here.
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