How do people actually build a go to wine list for themselves?

I’ve always wondered how people end up with a personal go to wine list. You hear people say things like I usually stick to X or I know I like Y and it sounds so simple and confident. Meanwhile I feel like every time I buy wine I’m starting from scratch again. I drink wine regularly and I know I’ve had bottles I really enjoyed but I never seem to build a reliable mental list from those experiences. I’ll like something, forget the name and the next time I’m in a store or looking at a menu I’m back to guessing. It feels like I’m drinking wine without ever creating a system or pattern for myself.

Those of you who have a few dependable wines or styles you default to how did that happen? Did you keep notes, repeat purchases, focus on certain grapes or regions or did it just come naturally over time?