I agree that it is very convenient to quickly type out the minutes of a meeting or a few keywords in meetings on the laptop so that you can quickly shoot of a MoM after the meeting, but it is imperative that you segregate between the routine writing and the ideating.
Many studies have proven that writing reinforces the concepts that you learn, it helps you in thinking better and more creatively.
As per medical research, writing is the function of the frontal lobe of your brain which is also the part of the brain which is responsible for movement, reasoning, judgement and problem solving.
To start with, try writing down the important words you hear in discussions, terminologies that you want to read up on, any ideas that strike you when you are participating in a discussion. Refer to these ideas later when you want to read in detail about them or expand on them. Soon you will realize that you and your notebook are inseparable. I am in the habit of carrying around a small piece of paper or a small notebook wherever I go. It helps in ensuring that I don't forget those flashes of brilliance that you get when you are in your favorite coffee shop or hashing out ideas with friends.
So pick up a nice notebook and pen of your choice and happy scribbling!
For those of you who are more digitally inclined, try out a tool called XMind for mind mapping. I have found it very to be hassle-free and intuitive so that you don't end up figuring out the right clicks and left clicks when you are in the middle of a thought. And it is free! :)
