Tag with 1-3 retrieval words: 'What would I search for to find this again?'

Why This Is a Rule

Tagging systems fail in two predictable ways: under-tagging (no tags → notes are unfindable) and over-engineering (elaborate taxonomy → more time organizing than thinking). The 1-3 keyword rule with a retrieval-focused question avoids both failures.

The question "If I had this insight again in a different context, what word would I search for?" reframes tagging from categorization (what is this note about?) to retrieval (how would I find this note?). Categorization produces abstract hierarchies. Retrieval produces the actual search terms you'd type when you need the note. These are frequently different: you'd categorize a note under "cognitive psychology" but you'd search for "attention span."

The 1-3 constraint prevents tag inflation. A note with 8 tags matches too many queries, degrading search precision. A note with 1-3 tags is specific enough to surface in relevant searches without cluttering unrelated results.

The anti-taxonomy directive is equally important: don't build an elaborate tag hierarchy before you have enough notes to reveal natural clusters. Premature taxonomies impose structure that doesn't match your actual knowledge. Let tags emerge bottom-up from retrieval needs; impose structure top-down only after you see recurring patterns in your organic tags.

When This Fires

• Tagging a new note and choosing which keywords to assign
• Designing or redesigning your tagging system
• Finding that your current tags don't help you find things
• Feeling the urge to build a perfect tag taxonomy before writing notes

Common Failure Mode

Tagging by topic category ("psychology," "management," "technology") rather than by retrieval context. Topic tags create the same silos that folder systems create. Retrieval tags cross domains: #deciding, #bottleneck, #cognitive-limit — these are terms you'd search for when facing a problem, regardless of which academic discipline the insight came from.

The Protocol

When tagging a note: (1) Ask: "If I had this insight again in a completely different context, what 1-3 words would I type to find this note?" (2) Write those words as tags. Not the topic. Not the source. The search terms you'd use when you need this insight. (3) Limit to 1-3 tags. If you need more, the note might be compound (see Split notes at every 'and' or 'also' — one idea per note, linked explicitly). (4) Don't worry about tag consistency — organic tags that serve retrieval are more useful than consistent tags that serve taxonomy.