Before you pack up from any lecture, meeting, or study session, pause for just 60 seconds. In that brief moment, write three bullet points that capture the entire session in your own words. This quick recap transforms scattered notes into clear, memorable takeaways you can actually use. It's not about copying what you wrote—it's about deciding what truly mattered.
Why Three Bullets Force Better Learning
Three bullets create a powerful constraint. You cannot include everything, so you must choose what genuinely matters. That decision-making process is where real learning happens:
- Your brain actively connects ideas instead of passively recording them
- You identify patterns and relationships between concepts
- You translate complex information into plain language you'll recognize later
According to learning science, we improve retention when we make sense of ideas whilst taking notes, not when we review a pile of scribbles later. Summarising in your own words forces you to process and prioritise the main takeaways on the spot. Think of those three bullets as a to-go box for your brain—just the good stuff, ready to reheat later.
How to Create Your Recap in 60 Seconds
The process is beautifully simple. First, scan your notes and circle the biggest ideas—the moments that made you think 'ah, that's important' or 'this connects to something else'. Don't overthink it; your instinct is usually right.
Next, write each bullet as a short sentence you could say without looking at your notes. If a bullet sounds like you're quoting someone else, rewrite it until it sounds like you. Your voice matters because your brain remembers your own language better than anyone else's.
Keep each bullet under 15 words. Shorter forces clearer thinking. You're distilling, not documenting.
Using Your Bullets for Future Study
Those three bullets become your anchor points. When you return to the topic days or weeks later, start by reading them first. You'll re-enter the subject quickly because you've already done the heavy cognitive work once. Your bullets act as a mental map, guiding you back to the core concepts without wading through pages of disconnected notes.
This method works brilliantly whether you're a student tackling lectures, a professional attending meetings, or anyone seeking to retain what they learn. It's especially valuable for neurodivergent learners who benefit from clear structure and prioritisation.
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