How Sam Altman Uses a Simple Notebook to Capture and Execute Big Ideas

Sam Altman, CEO of OpenAI, has delivered ideas that change the direction of humankind. While many assume that his breakthroughs come from high-tech tools or complex systems, his process is surprisingly simple—a pocket notebook, a pen, and a structured workflow.

In an interview on How I Write, Altman shared his habit of taking constant notes, ripping them out, spreading them across a desk, and processing them into actionable insights. This simple approach allows him to refine ideas, discard distractions, and turn concepts into real-world impact.

Let’s break down the Sam Altman productivity system so you can apply it to your entrepreneurial process.

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Notebook vs. Digital Note-taking

Most people overcomplicate idea capture. They use apps, databases, and endless organization tools that create more friction than momentum. Altman’s approach works because it is fast, tangible, and distraction-free.

Lays flat for easy writing and reviewing.
Uses thick, versatile paper that accommodates different writing tools.
Allows pages to be ripped out for better organization and prioritization.

While Altman uses a TWN A6 craft-bound spiral notebook, there are plenty of alternatives, like the Lochby Pocket Journal or the Lochby Sidekick, which add storage for pens, business cards, and other essentials.

No matter which notebook you choose, the key is keeping it simple and always accessible.

Step 1: Capture Ideas Constantly

The Sam Altman productivity system begins with writing down every idea, observation, and insight. Instead of filtering thoughts in real-time, he captures everything without overthinking.

Some key principles for better note-taking:

Write quickly, don’t self-edit. Capture ideas in raw form and refine later.
Use shorthand or sketches. Whatever makes note-taking faster and more intuitive.
Keep the notebook with you at all times. Ideas come unexpectedly, and a pocket-sized system ensures nothing is lost.

Capturing ideas without judgment is crucial because the best ideas often seem incomplete or messy at first.

Step 2: Process Notes Into Actionable Steps

Writing notes is just the beginning. The real power comes from processing and organizing them regularly.

Altman reviews his notes by:

Spreading them out physically to get a broad view of all ideas.
Grouping related ideas together to see patterns and connections.
Discarding or crumpling up notes that are no longer relevant.

To replicate this, set up a weekly review process where you:

Sort notes into categories like tasks, ideas, and long-term projects.
Transfer important items into a digital system (like Notion or a task manager).
Physically discard completed or irrelevant notes to keep mental clarity.

If a note is worth keeping but not actionable yet, store it in a “Spark File”—a running list of ideas you can revisit later.

Step 3: Prioritize Execution Over Perfection

Altman emphasizes speed and iteration over perfection. He does not wait until an idea is fully developed before testing it. Instead, he executes, refines, and repeats.

To implement this in your process:

Prioritize one high-impact action per day. What is the single most crucial task that will move your idea forward?
Use checklists to break down execution. Simple lists keep projects moving without overwhelming detail.
Embrace fast iteration. Launch early, learn from feedback, and adjust rather than over-planning.

Ideas that stay in notebooks do not change the world—only execution does.

Step 4: Move Notes Into a Second Brain (Digital System)

Once notes are processed, they should be stored in a system that helps you execute. Altman moves his best insights into a structured digital database.

For example, in Notion, you can:

Store big ideas in a “Spark File” for later exploration.
Convert actionable items into tasks and projects.
Use AI tools to search, summarize, and refine past notes to fuel future decisions.

Combining pen-and-paper note-taking with a structured digital system gives you the best of both worlds—fast idea capture and long-term organization.

Why This System Works

Altman’s best idea capture system for entrepreneurs works because it minimizes friction, removes distractions, and prioritizes execution. By following a similar process, you can: