This free micro-course provides a very basic overview of the note taking process that I use for my academic research and writing using the software, Obsidian. Below, you will find links to videos where I outline a general note organization structure, a note processing workflow, and a process for turning these notes into complete writing projects.

ThinkingNotes is the term I am using to refer to this process as it is my attempt of applying the main ideas from several systems into one that works for me. The notes that this process produces should be evidence of mature thinking which are the fuel of the note-taking system. In other words, the notes you produce are both the result of thinking and the building blocks you use to think and write with.

GETTING STARTED
Here are some helpful links

• Download Obsidian
• Major Influences:
  • Sönke Ahrens, How to Take Smart Notes
  • David Kadavy, Digital Zettelkasten
  • Andy Matuschak’s Website
  • Tiago Forte, Building a Second Brain
  • Cal Newport, Slow Productivity
  • James Clear, Atomic Habits
  • Scott H. Young, Ultralearning
• Optional: Purchase The Course Obsidian Vault (for a contribution of any amount)
  • Instructions for adding the folder to Obsidian (video)

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Introduction

Note Processing Folder Organization

Two Obsidian Alternatives