Submitted By: Arjun Malik
Profession/Lifestyle: Freelance UX Designer and Digital Minimalist
Book Title: Building a Second Brain
Author: Tiago Forte
Before reading the Book:
Before reading the book, my mind was in a complete mess. It was like an old computer with hundreds of tabs open on its screen; each tab had some useful information, but I didn’t even know what was in each one. I used to keep notes regularly—sometimes in a diary, sometimes in a mobile note app, and sometimes in drafts in an email. But when I needed them, I couldn’t find anything.
The insights I gained from reading books, the points of client meetings, and the ideas that suddenly came to mind—everything seemed to disappear. I kept thinking, “I know a lot, but I can’t put it into practice.” It was frustrating. I couldn’t use my brain to its fullest potential.
Discovering the Book That Changed Everything:
One night, while having coffee with a friend, the topic of this book suddenly came up. He said, “The book has somehow downloaded my mind.” Hearing that, I became curious. When I got home at night, I Googled it and found Building a Second Brain by Tiago Forte.
I downloaded the sample and started reading. After reading a few pages, I realized this was the guide I had been looking for all this time. It was as if the author had already understood my mind. That night, I stopped searching and started reading Building a Second Brain seriously. Within the first few chapters, I realized I’ve been relying on my brain for the wrong things. That moment changed everything.
After the Book:
The book taught me how to use my brain only for thinking, to hand over the burden of remembering to a “second brain.” Tiago’s CODE method—Capture, Organize, Distill, Express—showed my thinking in a completely new direction.
I have now created my own digital system with Notion and Apple Notes. Whenever an idea comes to mind, I save it, then organize it, if necessary, summarize it, and then use it in my own writing or for client work.
It used to take days to write an article, but now it takes hours. My thoughts are clearer; my head feels lighter. Now I just think, I don’t have to worry about remembering.
The Transformation:
I haven’t just developed a system for memorizing information, but I’ve created a “thought factory” for myself. I can now think more deeply by combining old ideas with new ones.
A note I wrote last month on a client’s design project suddenly comes in handy. Ideas that used to get lost are now organized in my “second brain.” I’ve even drafted my first eBook through this process. This system is now the most important part of my work.
This change is not only professional—it’s also brought relief to my personal life, it came with a sense of mental peace. I’m much less stressed now because I know where each of my ideas is.
My Favorite Line & How It Helps Me Every Day
“Your mind is for having ideas, not holding them.”
This one line changed my perspective on life. Before, I used to think that I had to remember everything. But now I understand—creating ideas is much more valuable than remembering.
Now, when my head gets hot, or I get tired of thinking too much, I stop—I take notes. Then I work again with a fresh mind. My second brain saves me every day.
To Anyone Considering This Book:
If your head feels like a mess like mine before, if you repeatedly think, “Wow, a great idea came to me, but now I can’t remember it,” then this book is for you.
If you are a writer, designer, student, or teacher—no matter who you are—if you think this book can be your companion.
Building a Second Brain doesn’t just teach a process; it shows you a path to mental liberation. It teaches you a simple and effective way to organize yourself.
Read, apply, and see how your thinking changes.