TL;DR: Write notes that grow over time—atomic, concept-oriented, densely linked, and written for your future self.
Evergreen notes are a concept developed by Andy Matuschak, building on the Zettelkasten Method. They are notes written and organized to develop and accumulate over time.
Key Properties
1. Atomic
Like Zettelkasten, each note focuses on one concept:
The Title Test
If your note title isn’t a complete phrase or claim, it’s probably not atomic enough.
Good titles:
- “Evergreen notes should be atomic”
- “Writing forces thinking”
- “Spaced repetition enhances memory”
Vague titles:
- “Notes on learning”
- “Productivity thoughts”
- “Ideas”
2. Concept-Oriented
Notes are organized around concepts, not sources or projects:
# Instead of:
- "Notes from Atomic Habits"
- "Meeting notes 2024-01-08"
# Write:
- "Habit stacking links new behaviors to existing cues"
- "Implementation intentions increase follow-through"
3. Densely Linked
Every note should connect to others. Links create:
- Discovery paths
- Unexpected connections
- A web of knowledge
4. Written for Your Future Self
Don't Write for Today
Write as if explaining to yourself in 6 months. You won’t remember the context.
Include:
- Why this matters
- How you learned it
- How it connects to other ideas
Comparison Table
| Aspect | Evergreen Notes | Regular Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Lifespan | Years | Days/weeks |
| Organization | By concept | By date/source |
| Links | Many | Few |
| Maintenance | Ongoing | One-time |
The Process
1. Encounter idea
↓
2. Write fleeting note
↓
3. Develop into evergreen
↓
4. Link to existing notes
↓
5. Revisit and refine
↓
(back to 4)
My Evergreen Practice
I use Obsidian with these conventions:
- Daily notes for fleeting thoughts
- Literature notes when reading
- Evergreen notes for developed ideas
- Maps of Content to navigate themes
This aligns with Building a Second Brain while emphasizing long-term value.
The Gardening Metaphor
Notes are like plants in a digital garden:
- Seeds: Initial ideas
- Sprouts: Notes in progress
- Evergreens: Mature, linked notes
The garden grows through consistent tending, not one-time planting. See The Value of Slow Thinking.