Transform Your Obsidian Workflow: From Daily Notes to Weekly Logs
Written on
Embracing Weekly Logs
Are you utilizing daily notes in Obsidian as a catch-all for your thoughts, ideas, and reminders? If that's the case, you likely appreciate the convenience of having a single location to jot down anything significant. This method can indeed help mitigate feelings of being overwhelmed by providing a straightforward, unstructured space for your thoughts.
For years, I maintained individual files for each daily note for this very reason. However, I've since transitioned to a weekly log that retains the most beneficial aspects of my former daily notes while improving the ease of finding information.
In this article, I will outline the guiding principles of digital self-management that influenced my weekly log's design, as well as detail its four key sections.
Challenges of Daily Notes
Writing everything under the current date was never problematic. I continue to do that within my new system, albeit in a different way. The real challenge I encountered with daily notes was the sheer volume of them!
The prospect of sifting through countless files to unearth valuable insights became overwhelming. I realize this issue could have been mitigated with proper tagging and organization or if I had the perfect search term in mind. However, life doesn't always allow for that.
The sheer number of daily notes accumulated over the year made it easy for significant ideas to be overlooked. Some days I would write extensively, while on others, I might write very little or not at all. The visual indicators of activity on my calendar were helpful, but it’s those small, often forgotten snippets of information that I was really interested in.
A New Approach
I appreciate the variety of Obsidian plugins, yet I sought a solution that did not rely heavily on them. Earlier this year, I shared my principles of digital productivity, which include:
- Utilizing plain text format
- Storing files locally
- Maintaining app independence
- Regularly reviewing the broader picture
- Keeping the system straightforward with minimal embellishments
While plugins like Dataview are fantastic, I was determined to ensure that my system would remain functional without being overly dependent on them.
The Solution: A Weekly Log!
This new method is so simple, I’m surprised I didn’t think of it sooner! Previously, I enjoyed having a neat box for each day, which felt like my own digital playground, allowing me to explore how Obsidian linked days, weeks, months, and beyond.
Now, instead of having 429 individual daily files, I’ve streamlined my workflow to just 64 files—12 monthly and 52 weekly pages for the entire year. Monthly pages are designated for planning and reviews, while weekly pages handle the rest.
Each weekly page is divided into four sections:
- Dates
- Indicating the week number and month name, with a hidden link to the current week’s monthly page.
- Intentions
- My to-do list is framed as a to-done list to reflect accomplishments.
- Summary
- A place to record highlights as they happen or upon the week's conclusion, capturing key events and notes I want to remember.
- Notes
- This is the most crucial segment, featuring a designated area for each day of the week along with space for freeform writing. Notes related to specific days are categorized under the relevant headings, while miscellaneous notes are placed in the general area at the bottom.
Maximizing Efficiency
As the week unfolds and I add notes to the general section (either in Obsidian or through a Drafts action), I highlight key terms and phrases for quick reference. This collection of notes on one easily editable page is an ideal candidate for Tiago Forte’s progressive summarization method, where the summary section serves as a concise overview.
Every time I revisit my weekly notes, whether for casual browsing or specific searches, I bold important text or add color highlights to make it easier for my future self to locate critical information and concepts.
Some notes will eventually become standalone files, linked back to their original week. I retain a connection to the original note on the weekly page, adjusting the formatting to manage visibility.
Final Thoughts
A weekly log might not suit everyone. If daily notes work effectively for you, feel free to continue using them. However, I hope you recognize the value of recording thoughts as they arise in a simplified, plugin-free format. This method still allows for spontaneous note-taking without worrying about organization, while also associating each note with the day it was created.
The real advantage of utilizing a weekly log over separate daily notes lies in the ease of identifying valuable insights later on.
To see the code for the weekly template and try it out for yourself, check out the sequel:
This Obsidian Weekly Template Can Completely Replace Your Daily Notes
No more losing gems in the daily note jungle!
In this video, learn about the essential daily to weekly note structure that enhances your note-taking in Obsidian. Be sure to check it out around the 02:10 mark for practical insights.
Explore how to effectively roll up your daily notes into a cohesive weekly, monthly, quarterly, and yearly overview in this informative video.