Building A Second Brain using Computational Thinking

Henk van der Duim
3 min readDec 14, 2022
Image created with Dall-E

The term “second brain” has become increasingly popular in recent years. This refers to a way of thinking and working based on the idea of building a second brain. It can help us manage the ever-growing amount of information we encounter every day. This can be achieved through the use of computational thinking, the application of problem-solving strategies to complex tasks.

Notion

In Notion it is possible to quickly create a draft for your second brain. Or use one of the many templates that are available. Mine is like this:

Notion — BASB

Computational Thinking

Computational thinking is a way of thinking in which a problem is broken down into smaller, manageable pieces and then with some logic create a solution. It focuses on using algorithms and data structures to solve complex problems. This kind of thinking is essential in fields such as computer science, engineering and business.

Identify

To build a second brain, the first step is to identify the areas of your life where you need help. For example, if you’re a student, you might need help organizing your notes, managing your time, and keeping track of your assignments. Once you’ve identified the areas where you need help, the next step is to break the problem down into smaller chunks. This is where computational thinking comes into play.

Break into bite-sized chunks

Suppose you are a student and you need to keep track of your assignments. You can break the problem down into smaller chunks and use computational thinking to develop an algorithm to manage your assignments. For example, you can create a list of tasks to complete each week and then use an algorithm to prioritize and manage the tasks. You can also create a calendar with scheduling to see when you should complete each task.

Automate tasks

Once you’ve developed an algorithm, you can use it to automate certain tasks, such as setting reminders or sending emails. This can help you keep track of your assignments and make sure you don’t miss any deadlines.

Building a second brain

Building a second brain takes practice and dedication. It requires you to think in new and creative ways, and it requires you to be willing to experiment and learn from mistakes. The benefits of building a second brain can be enormous. Not only will you be better equipped to manage the ever-growing amount of information you encounter on a daily basis, but you will also have the skills to develop solutions to complex problems. If you’re looking for a way to increase your productivity and manage your life more effectively, building a second brain with computational thinking is a great place to start.

If you are interested in building a second brain, this is a good place to start: Building A Second Brain

About me

I’m Henk van der Duim, Data Engineer at Stichting amsterdam&partners.

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Also, I am open to connecting all data enthusiasts across the globe on Linkedin:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/henkvanderduim/

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Henk van der Duim

Data Engineer @ Stichting amsterdam&partners, author of 'Twitter en Personal Branding', sharing stories about data, AI and tech.