# The ADHD Notetaker | Second Brain Summit 2022 | Marie Poulin, Jesse J. Anderson, Bryan Jenks ![](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/7BfxRsW_Ezw/maxresdefault.jpg) ## "If it's not in front of me, it doesn't exist" Marie Poulin [(00:00:00)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7BfxRsW_Ezw&t=0s) - People with [[Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder | ADHD]] often experience "out of sight, out of mind," which means they have difficulty remembering things that are not directly in front of them. [(00:00:01)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7BfxRsW_Ezw&t=1s) - To combat this, capturing information externally is crucial, whether in a digital note-taking app, a calendar, or any visible location. [(00:00:25)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7BfxRsW_Ezw&t=25s) - Building a habit of collecting, curating, and extracting insights from learned information is essential for people with ADHD to transition knowledge from working memory to long-term memory. [(00:00:52)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7BfxRsW_Ezw&t=52s) ## "My 2nd Brain = Chaos; Craft, Thunk Notes, Twitter" Jesse J Anderson [(00:01:21)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7BfxRsW_Ezw&t=81s) - The speaker describes their personal "second brain" system as chaotic, utilizing a combination of [[Craft]] as a central hub, Thunk Notes for journaling, [[Twitter]] for reminders, and physical notes. [(00:01:32)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7BfxRsW_Ezw&t=92s) - They acknowledge that their system hasn't been helpful in managing relationship-related information and express a desire to develop a "personal CRM" to improve in that area. [(00:01:54)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7BfxRsW_Ezw&t=114s) - The speaker mentions that they were diagnosed with [[Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder | ADHD]] after nine or ten years of marriage and highlights the impact it has had on their relationship, leading to the development of coping mechanisms and a recognition of the need for mutual effort in addressing challenges. [(00:02:12)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7BfxRsW_Ezw&t=132s) ## "I can't know everything, but CAN find anything" Bryan Jenks [(00:02:42)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7BfxRsW_Ezw&t=162s) - A centralized system is necessary due to challenges with object permanence, such as forgetting note locations within complex folder structures. [(00:02:50)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7BfxRsW_Ezw&t=170s) - Finding information quickly is crucial, eliminating the need to retain everything and preventing distractions caused by sifting through extensive notes. [(00:03:06)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7BfxRsW_Ezw&t=186s) - Employing search functions, regular expressions, or similar tools enables efficient retrieval of specific notes, saving time and maintaining focus. [(00:03:24)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7BfxRsW_Ezw&t=204s) ## Your Productivity as a Game [(00:03:44)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7BfxRsW_Ezw&t=224s) - Cleaning and other domestic tasks can be made more appealing by turning them into a game with points and rewards. [(00:03:44)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7BfxRsW_Ezw&t=224s) - A point system for domestic tasks can be integrated into a daily journal and connected to a task management system like Todoist. [(00:04:06)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7BfxRsW_Ezw&t=246s) - [[Gamification | Gamified]] task management systems, such as [[Habitica]], can be motivating for completing tasks. [(00:04:26)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7BfxRsW_Ezw&t=266s) ## Why You Shouldn't Eat The Frog [(00:04:36)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7BfxRsW_Ezw&t=276s) - It is important to have a productivity system that works for you and to disregard advice that does not work. [(00:05:16)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7BfxRsW_Ezw&t=316s) - Having a central location to view the most important tasks for the day is helpful, and filtering out distractions and visual noise is important for maintaining focus. [(00:05:31)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7BfxRsW_Ezw&t=331s) - Starting the day with a simple win or something enjoyable can build momentum and set you up for success. [(00:05:47)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7BfxRsW_Ezw&t=347s) ## Bigger Rewards = More Motivation? [(00:06:36)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7BfxRsW_Ezw&t=396s) - People with [[Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder | ADHD]] are not primarily motivated by importance, rewards, or consequences. [(00:06:55)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7BfxRsW_Ezw&t=415s) - People with ADHD are more motivated by things that are interesting, creative, novel, challenging, or urgent. [(00:07:25)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7BfxRsW_Ezw&t=445s) - Visual timers and the Pomodoro Technique can help people with ADHD stay on task because they provide a visual representation of time passing. [(00:08:32)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7BfxRsW_Ezw&t=512s) ## The Downsides of Pomodoro [(00:08:51)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7BfxRsW_Ezw&t=531s) - The Pomodoro Technique, which involves working for 25 minutes and then taking a 5-minute break, is not effective for some individuals with ADHD. [(00:08:56)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7BfxRsW_Ezw&t=536s) - Instead of adhering to strict time blocks, it is suggested that individuals with [[Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder | ADHD]] should capitalize on moments of hyperfocus and work for as long as their attention allows. [(00:09:35)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7BfxRsW_Ezw&t=575s) - To manage tasks effectively, it is recommended to minimize the number of apps and tools used, focusing on a select few for optimal organization and focus. [(00:09:54)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7BfxRsW_Ezw&t=594s) ## You must externalize everything [(00:10:36)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7BfxRsW_Ezw&t=636s) - A strategy is used involving sorting daily tasks in a chronological order and adding tasks without due dates as they arise. [(00:10:49)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7BfxRsW_Ezw&t=649s) - Externalizing everything, including notes, tasks, and ideas, is crucial for effective organization and to avoid forgetting. [(00:11:12)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7BfxRsW_Ezw&t=672s) - Maintaining a personal calendar and task manager is essential for remembering commitments and staying organized. [(00:11:35)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7BfxRsW_Ezw&t=695s) ## How to take live notes [(00:12:26)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7BfxRsW_Ezw&t=746s) - Some people prefer to watch content multiple times: the first time for enjoyment and the second time for note-taking. [(00:12:36)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7BfxRsW_Ezw&t=756s) - Effective note-taking involves focusing on capturing surprising or unique insights, similar to highlighting key points in a book. [(00:12:44)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7BfxRsW_Ezw&t=764s) - Noting down surprising or unique information serves as a reminder of its significance and potential for future use. [(00:13:10)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7BfxRsW_Ezw&t=790s) ## Quick capture (don't break focus) [(00:13:24)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7BfxRsW_Ezw&t=804s) - Quick capture features in apps like [[Obsidian (software) | Obsidian]] and Todoist allow for efficient note-taking and task management without interrupting workflow. [(00:13:24)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7BfxRsW_Ezw&t=804s) - Alfred workflows and natural language processing in Todoist enable quick capture of notes and tasks using shortcuts, voice commands, and intuitive language. [(00:13:38)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7BfxRsW_Ezw&t=818s) - Concise prompts in Todoist serve as memory triggers for later exploration of captured thoughts or information. [(00:15:17)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7BfxRsW_Ezw&t=917s) ## Life in Hyperfocus [(00:15:42)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7BfxRsW_Ezw&t=942s) - People without support systems may struggle with hyperfocus, as they may not have the opportunity to explore their interests and may face challenges in meeting basic needs. [(00:16:03)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7BfxRsW_Ezw&t=963s) - While [[Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder | ADHD]] can have benefits such as making connections quickly, adapting rapidly, and excelling in stimulating fields, the extreme highs and lows and the potential for hyperfocus to be disruptive make it unfair to label it as a superpower. [(00:16:31)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7BfxRsW_Ezw&t=991s) - Managing energy levels is crucial for individuals with ADHD, and with effort and support, it is possible to disengage from hyperfocus when necessary. [(00:17:32)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7BfxRsW_Ezw&t=1052s) ## Manage Energy (not time) [(00:17:38)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7BfxRsW_Ezw&t=1058s) - It is important to manage energy, not time, and to make routines easy to maintain positive energy. [(00:18:14)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7BfxRsW_Ezw&t=1094s) - Tasks are categorized based on required energy levels, such as deep work or process-driven tasks. [(00:18:31)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7BfxRsW_Ezw&t=1111s) - Acknowledging low energy days and focusing on small wins and the week's most important tasks is crucial. [(00:18:58)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7BfxRsW_Ezw&t=1138s) ## You Can Always Pivot Your System [(00:19:03)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7BfxRsW_Ezw&t=1143s) - Systems should be kept simple and easy to use. [(00:19:28)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7BfxRsW_Ezw&t=1168s) - Systems should be portable to allow for easy transfer of information. [(00:19:40)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7BfxRsW_Ezw&t=1180s) - Planning for system changes helps to prevent data loss. [(00:19:54)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7BfxRsW_Ezw&t=1194s) ## It Might Take Time For It to Work for You [(00:19:56)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7BfxRsW_Ezw&t=1196s) - It can take a significant amount of time, potentially a year or more, to develop a personalized system that effectively addresses individual needs and preferences. [(00:20:18)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7BfxRsW_Ezw&t=1218s) - The process of creating a functional system may involve experimentation and adjustments to find what aligns best with one's brain and work style. [(00:20:10)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7BfxRsW_Ezw&t=1210s) - While it's important to avoid excessive tinkering, dedicating time to understand personal energy patterns and task management strategies can be beneficial in designing a sustainable system. [(00:20:37)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7BfxRsW_Ezw&t=1237s)