Where Tiago Forte's BASB methodology meets daily planning. Capture, organize, and actually use your ideas.
Tiago Forte's "Building a Second Brain" changed how thousands of people manage their knowledge. But here's what many people discover: having a well-organized second brain is great, but it doesn't automatically help you get things done.
You need both: a system to capture and organize your thoughts AND a way to turn those thoughts into daily action. This guide explores apps that bridge both worlds.
Before diving into apps, let's cover the core of Tiago Forte's method:
Save anything that resonates. Don't filter too much - if something feels interesting or useful, capture it. Use a quick capture tool that's always accessible.
Use the PARA system: Projects, Areas, Resources, Archives. Organize for actionability, not just neat categories. Where will you need this information?
Highlight the most important parts. When you revisit a note, you should be able to get the key insights in seconds, not minutes. Progressive summarization helps here.
Use what you've saved to create something. The point isn't to collect information - it's to use it. Write, build, share, decide.
PARA is how you organize everything in your second brain:
Notion is the most popular choice for building a second brain. It's infinitely flexible - you can create any structure you want. Many BASB practitioners use Notion because you can design the perfect PARA setup.
The downside? That flexibility is also the problem. You can spend weeks setting up your system instead of using it. And Notion isn't great for daily planning.
Obsidian stores notes as plain text files on your device. The killer feature is linked thinking - you connect notes to each other, creating a web of ideas. Great for people who think in connections.
It's more technical than Notion but your data is truly yours. Popular with developers and writers.
Roam pioneered the "networked thought" approach. Every bullet point can be referenced from anywhere. It's beloved by researchers and deep thinkers but has a steep learning curve.
Here's the gap most second brain tools have: they're great for storing and connecting information, but weak at helping you execute day-to-day.
You might have the world's best organized Notion workspace, but when you wake up Monday morning, those tools don't tell you: "Here's what you should focus on today." They don't help you balance work with health with relationships.
That's where a daily planner complements your second brain.
Many productivity enthusiasts use a two-app approach: a second brain tool (like Notion or Obsidian) for knowledge management, and Funtasking for daily execution and life balance.
Here's how they work together:
The Purpose Wheel in Funtasking maps to PARA's "Areas" - both recognize that life has ongoing domains (health, relationships, career) not just projects.
Here's a workflow that bridges knowledge and execution:
During your weekly review, scan your second brain for actionable items. Move them to your daily planner. This prevents your second brain from becoming a graveyard of good intentions.
For each active project, have a note in your second brain with context, research, and thinking. Have corresponding tasks in your daily planner for next actions. Link between them if possible.
Match your PARA "Areas" with Funtasking's life areas. When you capture something related to Health in your second brain, make sure your daily planner has health-related tasks too.
Honest answer: not everyone does. You might benefit from a second brain if:
You might NOT need one if:
There's nothing wrong with skipping the second brain and just using a good daily planner. Not every productivity method is for everyone.
Whether you use a second brain or not, Funtasking helps you balance all areas of life, every day.
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Choose a purpose: Body, Work, People, Learning, Play, and more
Visual timeline, active tasks, coins earned, and daily balance
15 min = 1 coin. Save up for trips, gadgets, or a lazy day
Track time across life areas. Get warned before burnout hits
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