“Why I Deleted My Second Brain” was the first Westenberg video I watched, ironically recommended because I had been researching PKMs. I took the plunge and abandoned my Obsidian vault full of endless clippings, quotes, and lists of things I will never get around to reading, watching, or listening to. But I still need a basic system for tasks and essential information.
In order to avoid being drawn into scrolling and notifications, I’ve been carrying a Traveler’s Notebook and using it to write down daily tasks and notes. However, an app like Amplenote is much better for prioritizing them and especially for time-bound events synced with a calendar.
What is the best way to manage this? I’m struggling to come up with a minimal hybrid solution that allows me to avoid information hoarding and distraction while maintaining the ability to plan my day effectively.
The only thing that works for me is to stay away from complexity. I use pen and paper for to-do lists and keep my notes and drafts in Bear. Earlier this year I completely wiped out my Bear notes after ten years of clutter. I think I’m going to make it an annual habit, only keeping any work that is almost complete. Everything else will be tossed.
Hell yeah, love Traveler’s stuff. I use one as well with:
A weekly calendar
A sketch book
1 notebook for journaling
1 notebook for misc writing, drafting and whatever
That covers most use cases.
For time-bound stuff, I use Tweek – the app is fine and it has a printable weekly calendar that I pin on a cork board by my bed. That has all the routine stuff I want to do daily on it.