Unlocking Hidden Navigation in My Ultra-Minimalist Obsidian Note
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Chapter 1: Enhancing Minimalism with Navigation
In my latest updates to the ultra-minimalist daily note template in Obsidian, I've integrated subtle navigation features that elevate its functionality without compromising its simplicity.
Screenshot by Author
This redesigned daily note now seamlessly connects to previous and upcoming dates, including the current day, week, month, and an annual overview. At first glance, these additions might not be apparent, but they create a logical flow from the day to the year—just like moving from a leaf to a tree.
You might wonder why I include a link to the current day on its own page. The answer lies in convenience; this link simplifies navigating back to the daily note when it's displayed on a different page. Since I embed all daily notes within the monthly overview, I frequently utilize this link for quick access. While the small link icon is an option, I often find it challenging to locate on the first attempt. It feels more intuitive to click directly on the day's name when I want to return to it.
Below is the code I've implemented in my daily note template, which adheres to specific date formats: 2022–01–17 Tue 2022-W03 2022–01## [[{{date-1d:YYYY-MM-DD ddd}}|«]] [[{{date:YYYY-MM-DD ddd}}|{{date:dddd}}]] [[{{date:YYYY-[W]ww}}|{{date:D}}]] [[{{date:YYYY-MM}}|{{date:MMM}}]] [[{{date:YYYY}} Year Plan|{{date:YYYY}}]] [[{{date+1d:YYYY-MM-DD ddd}}|»]]
You might think that these links are unnecessary in Obsidian, especially since keyboard shortcuts offer quick access to the same functionality. However, they prove invaluable in iA Writer, where keyboard shortcuts are limited. This illustrates how a feature may be redundant in one interface while offering significant benefits in another.
Section 1.2: The Broader Implications for Productivity
Integrating additional links may seem trivial in some contexts, but they can significantly enhance productivity by making navigation intuitive and efficient.
Chapter 2: Planning for the Future of Your Workflow
In conclusion, if you find yourself unable to function without certain apps or tools, it might be time to reevaluate your workflow.
For those looking to enhance their productivity toolkit, consider downloading some free resources, including a demo vault for Obsidian and a Weekly Review template, available on my Gumroad store. For more insights into plain text productivity, explore my Plain Text, Paper-Less Productivity Digest:
Plain Text. Paper, Less. Exploring productivity through a future-proof, plain text mindset, with a soft spot for the paper that counts.
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