Capture

Capture

ExoMind is not only for fully-formed thoughts. It is most useful when something would otherwise disappear in minutes.

When you should capture something first

Capture when a thought just appeared, when a meeting ended, when you notice your state changing, or when you realize something should be followed up.

Do not decide first whether it is a task, a journal entry, or worth saving. Keep it first, sort it later.

What the smallest useful note looks like

Your note does not need to look polished. It only needs to make sense when you come back.

  • One sentence is enough, such as “lost focus after 2pm, take a ten-minute walk first.”
  • Fragments are fine, such as “talked to A about the partnership, direction feels right, scope still too wide.”
  • If you know you will expand it later, send it first instead of waiting for a cleaner version.

How to tell the note is already helping

  • You can see it again on the timeline.
  • You no longer need to hold the thought in your head by force.
  • When you return later, you still know what it meant.
The first goal of capture is not elegance. It is not losing the thing.

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