Let me just say it:
Creating an Everything Notebook in NotebookLM was one of the smartest decisions I’ve ever made. Sounds dramatic, right? Maybe. But it’s true.
No, I’m not talking about a fancy leather journal that looks pretty in my Instagram stories. I’m talking about a digital notebook that actually thinks with me — thanks to Google’s AI-powered research assistant, NotebookLM.
What is an Everything Notebook in NotebookLM?
If you’ve never heard of this concept before, it’s not something I invented. Steven Johnson, a science writer and one of the minds behind NotebookLM, suggested the idea in his blog post. He recommended creating one main notebook and feeding it with your most-used knowledge: quotes, work documents, brainstorming notes — everything.
That’s where the term Everything Notebook in NotebookLM was born. It’s your personal knowledge hub — the foundation of a personalized AI assistant that knows how you think.
đź“š Imagine having an AI that doesn’t give you generic advice but instead gives you answers that feel like… well, you.
How I Built My Own Everything Notebook in NotebookLM
I started by gathering all the bits of my brain scattered across Apple Notes, random screenshots, PDFs, class schedules, and even TikTok ideas scribbled at 3 AM.
Seriously, it felt like cleaning my digital attic.
But as I began uploading this chaos into NotebookLM, something amazing happened — it started making sense. The tool didn’t just store the information. It understood it. And then, it began helping me use it.
Here’s a snapshot of what I added:
- My favourite quotes
- College syllabus and course descriptions
- Book and movie lists
- Random creative ideas (the good ones, at least)
- Feedback from editors and my best-performing articles
- Social media content ideas
Why the Everything Notebook Works So Well
First, let’s be clear — I have the memory of a goldfish. NotebookLM became my external memory drive. If I forget a quote or an article I once loved, I just ask:
“Hey, what was that quote about creativity I saved last week?”
And boom — it’s right there. Even if I only remember a word or a general idea, NotebookLM still finds it.
Another win? Decision fatigue. I’m super indecisive, so when I’m stuck between three books or five movie options, I just ask the AI to pick one from my list. It’s like asking a super-organized friend who remembers everything I’ve ever liked.
Real-Life Example: Using NotebookLM for Class
As a full-time student, this tool has been a lifesaver. I uploaded my semester-wise course breakdown. So instead of scrambling through emails or college portals to find out what subjects I have in the third semester, I just search inside the notebook.
One time I asked:
“What subjects do I have in Sem 3?”
And NotebookLM answered perfectly — pulling directly from the uploaded document.
Turning Messy Ideas into Actionable Projects
We all have half-baked ideas. Mine were chilling in my Notes app, waiting for some attention. So I dumped them into the notebook. Now, when I ask for help shaping an idea into a script or blog post, NotebookLM gives me a structure I can build on.
It’s not always perfect, but it gives me a great starting point. That’s the magic of having an Everything Notebook in NotebookLM — your scattered thoughts turn into something tangible.
📌 Bonus Tip: Add Everything — Even If It Feels Random
One of the best things I did? Adding my to-do lists, work goals, and recurring tasks. Now the AI recognizes patterns and helps me organize without me having to organize. Wild, right?
This notebook isn’t supposed to be neat or polished. It’s supposed to reflect the chaos of your brain — and make sense of it.
Final Thoughts: Why You Need an Everything Notebook in NotebookLM Today
If your digital life feels like a mess of notes, screenshots, and forgotten ideas, then trust me — building an Everything Notebook in NotebookLM might be your best move this year.
It’s your second brain, your memory bank, your idea assistant — all rolled into one. And it doesn’t just store your information. It thinks with you.
So go ahead. Hit that “Create New Notebook” button on NotebookLM.
Give your scattered brain a digital home. And watch your productivity, creativity, and peace of mind go through the roof.
