What I Use Obsidian For

Many might know that I've been utilizing Obsidian for a couple of years, but fewer may be aware of its specific applications in my work. Primarily, it's a space for jotting down my ideas and thoughts, which often lead to articles I may publish online or keep private for personal reference.

In my vault, I have developed structured writing systems that utilize bullet-point outlines alongside a separate writing pane. This setup allows me to quickly reference the outline for whatever I am composing—like this piece—while seamlessly transitioning my thoughts into a cohesive final product.

During my time at university, I also rely on Obsidian for all my note-taking and writing tasks. Previously, I wrote about utilizing it for creating AI flashcards and integrating them into my flashcard app. However, I've since focused more on tasks that significantly enhance my studies.

I've learned to avoid procrastination and instead prioritize meaningful automation that genuinely aids my study process. My plugins and techniques have remained mostly unchanged, allowing me to maintain low maintenance while simultaneously juggling other projects.

Here are some essential plugins I use:

• Pandoc Plugin: Facilitates the export of essays as PDFs for submission.
• Citations Plugin: Simplifies the integration of citations from Zotero with minimal effort.
• Qmd as md: Permits editing of essays and reports in Obsidian while retaining all Quarto markdown functionalities.
• Shell Commands: Enables exporting .qmd files into PDFs if needed.

I aim to keep my workflow efficient, ensuring that my tasks remain manageable and focused on creation. Since launching PARAZETTEL last year (details below), I have also utilized Obsidian for organizing my business endeavors.

The ability to track significant projects in the same space as my other vital content has been invaluable. Over the past couple of years, Obsidian has become an integral part of my life.

Plugins That Enhance My Obsidian Experience

One of the reasons I fell in love with Obsidian from the beginning was its extensive range of plugins and features. You can truly customize the app to fit your needs, creating a personalized workspace—if you can navigate through the myriad of options without succumbing to distraction.

Building a system that resonated with me took effort, but I now possess a setup that is unique to this app, making it unlikely I will switch to anything else. You can modify features via core or community plugins, but here are the community plugins I find most essential:

• Dataview and Folder Notes: These two work hand-in-hand in my system. I create index notes for significant folders, providing an overview of all related content for a specific topic or project. For more details on this, refer to my previous writings.
• Readwise Official: I gather insights from various sources like Kindle, Medium, podcasts, and Twitter. Readwise compiles my highlights into my Obsidian vault, making them accessible for projects or inspiration for notes in my Zettelkasten. Given my student status, Readwise offers an affordable subscription that provides great value.
• QuickAdd and Templater: These plugins automate information capture and the repetitive addition of metadata, saving me time and effort.

These plugins have been staples in my workflow since I began using Obsidian. To keep this concise, let's discuss my folder organization and personal knowledge management (PKM) system.

My Folder Structure and PKM Approach

I've discussed my folder organization in previous writings, but I'll summarize it here for clarity. When I first began using Obsidian, I was drawn to the Zettelkasten method, which was gaining popularity as a robust approach for managing ideas. However, I encountered difficulties as my projects were more dynamic, and Zettelkasten isn't designed for managing changing details and resources.

I eventually discovered Tiago Forte's PARA method, which was far better suited for project management. After embracing PARA, I wanted to retain the benefits of Zettelkasten. Thus, I created a hybrid system I dubbed PARAZETTEL, which gained traction among my online audience.

Here's a breakdown of how it functions:

• Projects: Each active project has a dedicated folder containing relevant materials and information.
• Areas: This aspect combines both methods; instead of merely housing notes on specific areas, I adapted this section into a Zettelkasten format, allowing me to link ideas through Obsidian's backlinks and build an interconnected web of thoughts for future inspiration.
• Resources: This folder contains general topic notes for future reference, including my Readwise notes and a 'Content' folder for writing and planning non-project-related pieces.
• Archive: Completed projects and content are stored here to keep them accessible without cluttering my active workspace.

By merging these two popular knowledge management methods, I've crafted a system that balances actionable project work with the creative exploration of ideas, enhancing my overall productivity.

I offer guidance on using PARAZETTEL, complete with a demo vault for new users. However, I encourage everyone to personalize their systems. Whether you begin with a template or a concept like PARA or Zettelkasten, you'll eventually want something that reflects your unique style.

I often tell users that I'm delighted if they evolve PARAZETTEL into something uniquely theirs, just as I did. The evolution of personal knowledge management in Obsidian is open to everyone.

Reviewing, Updating, and Enhancing Your System

This is an ongoing process I engage in periodically. I revisit my vault, simplifying it and ensuring it remains an efficient workspace. For instance, I recently realized I wasn't fully utilizing the Zettelkasten aspect of my system. Instead of engaging with my ideas, I was bypassing a crucial part of my creative process, resulting in diminished creativity.

To address this, I recommitted to writing within the Zettelkasten framework, and I now feel rejuvenated and inspired with fresh ideas.

Identify your equivalent—your system should serve you, not hinder your creativity. If aspects of it become cumbersome or distracting, it's time for a cleanup. Focus on the core processes that help you develop your thoughts and ideas, ensuring you stay true to your creative potential.

In Conclusion

This concludes my extensive guide on the tools, systems, plugins, and processes I utilize to keep Obsidian as my ideal workspace. I hope it inspires you to explore how Obsidian can enhance your personal knowledge management, just as it has for me.

Check the linked articles throughout this piece for further details on specific concepts and ideas, and feel free to follow me for more content.

Thank you for reading!

If you're intrigued by the fusion of the PARA Method and Zettelkasten, delve deeper into PARAZETTEL below.

You can enroll in a free email course detailing how this system evolved from my work. Explore more…