- Dec 7, 2024
The Ultimate Second Brain System Inside Kortex! (With Templates)
- Noah Vincent
- Learning, Content Creation
- 0 comments
📺 Watch the Video Version Here ↴
If you prefer learning through video, I've created a detailed walkthrough of this entire system on YouTube. But keep reading this article as it makes it easier to reference the system while implementing it in your own Kortex workspace.
Dan Koe just released Kortex, and it's a game-changer for creators.
Imagine if Obsidian and Notion had a baby – that's exactly what Kortex is. A revolutionary second brain app that finally solves the eternal struggle of creators: centralizing your notes, writing, and content in one place.
Over the past three years, I've been a dedicated user of both Notion and Obsidian:
Built my entire life management system in Notion
Created 400+ permanent notes in Obsidian
Invested $3.5k+ in courses and systems for both tools
When Kortex opened for beta testing, I knew I had to try it.
And after two months of refining my systems specifically for Kortex, I'm ready to share everything I've learned.
In this guide, you'll discover the exact system I use to:
Feed your Kortex library with high-quality content
Transform your highlights into valuable permanent notes
Create impactful content from your knowledge base
Why Systems Matter More Than Tools
Here's the harsh truth about Kortex: it's an amazing tool, but without a proper system, it won't deliver results.
The biggest mistake people make when switching from tools like Obsidian or Notion is focusing on templates rather than building an integrated system. A template without a system is like having a beautiful car without knowing how to drive – pretty to look at, but it won't take you anywhere.
That's why we're going to focus on three proven systems that will transform your learning and writing workflow inside Kortex:
1. Content Acquisition System
2. Zettelkasten Method
3. Content Creation System
Let's dive in.
The Content Acquisition System: Feed Your Brain with Quality
The foundation of great output is high-quality input. Period.
To prioritize what you consume, use what I call the Content Hierarchy Mental Model:
Books > Studies > Articles > Newsletters > YouTube Videos > Tweets > Short Forms
And remember the Lindy Effect: the older the content, the more universal its value.
Focus on timeless sources like classic books and essays.
The Essential Tools
To build your Kortex library effectively, you'll need:
1. Readwise
The keystone of the system
Syncs all your highlights across devices and content types
2. Amazon Kindle
Best tool for reading and highlighting books
My Kindle has been one of my best investments for learning
3. SnipD
The best podcast app for learning
Save snippets with transcripts and AI summaries
4. Reader by Readwise
Your personal read-it-later hub
Save and highlight articles, PDFs, newsletters, and YouTube videos
Create your own intentional content feed, not controlled by algorithms
The Daily Learning Routine
Here's how to implement the content acquisition system:
1. Save valuable content to Reader throughout the day
2. Follow the Tai Lopez 3x15 routine for reading:
- 15 minutes in the morning
- 15 minutes after lunch
- 15 minutes before bed
3. Listen to podcasts during commutes or workouts, saving key snippets with SnipD
4. Review your highlights daily using Readwise to reinforce learning
The Zettelkasten Method: Turn Information into Knowledge
Most note-taking systems fail because:
Notes remain isolated
They're rarely reviewed
They're not usable for future content
They lack consistency and connection
The Zettelkasten Method solves all these problems through a simple process:
1. Fleeting Notes: Your initial captures and highlights
2. Literature Notes: Summarize and synthesize key insights
3. Permanent Notes: Break down concepts into atomic, interconnected ideas
4. Connections: Build a network of related thoughts through links and tags
Implementing Zettelkasten in Kortex
1. Sync your Readwise library with Kortex
2. Use literature note templates to summarize major ideas from your highlights
3. Create permanent notes following the atomicity principle (One Note = One Concept)
4. Connect notes using tags, links, and trigger questions to discover new insights
The Content Creation System: From Knowledge to Impact
By now, you have:
A rich library of valuable highlights
Literature notes summarizing key concepts
Permanent notes interconnected in your system
A bank of ideas ready to develop
Here's how to turn this knowledge into content:
1. Capture Ideas
Use Kortex's Capture feature as your idea inbox
Filter saved ideas by tags when ready to create
2. Write Long Form
Create one substantial piece weekly (like a newsletter)
Use the Long-Form Template to guide your writing
3. Create Short Form
Repurpose your long-form content into tweets, threads, or reels
Use templates and copywriting structures for consistent quality
Ready to Transform Your Kortex Experience?
I've created something special for you: Noah's Ark Bank – a complete collection of templates, tools, and SOPs to implement everything we've covered.
Inside, you'll find:
Step-by-step SOPs for each system
My personal templates for notes and content
Tag taxonomy for organized knowledge
Copywriting structures for impactful writing
Transform the way you learn, think, and create with these proven systems.
Welcome back to the Ark,
Noah
P.S. If you're feeling overwhelmed, don't worry. Over the next three weeks, I'm releasing detailed video tutorials for each part of this system. Subscribe to my YouTube channel to get notified when they drop.