Chapter 1: Embracing a Plain Text Mentality

Recently, I've been reflecting on my experience with Obsidian and how it contrasts with my commitment to a plain text approach. Obsidian was a breakthrough for me! Having utilized it daily for over a year, I find that as my proficiency increases, so does my discomfort with straying too far from the plain text methodology that initially attracted me.

The Dataview plugin is incredibly powerful, Templater offers remarkable functionality, and transclusion feels like a superpower. The list of impressive features could go on endlessly!

Before I dive deeper, it seems appropriate to revisit the core principles of digital productivity—encompassing project and task management as well as personal knowledge management (PKM).

Principles and Challenges in My Digital Productivity Framework

These principles have shaped my evolving productivity system over the last three years. While they may not suit everyone, they have proven effective for me:

1. Utilize Plain Text Formats: Adopting formats such as .txt or .md ensures universal readability across various platforms, effectively future-proofing your work.
2. Store Files Locally: This approach guarantees that you maintain control over your data.
3. Remain App-Agnostic: Avoid becoming reliant on proprietary applications that might lock your essential work into their specific formats, even if they are free.
4. Regularly Review the Big Picture: Make it a habit to balance daily tasks with a broader perspective.
5. Keep the System Simple: Aim for a setup that mirrors the simplicity of traditional paper productivity, ensuring it remains visually appealing without being distracting.

Challenges to Avoid

• Avoid creating a system that relies heavily on specialized features of particular applications.
• Don't let the allure of customization interfere with genuine productivity.
• Resist the temptation to disguise procrastination as productive work by endlessly tweaking an already functional system or switching between plain text applications.
• Be mindful that not everything should be handled with plain text; some tasks may benefit from other tools. As Kieran Healy aptly states, "There’s little to be gained from plain-text dogmatism in a .docx world."

Chapter 2: A Journey from Paper to Digital

When it comes to note-taking and life organization, I've always cherished the act of writing things down on paper. There’s a certain satisfaction in making a list and checking off completed items. I would transfer unfinished tasks to a new page, often letting some go when I realized they were no longer necessary.

Eventually, the digital world captivated me with its endless array of apps and features. Initially, I struggled to adapt the effortless principles I had applied on paper to a digital environment, which led me to abandon my notebooks for a fully paperless lifestyle, along with all the flashy apps I thought I needed.

Confessions of an App Enthusiast

However, my experience in the digital realm wasn’t as flawless as I had hoped. Though my colorful highlighters and pencils were stowed away, the potential for busy-work seemed to multiply.

Here’s a glimpse into a pattern I often found myself stuck in: I'd hear about a new app or system and immediately migrate my tasks and notes to it. The dopamine rush was exhilarating! I would admire my 'hard work'—the transfer of projects rather than actual completion.

Soon enough, reality would hit. The same tasks remained unfinished, and the daunting ones still loomed large. I found myself wishing for better organization or design elements, convinced that my productivity woes stemmed from the tools rather than my approach.

You can learn more about my journey to overcome app addiction [here](#).

Keeping It Simple to Stay Focused

Admittedly, I have a tendency to tinker, as Jim Esch describes it. I’ve succumbed to the allure of intricate designs and features more times than I can count. While I appreciate a well-crafted interface, I recognize that excessive customization can distract from the true purpose of my notes and projects.

Focusing on my ultimate goals helps me avoid getting sidetracked by unnecessary details. This is why I refrain from overly elaborate designs in my bullet journal, despite my background in graphic design. It’s also why I’ve moved my serious work away from visually appealing productivity apps like Notion and Things, and why I have largely steered clear of OmniFocus.

For now, I find comfort in adhering to the five principles of digital productivity I outlined earlier:

1. Use plain text formats
2. Store files locally
3. Stay app-agnostic
4. Regularly check in with the big picture
5. Keep the system simple

Currently, my productivity arsenal consists of a trusty notebook and pen, an interactive planner designed for my iPad, and the plain text system accessible through the Obsidian interface.

I'm open to discussions about new methodologies within Obsidian or any plain text productivity system, but I've learned to limit my time exploring new options and quickly assess their value. This commitment allows me to integrate my writing, management, and planning into a cohesive journey toward self-improvement and helping others along their paths.