Megan Ellis, a productivity enthusiast, embarked on a journey through the realm of “second brain” apps, such as Notion and Obsidian, which are often hailed as the ultimate solutions for personal knowledge management. These applications promise to consolidate thoughts, tasks, and ideas into a single, searchable hub. However, despite their comprehensive features, Ellis found that they did not enhance her productivity as expected. Instead, she experienced a decline, switching between various tools like Tana, Anytype, and Logseq, only to feel increasingly overwhelmed.
Do “second brain” apps work for you?
In a recent poll, 64% of respondents expressed that these apps were too complicated, while only 14% claimed to love them. The remaining 21% indicated they used them alongside other applications. This sentiment resonates with Ellis, who acknowledges that while second brain apps can be beneficial for organizing information, they often require a significant investment of time to set up and adapt to their workflows. The initial excitement can quickly turn into frustration when faced with an overwhelming array of features and templates that clutter the user experience.
Second brain apps have a common flaw
Ellis notes that the setup process for these tools can feel like a daunting task. For instance, starting a new document in Notion can lead to confusion amid its myriad features. Although templates provide a helpful starting point, they can also contribute to a cluttered dashboard filled with elements that lack clarity. Similarly, Obsidian’s reliance on Markdown can create friction for users unfamiliar with the format, while the community plugins, though promising, often fall short of expectations due to abandonment or bugs.
Ellis reflects on her attempts to utilize Gemini Notebook for specific tasks, recognizing its strengths in generating content but ultimately finding it lacking as a comprehensive productivity tool. The common thread among her experiences with various apps was the realization that setting them up often felt like taking on a second job, consuming valuable time that could be better spent elsewhere.
These apps simply don’t work with my first brain
For Ellis, adapting her workflow to these applications often felt like an exercise in futility. Living with ADHD and autism, she faces unique challenges with memory and task-switching, making it crucial for her to capture thoughts quickly and with minimal friction. The complexity of navigating through extensive menus and features can lead to frustration, causing her to abandon tools that do not align with her needs. She emphasizes that while her neurodivergence plays a role in her struggles, many users share similar frustrations regarding the steep learning curves associated with these productivity tools.
Moreover, limitations within these applications can hinder their usability. For example, Gemini Notebook’s Android app has received criticism for its functionality, while Obsidian’s syncing capabilities come at a premium. Notion’s offline mode requires manual toggling for individual documents, which can detract from its intended convenience.
So what actually worked for me?
In her quest for productivity, Ellis discovered that smaller, purpose-built applications often yield better results. Rather than forcing herself to adapt to complex systems, she found success in utilizing tools that align more closely with her workflow. For instance, she redefined her use of Gemini Notebook, shifting its purpose to serve as a quick reference for specific topics rather than a central productivity hub.
In her search for a note-taking solution, Ellis found a sweet spot with Notesnook, which strikes a balance between functionality and simplicity. Its offline capabilities and user-friendly interface allow her to jot down notes without distraction, making it an ideal choice for capturing fleeting thoughts. Additionally, she has segmented her reminders across different apps, using TickTick for essential tasks and Donetick for chores, which has alleviated the paralysis often induced by overwhelming notifications.
Ellis concludes that for those struggling with second brain apps, exploring simpler, purpose-driven tools may unlock new levels of productivity. Her experiences with Notesnook and TickTick serve as a testament to the idea that sometimes, less truly is more in the quest for effective personal organization.
