My Adapted Method

If you’re just popping in, you should quickly read Part 1 of this series!

Over the past two years I have taken Tiago Forte’s method and made 2 adaptations. The end result is that I don’t lose track of anything! Everything (information, tasks, projects, communication, meetings) has a designated space and is tracked fully… and it’s done simply.

1) “2nd Brain” is More than 1 Tool

Instead of having an “everything app” that keeps everything in one place, your phone should be the “everything tool” that houses spots for particular “types” of things.

• 🗓️ Events → Calendar App (Apple Calendar)

• ✅ Tasks → Task Manager (Actions by Bonobo)

• 📝 Information → Simplified 2nd Brain System (Notion)

This works cohesively because those independent tools are meant to function best, given their specific type of thing. I don’t have to worry about modifying one tool to make it accommodate a different species of thing. This simplifies input and retrieval/usage of said items.

2) Simplified PARA Interface

My simplified 2nd Brain System focuses on 2 Zones:

• 🏡 Home Page

  • Quick Input of Notes/Resources

  • Track Projects

• 🗂️ Areas

  • Sorting & Scanning through Kept Information

So really, I’m just looking at 2 different spots in my 2nd Brain. And more often than not it’s even simpler, because I know what I’m trying to look up… and so I don’t scan through the whole “Areas” tab, I just type the name of what I’m searching for in the search bar (Bonus: I made a Siri Shortcut to do it with a tap on my iPhone).

FREE 2nd Brain Notion Template

If you’re eager to try out Notion, or you want to mess around with my system and either adopt or adapt it, here you go!

Zak’s 2nd Brain Template

I have pre-loaded bits of information in the template so you can see how the system works… it’s also bonus info to keep if you like it and want it in your own 2nd Brain!

I will admit that even with it being simple… it’s nice to see it “in action” to wrap your mind around how to use it well… perhaps next issue 👀

🌟 TOP PICKS & BEHIND THE SCENES

Help with Notion

2 Videos that I used when I started using Notion! I believe the best way forward is watching these videos, diving in, and then you can look up specific videos on specific features, as needed.

2nd Brain Books

Building a Second Brain
The book that started it all! Your one stop shop, if you want the thorough in’s and out’s.

The PARA Method
A sequel of sorts that breaks down the organizational method more by answering some practical questions.

ℹ️ Product links in this newsletter are affiliate links. If you make a purchase through these links, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.

In all toil there is profit, but mere talk tends only to poverty - Proverbs 14:23