Immediately after every lecture, meeting, or any significant experience, take 30 seconds -- no more, no less -- to write down the most important points.

I’ve been trying it out for a few months. Here’s what I’ve found so far:

It’s not note-taking: This exercise is an act of interpretation, prioritization, and decision-making.

It’s hard work: Deciding what’s most important is exhausting.

You learn to listen better and ask better questions. It changes the way you pay attention, whether listening to a talk or participating in a discussion.

You're able to help others more. Much of what makes the 30-second cut are observations about what matters to other people.