Better Project Management with Obsidian: A New Perspective
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Chapter 1: Introduction to Enhanced Productivity Tools
Welcome to the Plain Text; Paper, Less Productivity Digest! This weekly edition features intriguing insights, practical tips, and a touch of the ordinary, all aimed at refining and simplifying my digital-analog workflow for the future.
This week’s highlights include:
- Can Apple Notes really serve as a productivity app?
- Three distinct approaches to integrate Hookmark with Obsidian
- Efficient project and task management using TaskPaper and Obsidian
- Identifying unlinked files in Obsidian, Part 2
- Practical productivity tips and inspiration
Section 1.1: Apple Notes as a Viable Productivity App
This week’s article presented a compelling case for considering Apple Notes as a legitimate productivity tool. While I may not adopt all of Neeramitra's suggestions, many are well-conceived and merit consideration. The article titled "The Best iPhone Productivity App Is Hidden in Plain Sight" by Neeramitra Reddy (March 2023) provides valuable insights.
I particularly appreciate the naming convention for his three idea folders:
- Brainchildren
- External ideas
- Refined ideas
The concept involves processing items in the first two folders and ultimately transferring them to the third.
Section 1.2: Utilizing Hookmark with Obsidian
To switch between the various URL schemes while using Hookmark with Obsidian, linking files on your computer to an Obsidian document is straightforward. However, there are times when one of the alternative methods may be more suitable.
Chapter 2: Integrating TaskPaper and Taskmator with Obsidian
This week, I was thrilled to discover a straightforward method for using TaskPaper files within Obsidian, as well as with the TaskPaper application on Mac and Taskmator on iOS. Contrary to my initial belief that it was a clever hack, I found it to be remarkably simple!
Key Takeaway: You can write your tasks in an .md file in Obsidian using TaskPaper syntax, which can then be opened in TaskPaper for filtering.
This approach has enabled me to manage my tasks efficiently without relying on the sometimes cumbersome Obsidian app and its plugins. When I access TaskPaper, I am solely focused on my tasks, rather than being distracted by countless notes. A true productivity win! As I continue to refine this process, I will share my experiences in greater detail after further testing.
My Task and Project Management Workflow in Obsidian MD - This video offers a comprehensive look into optimizing task and project management using Obsidian, with plugins, templates, and insightful tips.
While both TaskPaper and Taskmator are paid applications, I currently have a Setapp subscription (affiliate link—consider trying your free month!) that includes TaskPaper, and I already owned Taskmator. Additionally, FYI Editorial (iOS) supports a TaskPaper mode, among other coding apps, though it is limited to Dropbox.
Incorporate wiki links as notes under project headings for quick access to your main .md project page, provided you have one. However, links to other files may not function in either TaskPaper app unless you utilize the Obsidian share sheet or an app like Hookmark to generate them.
Caution: Editing your task file in another editor while it is open in Taskmator can result in losing the most recently entered data. I’ve experienced this unfortunate scenario more than once. While I am enthusiastic about these tools, I’m not an expert, so please ensure you back up your data!
Section 2.1: Finding Unlinked Files in Obsidian
In last week's edition, I shared regex for locating unlinked files in Obsidian. Since then, I've discovered the "Find orphaned files and broken links" plugin that accomplishes similar tasks—and even more.
I’m pleased to have knowledge of both approaches in case the plugin becomes unavailable. My goal is to learn how to deconstruct regex to understand its functionality, enabling me to conduct more complex searches.
Task and Project Management in Obsidian - This video explores effective strategies for managing tasks and projects using Obsidian, showcasing various techniques and tools for enhanced productivity.
For more insights, feel free to check out other articles I’ve written on Obsidian and download some free productivity resources, including an Obsidian Planner demo vault.