Use these 10 Obsidian tips to level up your note taking productivity

Summary

In this video, Dan shares 10 tips for effective note-taking in Obsidian, emphasizing the distinction between setting up and using a note-taking system. He advises creating systems based on actual workflow, reviewing notes regularly, and treating notes as a living knowledge base. Dan also encourages viewing notes as a tool for thinking and publishing content for personal growth. He suggests mimicking successful individuals to shortcut the learning process.

Takeaways

• 🔧 Be aware of the difference between working on your note-taking system and using it for actual work.
• 💡 Think in systems when using Obsidian, with an index page, template files, and a data view table to link everything.
• 🛠 Build systems based on your actual workflow, not the other way around.
• 🔄 Make a conscious effort to review and use your notes regularly.
• 🌊 Build systems that support your productivity ebbs and flows.
• 📚 Treat your notes as a living knowledge base that you can modify and improve.
• 💡 New ideas often come from the intersection of existing ideas in your notes.
• ✍️ Use writing as a tool for thinking and to process your thoughts early on.
• 🌐 Publish your writing to create a finished product and increase visibility.
• 👀 Mimic successful individuals in your field to shortcut your path to success.

Q & A

What is the main focus of Dan's YouTube channel and website?

Dan's YouTube channel and website focus on discussing various topics, including Obsidian content, sharing Obsidian systems, and providing tutorials on setting them up.

What is Dan's overarching note-taking philosophy?

Dan's overarching note-taking philosophy involves creating systems within Obsidian that help in organizing and utilizing notes effectively, rather than just accumulating them.

What is the difference between working on your note-taking system and using it for real work?

Working on your note-taking system involves setting up templates, plugins, and advanced functionalities, while using it for real work means actually taking and utilizing notes for productive tasks.

What are the three components of an Obsidian system according to Dan?

An Obsidian system consists of an index page (anoc), a template file for easy note creation, and a data view table to link all pages together.

Why should you not create a system first and then try to fit your behavior to it?

Creating a system first and then trying to fit your behavior to it can lead to a mismatch between your natural workflow and the system, potentially making the system ineffective or underutilized.

How does Dan suggest building systems in Obsidian?

Dan suggests building systems based on how you naturally work with Obsidian by creating notes, then developing templates and linking them to an index page.

What is the biggest challenge with a complex note-taking system according to the script?

The biggest challenge is revisiting and using the notes after they have been created, which requires a conscious effort and a process like a weekly review.

How does Dan view the productivity cycle and how should note-taking systems support it?

Dan views productivity as having cycles of high and low productivity. Note-taking systems should be built to allow for easy re-entry after a break, supporting the ebb and flow of productivity.

Why should you not treat your notes as an archive?

Notes should be seen as a living knowledge base that is constantly improved, modified, and updated, rather than a static archive.

What role does writing play in the process of thinking according to Dan?

Writing is a form of thinking that helps process thoughts, identify knowledge gaps, and guide further research and learning.

Why is publishing your writing even if no one is watching beneficial?

Publishing writing forces the creation of a finished product, encourages thorough thinking, and can eventually lead to visibility and personal growth.

What shortcut to success does Dan recommend for new projects or learning new skills?

Dan recommends mimicking the methods and quality of masters in the field as a shortcut to success, learning from their experience without having to go through the same learning curve.