Atomic notes are single, self-contained notes that capture one focused idea or piece of information. They should be readable and understandable without needing to reference other notes, while still being designed to connect meaningfully with other ideas.
Writing Atomic Notes
Keep each note focused on one concept. A good atomic note should be able to stand alone while answering: What is this idea? Why does it matter? How does it work?
Write in complete thoughts rather than fragments. Aim for clarity over brevity—if an idea needs 200 words to be self-contained, that’s better than 50 words that leave gaps.
Use descriptive titles that clearly indicate the note’s single focus. The title should tell someone exactly what concept they’ll learn about.
Connecting Ideas
Atomic notes gain power through intentional linking. Each note should connect to related concepts using [[wiki-style links]], building a network of interconnected knowledge rather than isolated fragments.
The atomic principle works within your broader Digital Garden—individual notes grow and evolve while maintaining their focused scope. This supports the practice of sweeping your mind by providing clear containers for distinct thoughts.
Common Pitfalls
Scope creep: Trying to cover multiple related concepts in one note. If you find yourself writing “and also…” frequently, consider splitting into separate atomic notes.
Over-fragmentation: Making notes so small they lose meaning. An atomic note should be complete enough to be useful on its own.
Weak connections: Creating isolated notes without considering how they relate to existing knowledge in your system.