Your brain is meat. Beautiful, magical meat.
But it loses things. Important things like “brilliant 4 a.m. business idea” slip into the gray matter of the most sophisticated organ on the planet.
That’s why the smartest people I know (including me!) have a “second brain.” A digital vault that catches ideas, plans, reminders and projects before they vanish into the void.
If you’re still trying to keep it all in your head, it’s time for an upgrade. Here’s how second-brain apps like Notion, Evernote and Apple Notes can help you work smarter, not harder.
- Apple Notes (free and probably already on your iPhone/Mac): Fast, simple, searchable. It’s the one I use.
- Evernote: Great for organizing notes, web clippings, PDFs and images.
- Notion: For power users who want to build an entire “command center” for their brain. I’m talking about tasks, notes, databases, even project dashboards.
👉 Only rule: Pick one you’ll actually open and use daily. Don’t overcomplicate it.
🖊️ Step 2: Dump everything
Scribble half-formed shower thoughts. Save quotes, links, screenshots of tweets you laughed at too hard. Whatever needs saving, get it in there before you forget it.
Save quotes, book ideas, article links or random tech tips you want to try later. Snap a picture of handwritten notes, and drop them into your app. Dictate quick thoughts using voice-to-text if you’re driving or walking. You get the gist.
👉 Tip: Don’t overorganize. The goal is to catch ideas, not perfect them.
✅ Step 3: Build simple systems
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