In this episode of the Digital Fitness Podcast, host Lykle de Vries and co-founder Mark Meinema sit down with Nicole van der Hoeven, a trailblazer in personal knowledge management, to explore her fresh perspective on PKM. Nicole introduces the concept of “learning exhaust”—the idea that notes aren’t the end goal but the natural byproduct of an active learning journey. She explains how embracing an imperfect, flexible system can lead to unexpected creative breakthroughs, help overcome imposter syndrome through public learning, and ultimately support growth in our digital age. Whether you’re a PKM veteran or just beginning to explore this realm, this conversation offers practical insights and thought-provoking ideas to reshape how you capture and use information.TakeawaysDigital fitness consists of five pillars: awareness, hygiene, skills, knowledge management, and wellness.Being digitally fit is a continuous journey, not a destination.Learning in public can lead to authentic content creation.Notes serve as a byproduct of learning and can aid in personal growth.Imposter syndrome is common, but embracing vulnerability can foster a supportive learning environment.Community plays a crucial role in personal and professional growth.Switching tools can enhance proficiency and adaptability.It's okay to have chaos in personal knowledge management systems.Creating content for oneself can deepen understanding.The future of digital fitness involves continuous exploration and community engagement.

In this episode of the Digital Fitness Podcast, hosts Lykle de Vries and co-founder Mark Meinema have a conversation with Nick Milo, a recognized expert in personal knowledge management and the mind behind Linking Your Thinking. Nick explains how a simple, practical approach to note-making can help you keep digital clutter in check and make sense of your ideas without fuss. He shares real-world techniques for connecting information and emphasizes a balance between structure and flexibility—without resorting to overcomplicated systems. This conversation looks at different ways to manage digital information and make note-making more effective, whether you're new to the concept or already have a system in place.Takeaways:Why note-making is more than just storing information—it's about thinking with your notes.  How linking ideas actively creates meaning and helps uncover unexpected insights.  The difference between note-making and note-taking, and why it matters.  Why digital organization should focus on relationships between ideas rather than rigid structures.  How personal knowledge management is not just a system, but a way to navigate complexity in work and life.

In this episode of the Digital Fitness Podcast, host Lykle de Vries and co-founder Mark Meinema sit down with Bob Doto, author of A System for Writing and an expert in personal knowledge management, to explore the transformative role of Zettelkasten. Bob explains why getting lost in your notes is not a problem but a creative opportunity, how letting go of structure can spark new insights, and why a good system supports you without micromanaging your process. This conversation dives into the heart of creativity, making it a must-listen for anyone curious about rethinking how they organize ideas and information.Takeaways: • Embracing the power of “getting lost” in your notes. • Why Zettelkasten is about creativity, not perfection. • Practical first steps for starting your own Zettelkasten. • The difference between systems for storage and systems for discovery.And for those of you who want to do a truly deep dive into Zettelkasten and would like to make actual good use of their system for personal knowledge management: he’s organising a course on building and making good use of your Zettelkasten.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Digital Fitness02:37 Understanding Personal Knowledge Management06:03 Measuring Success in Personal Knowledge Management09:28 The Allure of Zettelkasten12:13 Writing as a Focus in PKM14:21 Translating PKM to Corporate Environments17:51 Defining Zettelkasten20:14 Digital Awareness and Information Skills25:22 Challenges in Education and PKM Adoption30:40 Practical Steps for Educators35:06 The Role of Education in Creativity37:52 Understanding Zettelkasten: A Practical Approach43:58 Overcoming Challenges in the Zettelkasten Process48:02 Starting with Zettelkasten: Baby Steps52:59 The Impact of AI on Knowledge Management54:58 Reflections on the Book and Its Reception

In this engaging discussion, Bianca Pereira, a computer science researcher and PKM expert, shares her insights on digital fitness and personal knowledge management. She elaborates on the five essential pillars of digital fitness and emphasizes the importance of optimizing note-taking processes tailored to individual needs. Bianca warns against over-relying on AI in PKM, advocating for the necessity of human connection. She envisions a future where PKM integrates seamlessly into educational and professional settings, fostering critical thinking and creativity.

Marie Poulin discusses the concept of digital fitness, messy thinking, and the importance of choosing and sticking with tools. She shares her journey with digital tools, the use of AI in Notion, and managing ADHD with Notion. Marie emphasizes the value of finding the right combination of tools and personalizing digital fitness routines.

Exploring different note-taking archetypes like architect, gardener, and librarian. Understanding your preferred digital work style can be liberating. Discussing the balance between efficiency and perfection in digital systems. Replacing habits with nourishing behaviors for personal development. Introduction to the upcoming book on ambition and mental health.

Explore how to shift focus from consuming information to creating valuable content with Tiago Forte. Learn about the intersection of personal knowledge management and digital fitness. Discover the journey from delayed start to entrepreneurship and the versatility of the Para Method. Embrace serendipity for creativity and navigate the evolution of digital tools for information management, including the impact of AI on personal note-taking.