The Smart Two-Colour Note-Taking System That Actually Works

If every word in your notes screams for attention, nothing actually stands out. That's the rainbow highlighter trap. The smart alternative? A two-colour note-taking system where each colour has one clear job. One colour marks what to prepare before you begin. The other marks what to do in the moment. This simple split transforms chaotic notes into a calm, actionable guide.

Why Rainbow Highlighting Fails

More colours don't mean better organisation. When you use five or six different highlighters, your brain has to work overtime decoding what each colour represents. By the time you've figured out your system, you've lost momentum. The visual noise creates mental clutter, making it harder to find the exact information you need when pressure hits.

The truth? Your notes should reduce stress, not add to it. A colour-coded mess defeats the entire purpose of highlighting in the first place.

The Two-Colour Method Explained

Here's how it works in practice. Choose two distinct colours - let's say blue and yellow. Blue marks everything you should plan or prepare ahead of time. Yellow marks everything you'll need whilst you're actively working. This creates two categories:

• Blue (Before): Materials to gather, study plans, safety steps, backup strategies
• Yellow (During): Step-by-step procedures, troubleshooting tips, quick reminders, in-the-moment checks

That's it. Two colours, two clear jobs. Your brain can instantly grab the right kind of help at the right time.

How to Implement the System

Start by reviewing your existing notes. Ask yourself two questions for each important point: 'Is this something I prepare beforehand?' or 'Is this something I do whilst working?' Use your chosen colours accordingly.

Try this on a real task. Imagine you're prepping for a laboratory activity. In blue, highlight the equipment list and safety protocols to set up. In yellow, mark the experimental procedure and observation checkpoints. Next time you open those notes, you'll immediately see how to start and what to watch for as you proceed.

Making It Work for You

Keep your system flexible. Some information might shift from one colour to another as you gain experience. A task that once needed careful planning might become second nature, moving from 'before' to 'during'. That's perfectly fine.

The goal isn't creating perfect notes. It's enabling faster, calmer action when you need it most. Two colours give your brain clear signals without overwhelming it. Less confusion means more confidence.

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