⚡ Profit-Pulse #3

Pitfalls of 2nd Brain Crafting

Author

Zak Graves
May 11, 2025 • Estimated Reading Time: 3 minutes

2nd Brain Crafting can seem daunting to the uninitiated. Allow me to be your Sherpa! If you haven’t checked out the original issue on Building a 2nd Brain, read through it quickly here.

Today we avoid pitfalls, next issue, I showcase my full system!

Pitfalls to Avoid

1️⃣ Overcomplicating P.A.R.A.

  • Most people think primarily in terms of what “Area” a given item is connected with (Household, Finances, Personal Development, Work, etc.)… not in terms of the Project or Resource.

  • Simply tie every entry to an “Area” then you’ll be able to more easily store, organize, and retrieve what is needed.

  • Essentially I recommend the system A2 - Areas & Archive.

    • Items are either stored and “in use” by Area, or they are Archived.

2️⃣ Putting EVERYTHING in a 2nd Brain

  • Save yourself time and make organization more intuitive by leveraging “native” ways to store what you need. Then you can put the rest, which should be actual notes/information in your formal 2nd Brain.

    • Helpful YouTube Videos & Podcasts… Save/Bookmark in App

    • Timely info for Family (Family Tasks, Grocery Additions, etc.)… List Analog in a Prominent Location (Fridge, Family Cork Board, etc.)

    • Computer Documents… Keep on your Computer (& Make some Good Folders!)

    • Photos… Keep in your Photo App (Again… Folders/Albums!)

3️⃣ Trying to Make an EVERYTHING APP

  • When people start building digital 2nd Brain systems they see people make 1-stop-shop apps that integrate their notes, calendar events, and tasks… It seems sleek but it’s a bad idea.

  • This makes the barrier to entry to high for many. You don’t need the “everything app,” you need a place to store notes/information!

  • If you run the various tools piecemeal you can upgrade components at will!

4️⃣ Thinking You Can’t 2nd Brain

  • This isn’t “go-big, or go-home,” just start!

  • Start with the Notes App on your phone. Create different folders for the various “Areas” and one “Archive” - You’re ready to go!

  • Having a more advanced tool is going to make your 2nd Brain more potent, but you can always export your notes into that next system. It’s better to start and experience the encouragement, than to hold off entirely.

Time to Build a 2nd Brain! 💪🏼🧠

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