## Why Obsidian? Discovering Obsidian in February 2023 transformed my approach to organizing thoughts and knowledge. Inspired by [Tiago Forte's "Building A Second Brain"](https://www.buildingasecondbrain.com/) , I chose [Obsidian](https://obsidian.md) over [Notion](https://notion.so) for its offline functionality, secure storage, and intuitive [[obsidian linking system]]. ## Key Features That Won Me Over - **Local Vault Storage**: Works offline, perfect for unreliable internet situations - **iCloud Integration**: Seamless backup across my Apple devices - **Linking Your Thinking**: Creating connections with `[[double brackets]]` builds a visual knowledge graph - **Personal Security**: My data remains in my control, not dependent on third-party servers ## Obsidian: My Essential Tool Obsidian is completely free to use locally, which initially felt strange as I benefited so much from the developers' work. To support this incredible tool, I subscribe to both Obsidian Sync and Publish services. This subscription isn't just about additional features—it's my way of ensuring the platform's continued development and sustainability. The developers at [Obsidian](https://obsidian.md/) have created something special: a knowledge management system that respects user data ownership while providing powerful linking capabilities. ## My Daily Practice I use Obsidian daily for: - Weekend reflection and planning - Work task management - Meeting notes and project tracking - Quick information retrieval and sharing (via PDF exports) - Idea development and brainstorming This system frees my mind from storage tasks, allowing it to focus on generating new ideas—exactly as Forte suggests. ## Unexpected Benefits Beyond organization, my Obsidian practice has improved my English language skills. As a native Bahasa speaker from Indonesia, daily writing provides consistent practice in articulating complex thoughts. ## Personal Growth Catalyst  After a year of consistent use, my Obsidian vault has become a mirror reflecting my evolution. Obsidian is truly my personal growth [[catalyst]] This practice has: - Enhanced self-awareness - Clarified my thinking patterns - Strengthened decision-making - Documented goals and aspirations ## Connect and Explore Want to learn more about building your own second brain? I recommend watching Nick Milo's ["Linking Your Thinking"](https://www.linkingyourthinking.com/) videos for deeper insights. His approach to creating connected knowledge has been instrumental in how I structure my digital notes. Feel free to [reach out](mailto:[email protected]) if you'd like to discuss knowledge management systems or share Obsidian tips! --- <div style="border:1px solid #EEE; background:transparent; padding:20px; border-radius:5px; text-align:center;"> <h3>Never Miss an Update</h3> <p>Get my latest thoughts on digital knowledge management and personal growth delivered directly to your inbox.</p> <a href="https://setasena.substack.com" style="display:inline-block; background:#3D85C6; color:white; padding:10px 20px; text-decoration:none; border-radius:4px; font-weight:bold;">Subscribe</a> </div>