I’m thrilled to announce that Steven Johnson, celebrated author and visionary thinker, will be joining us at the Second Brain Summit.

Steven’s keynote, “Harnessing the Digital Brain: The Evolution of Tools for Thought and the Future of AI Writing,” will take us on a journey through the history of cognitive tools - from the earliest mnemonic devices to today’s groundbreaking AI technologies.

Steven will share his unique insights into the development of Google’s NotebookLM, the first major AI platform designed for complex research and writing tasks.

This keynote is not just a look back but a forward-thinking exploration of how AI is reshaping the tools we use for creative and intellectual work.

For a sneak peek into NotebookLM, check out my tour of this powerful tool here on YouTube.

And remember, to hear from Steven and learn from many of your favorite teachers and creators in person, join us on October 3-4 in LA.

Get your ticket

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What Information NOT to Store in Your Notetaking App

My notetaking app (I use Evernote) is the center of my Second Brain ecosystem and the default place for capturing information. However, it's not the best place to store all types of information.

Today, I want to share which information should find a different home in your digital environment:

• Highly sensitive personal information: Passwords, social security numbers, or any financial details are best stored in secure storage solutions such as password manager apps. LastPass and 1Password are popular options.
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• Photos or videos: I keep my photos in Google Photos so they’re always securely stored in the cloud. Check out my Ultimate Guide to Storing, Managing, and Enjoying Your Photos for more on this.
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• URLs: Generally, you want to store links in your browser bookmarks for easy access. Check out our blog post Organize Your Bookmarks with the PARA Method for Lightning Fast Web Browsing for how to structure your bookmarks in the best way.
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• Other large or specialized files: Notetaking apps aren't the best place for very large files or media that can consume significant storage space and potentially slow down the performance of the app. Keep these files separate on your hard drive or in cloud storage.

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Stop Holding Yourself Back: 7 Limiting Beliefs Debunked

For over 10 years, I’ve coached people to be their most productive and creative selves.

In this video, I reveal the 7 most damaging limiting beliefs that even the smartest people encounter.

I'll also show you how to change, improve, and upgrade your beliefs to better serve you.

Watch on YouTube

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Book Recommendation: Never Enough by Andrew Wilkinson

I don’t envy anything billionaires have or have to deal with, least of all their money. So I didn’t think I’d learn much from this book.

But I really enjoyed it and was unexpectedly moved by it.

Besides being a page-turner, Never Enough is about what it means, how it feels, and how to know when you have “enough” of anything – money, achievement, validation, status, respect, etc.

Wilkinson was lucky enough to earn so much that he could completely disprove the false hope that more money would make him happier.

I’m grateful that that's the message he chose to bring back from the financial mountaintop, so hopefully we don’t have to sacrifice so much trying to get there ourselves

Get your copy

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The Art Of Mastering Your Emotions

I highly recommend this episode with Joe Hudson, one of my most influential mentors, on the Modern Wisdom podcast.

Joe speaks to experiences all of us share but that don't get addressed enough: negative self-talk, suppressed emotions, and a lack of boundaries.

He also offers simple but powerful experiments to build emotional intelligence, increase enjoyment, and create lasting positive changes in how you approach life.

Watch on YouTube