Tiago Forte's Annual Review: Systems Thinking from the Building a Second Brain Author

Tiago Forte brings a unique systems-thinking perspective to annual reflection. As the author of Building a Second Brain and a leading voice in personal knowledge management, his approach to year-end review emphasizes connecting reflection to your broader life operating system.

Rather than offering a single template, Forte has published multiple annual reviews and methodology articles over the years. This collection provides both practical frameworks and real examples of how he applies them in his own life—a transparency that many find invaluable.

What is Annual Review Collection?

Tiago Forte's Annual Review Collection is a series of articles and personal examples that demonstrate his approach to year-end reflection. Unlike single-template resources, this collection shows the evolution of his thinking and provides multiple entry points depending on your needs.

The methodology is deeply connected to his Second Brain philosophy—the idea that we should capture, organize, and retrieve our thoughts and experiences systematically. His annual reviews serve as a synthesis point where the year's learnings come together.

How to Use Annual Review Collection

Read Forte's methodology articles to understand his framework and philosophy

Review his personal annual reviews to see the approach in practice

Adapt the framework to your own Second Brain or note-taking system

Connect to your existing notes — What themes emerged from your captures this year?

Synthesize and project — Use your reflection to inform your projects and goals

Document your review as a reference for future years

Who is Annual Review Collection Best For?

Building a Second Brain readers who want to extend the methodology

Systems thinkers who appreciate structured approaches

Note-takers and PKM enthusiasts who capture throughout the year

Those seeking examples of how experts actually do their reviews

Long-term planners interested in connecting annual review to life vision

Key Features

Systems Approach

Connects reflection to your broader knowledge management system.

Real Examples

See how Forte actually conducts his own reviews.

Multiple Articles

Various entry points and depths to explore.

BASB Integration

Works seamlessly with Second Brain methodology.

Long-term Vision

Emphasizes connecting annual review to life goals.

Methodology Evolution

See how the approach has developed over years.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there a single template I can use?

Forte's approach is more methodology than template. He provides frameworks and examples rather than fill-in-the-blank worksheets. This gives you more flexibility but requires more self-direction.

Do I need to use Building a Second Brain to benefit?

No, though familiarity with the concepts helps. The annual review methodology can be adapted to any note-taking or reflection system.

How long does this approach take?

It varies based on how deep you go. A basic review might take 1-2 hours; a comprehensive one integrating your full Second Brain could take longer.

Who is Tiago Forte?

Tiago Forte is the author of Building a Second Brain and founder of Forte Labs. He's a leading voice in personal knowledge management and productivity.

Where do I start?

Begin with his methodology articles to understand the framework, then look at his personal annual reviews for inspiration on how to apply it.

How is this different from other annual reviews?

The emphasis on systems and knowledge management is unique. Forte's approach treats annual review as part of a larger personal operating system, not a standalone exercise.