How to build a "second brain" – and why you need one

Most people don’t put any effort into retaining information. They just hope that the important stuff will naturally stick in their memory. This is a mistake that puts you at a competitive disadvantage – not just in your career, but in life.

We discover interesting ideas all the time... only to let them slip through our fingers. But here’s the thing: the more ideas we capture, the more creative ammunition we have at our disposal. And the more we organize those ideas, the more efficient we become.

The “second brain” is a concept developed by Tiago Forte and it’s incredibly simple: start building your own collection of quotes, facts, statistics, and observations in one place. It could be a notebook, it could be an app like Memo’d, but make sure it’s easy to manage.

So why should you bother? Having a second brain streamlines your productivity. The creative process doesn’t have to be some mystery that feels outside of your control. It’s surprisingly easy to master with a little effort.

We’ve all heard the saying: amateurs wait for inspiration to strike; professionals get on with the work. This shortcut is what splits the amateurs from the masters.

Think about the last time you forgot your phone: it probably felt like part of you was missing. That’s because we’ve reached a turning point where technology is no longer a dumb tool, but an extension of our mind.

Anyone can make a second brain work for them, so there’s no excuse not to take full advantage of the resources available. Next time you’re reading something, pick out your favorite quote. Start saving your highlights and make it part of your daily routine.

Imagine someone asked you to come up with five specific ideas for something on the spot. Your mind would probably go blank and you’d say: “Let me have a think and I’ll get back to you.” Then you’d spend days scrambling frantically for inspiration.

Now instead imagine all you had to do is take a quick browse through your idea capture system: your second brain. It’s like scanning a collection of Lego pieces: it doesn’t take long to find the right fit. This saves valuable energy and produces ideas of a higher quality.

All you have to do is keep the things you like. It’s that simple. Whether you’re tapping away at a screen or scribbling on paper, make it feel seamless and natural. Soon you’ll have a treasure trove of knowledge that will be uniquely yours.