Synergy in Writing: The C.O.D.E. System Meets AI

Working with AI through the C.O.D.E. Method

Hey there! This post is brought to you by a human and an AI (Copilot), teaming up to share the C.O.D.E. system. Together, we’re mixing human touch with AI smarts to give you the best of both worlds.

I’m drowning in the deluge of data. The volume is staggering! The flood is relentless, from podcasts to books to emails to articles to videos. Navigating this mess, attempting to retrieve elusive thoughts, leads to lost insights and hours piled onto each project, and the certain knowledge that I’ll never catch up. This isn’t just a personal struggle; it’s a widespread challenge everyone faces

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To navigate the ocean of ideas, the C.O.D.E. system serves as my compass. C.O.D.E. is a process designed by Tiago Forte to enhance personal productivity and creativity. It stands for Capture, Organize, Distill, and Express.

• Capture: Like casting a wide net, we gather every idea of interest or potential value into a trusted digital capture system, ensuring no idea is lost. Tools like Evernote, OneNote, or Notion, with their cloud backup and synchronization capabilities, are ideal for this purpose. It’s important to capture entire ideas as separate notes, which can later be remixed and repurposed.

  

• Organize: We chart our course, categorizing the captured content into a structured system for easy navigation and retrieval. Methods like PARA (Projects, Areas, Resources, Archives) or simply using folders and tags can turn a pile of notes into an organized library of information.

• Distill: As we refine each idea to its most valuable form, distilling the essence, it’s our unique perspective and knowledge that determine what’s worth expressing. This step is about making connections between different ideas and synthesizing new insights.

• Express: Sharing our distilled insights means making waves with our creative and productive output. Starting with an outline or narrative framework helps me do a better job. Try starting with storytelling techniques, since we’re wired for stories, not so much for lists and data.

C.O.D.E. puts speed, purpose, and precision into my work, transforming the overwhelming tide of information into actionable ideas. It’s about working smarter, not harder, and helping ideas flow

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That’s my perspective…