In this blog post, I will define what a Personal Knowledge Management system is.
A personal Knowledge Management system is a system that helps you gather, categorise, store, link and search for information.
The linkage of information is key as it helps you connect related ideas and concepts. This replicates how the human mind links new knowledge with existing knowledge, helping you learn new knowledge from the information you consume.
This linkage turns a Personal Information Management system into a Personal Knowledge Management system. I explore this further in a post explaining why I think backlinks are essential to a Personal Knowledge Management system.
Four key processes for managing your Personal Knowledge Management system
Any personal knowledge management system must undertake four key processes. Let’s examine each in turn.
1. Collection
The collection process is key as it helps combat information overload by filtering out all the noise generated by all the content available to us in this Information golden age to only the content we want to consume and learn from.
This information can come from a range of sources. You can find out more about these sources in my essential guide to fleeting notes.
2. Organisation and Analysis
While Organization and Analysis are two distinct processes, I would be analysing my notes as I organise them. Do I have any related knowledge or notes to which I can link this note?
By constantly organising and analysing your notes through your system, you repeatedly process those ideas in your mind, increasing the likelihood that the information will be converted into knowledge. It is a never-ending process.
3. Synthesis
Synthesis is the process of adding your new permanent notes to your knowledge bank and creating new links between your latest and existing notes and, where appropriate, from existing notes. It is this process that allows your Personal Knowledge Management system to reflect what you know and remain relevant as your second brain.
4. Application
Application is the process of using the Information and Knowledge gained while working with your Personal Knowledge Management System. It depends on how you plan to use your Personal Knowledge Management system.
Here are some examples of the applications I have used in my Personal Knowledge Management system for. It has helped me write a blog post like this one, start writing a book, and hopefully complete it. Most importantly, it’s a tool that has helped me start new habits, which will help me improve as a person.
Why are Personal Knowledge Management Systems so personal?
Personal Knowledge Management systems are so personal that, over time, they will reflect the knowledge you have developed and all the information you have consumed.
Your processes and the applications you use will also start to reflect your personality and the ways you have found that help you absorb knowledge and learn.
I ask that you keep your mind open to new ideas that might help you improve your Personal Knowledge Management system. As with any skill, you never stop learning.
The benefits of implementing a Personal Knowledge Management system
The benefits I have found from having a Personal Knowledge Management system are.
- It helps prevent Information Overload. You can learn more about Information overload in our linked post.
- It helps me to learn as I get exposed to notes on multiple occasion
- It helps me to learn as I look for links to related notes and ideas
- Create new ideas between two existing notes
- It helps me to create new content to write about.
For further reading, I would recommend my review of Sonke Ahrens Smart Notes and our Introductory guide to Zettelkasten. You can find all our Personal Knowledge Management system content listed here.