Dondon Developments

My Obsidian + Analog Journal Methodology

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The Problem I Solved

I was using Obsidian daily notes that required too much maintenance - I found myself serving the system instead of it serving me. This led me to abandon Obsidian entirely and return to pure analog journaling.

The Solution: Obsidian as Digital Companion

Core Principle

Obsidian complements my analog journal, it doesn’t replace it. My physical notebook remains my primary thinking space. Obsidian handles what digital does best while respecting my analog workflow.

What Each System Handles

Analog Journal (Primary Thinking Space)

  • Ad hoc thoughts and ideas
  • Deep thinking and reflection
  • Daily journaling
  • Free-form creativity
  • Problem-solving

Obsidian (Digital Companion)

  • Linking & Connections - Connect ideas across time and topics
  • Habit Tracking - Digital excels at patterns and data
  • Portable Reference - Access knowledge from any device
  • Knowledge Synthesis - Distill and organize key insights
  • Research Hub - Store articles, literature notes, references

Daily Note Philosophy

What It’s NOT:

  • A comprehensive life management system
  • A replacement for journaling
  • Something that demands daily attention
  • A productivity guilt machine

What It IS:

  • A 30-second habit tracker
  • A landing pad for digital thoughts when I’m already in Obsidian
  • A bridge to capture analog insights worth digitizing
  • A simple intention setter (when it feels natural)

The Workflow

Morning (Optional)

  • Set simple daily intention if it feels natural
  • Skip if analog journal feels more appropriate

Throughout the Day

  • Physical journal for all real thinking
  • Obsidian only when already on computer and something occurs to me

Evening (30 seconds)

  • Quick habit checkbox update
  • Note any analog insights worth linking later

Weekly/Monthly Reviews

  • Review habit patterns and trends
  • Create permanent notes from recurring insights
  • Build knowledge graph based on what’s actually important
  • Connect themes across daily notes

Key Rules

  1. No obligation - If I don’t feel like updating Obsidian, I don’t
  2. Analog first - When in doubt, reach for pen and paper
  3. Digital enhancement - Obsidian amplifies my thinking, doesn’t drive it
  4. Connection focus - Use Obsidian’s linking power to see patterns over time
  5. Data over diary - Daily notes capture data points, not narratives

Success Metrics

I know this system is working when:

  • I’m not feeling guilty about “incomplete” daily notes
  • Obsidian feels like a helpful tool, not a demanding master
  • I’m naturally making connections between ideas across time
  • My habit data is helping me see patterns
  • The system supports rather than interrupts my thinking flow

Remember

The goal isn’t perfect digital capture - it’s having a digital companion that enhances my analog thinking practice without disrupting its natural flow.

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