Is setting up a digital second brain worth it?

Question

There is a lot of buzz about 2nd brain tools like Obsidian, Notion, Roam Research, and ANKI, but it all seems overwhelming. Learning Zettelkasten and all the features seems like a lot to take on.

Answer 1

I know that feeling! And like so many value questions, it depends on effectively managing overhead to optimize benefits.

With a well-maintained digital second brain, all your prior learning is accessible and ready to combine with new insights, not tucked away in notebooks on a bookshelf or in individual files on a computer. In a second brain tool, your learning is no longer siloed, and instead of starting each new class or project from scratch, learning snowballs. The benefits can be enormous.

But at what cost? It takes time to design and implement a digital second brain, and that overhead is a drag on return. And most of those who consider their second brain endeavors a success would confess that it is an ongoing evolution. So, as you develop your system, keep these points in mind:

1. The most important part of the workflow is your personal writing–that process of capturing, reflecting, explaining, connecting, etc. Focus your time here, on the work that only you can do.

2. The rest is overhead. Templates, tags, folders, plugins, automation–these are all great but discovering and configuring them takes time away from your purpose. Of course, a basic level of understanding and a roadmap are essential for any journey. But, it is easy to get carried away, frustrated, or both.

Fortunately, you're in the right place to find a personal tutor who can provide a jump start and personalized advice. I'd be delighted to help you configure a customized system that enables you to get busy reaping the rewards! To get in touch, just click on my photo above to go to my profile, and then click on the "Contact Cindy" button.