second-brain-gtd

🥈Silver

A GTD and Zettelkasten-based second brain skill for Claude Desktop and Claude Code that organizes tasks, notes, and projects inside an Obsidian vault through natural conversation.

2730Updated 1mo ago

Intermediate30min to implementautomation

Saves ~60 min per use

Quick InstallView Source

git clone https://github.com/sean-esk/second-brain-gtd.git

Works with:

Claude

Overview

About This Skill

Second Brain GTD is a personal knowledge management skill that turns Claude into a productivity partner deeply integrated with your Obsidian vault. It implements the Getting Things Done (GTD) methodology — capture, clarify, organize, review, and plan — without requiring you to manage the process manually. Claude reads and writes plain markdown files directly in your vault, using pre-built templates for projects, meeting notes, permanent notes, relationships, and daily plans. It also supports creating Excalidraw diagrams compatible with the Obsidian Excalidraw plugin for flowcharts and concept maps. The skill is designed for anyone who wants an AI assistant that understands their note-taking system and can manage tasks and knowledge through natural conversation.

How to Use

The skill is compatible with Claude Desktop and Claude Code. For Claude Desktop, install the Filesystem Desktop Extension (available in the extension store, no Node.js required) and point it at your Obsidian vault directory. For Claude Code, file operations use built-in tools. Copy the provided CLAUDE.md and skill files into your project or vault to give Claude the necessary context and templates.

Use Cases

Capture tasks and ideas through conversation and have them organized into GTD projects automatically

Generate structured daily plans based on priorities using pre-built templates

Create and link permanent notes and meeting notes inside an Obsidian vault

Build Excalidraw diagrams and visual concept maps stored as markdown files in Obsidian

Setup & Installation

Quick Install

No install command available. Check the GitHub repository for manual installation instructions.

Alternative Install (Git Clone)

git clone https://github.com/sean-esk/second-brain-gtd

Requirements

Claude Code or compatible AI agent
Works with: Claude

Quick Start Guide

Install the Skill

Copy the install command above and run it in your terminal.

Open Your AI Agent

Launch Claude Code, Cursor, or your preferred AI coding agent.

Try It Out

Use the prompt template or examples below to test the skill.

Customize

Adapt the skill to your specific use case and workflow.

Usage Examples

Prompt Template

Act as a personal knowledge management assistant. Create a structured note in Obsidian format for [COMPANY] in the [INDUSTRY] sector. The note should include key insights from [DATA] and actionable tasks based on the GTD (Getting Things Done) methodology. Focus on [SPECIFIC_TOPIC] and ensure the note is organized with headings, bullet points, and task tags.

Example Output

# [COMPANY] - [INDUSTRY] Insights and Action Plan

## Key Insights
- [DATA] reveals a significant trend in [SPECIFIC_TOPIC].
- The market is shifting towards [RELEVANT_TREND] in the [INDUSTRY] sector.
- Competitors are focusing on [COMPETITOR_STRATEGY].

## Actionable Tasks
- **@next** Research [RELEVANT_TREND] and its impact on [COMPANY].
- **@waiting** Schedule a meeting with the [RELEVANT_TEAM] to discuss findings.
- **@someday** Explore potential partnerships in [RELEVANT_AREA].

## Notes
- Important to consider [RELEVANT_FACTOR] when planning next steps.
- Follow up with [CONTACT_PERSON] for more detailed data.