It’s a Tool, Not a Goal — Why Your PKM System Should Stay Simple

Stop wasting time perfecting your PKM setup. Learn why focusing on habits first leads to better results, and how to build an effective system incrementally.

Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication in knowledge management

Stop wasting time perfecting your PKM setup. Learn why focusing on habits first leads to better results, and how to build an effective system incrementally.

In this article, I’ll explain why obsessing over PKM tools and setups is counterproductive, and share a better approach to building an effective knowledge management system.

TL;DR

• Building a PKM system isn’t the goal; it’s just a means to an end
• Start with basic tools and focus on building consistent habits
• Let real friction guide system improvements
• Only add complexity when you actually need it
• There’s a method to the madness. Follow the right process for building your PKM system over time

Introduction

Every day, I see people in the PKM community spending weeks crafting the “perfect” system. They research every plugin, design complex folder structures, and create intricate automation…