Here's my (redacted) #PlainTextPlanner schedule from yesterday, in #Obsidian. I love the blending of mindfully entered events/todos with pre-scheduled tasks!
Also, it's super helpful to divide the day into 5 broad time blocks. 06, 09, 12, 15, 18. It gives structure and flexibility, and allows for easy shifting of entries between time blocks.
06 = 6-9 am, 18 = 6-9 pm.
Following is a list of things I can do with a no plugins, no Org or Emacs plain text planner, in Obsidian (with saved search queries). Honestly, why would I bother using a dedicated app or learning Emacs!
What about reminders? Vital events have an alarm or reminder set on my phone. For everything else, my habit of *checking the list every single day* works brilliantly. (thread…)
This week: Do you append or prepend your daily notes? Even if you're using a new file each day, do multiple entries go at the top or bottom?
No more appending for me!
And I'm pleased that at last I know what input belongs in my notes, tasks, and time files. Defining scope is vital.
#ptpl #obsidian #productivity #PlainTextPlanner
Blog link is in the first line, here:
https://medium.com/p/6cb9cc97aefa
My plugin-free #PlainTextPlanner has a continuous calendar! It's for planning and for navigation. Each month, week, and day is a Markdown link to that section of the file. I love the simplicity and convenience of this! #plainText #obsidian
Finding my old plain text files reminded me that visual simplicity isn't boring—it's relief for a highly distractible brain trying to stay on task.
Includes an evolution from calendar.txt to planner.md as a case study, where I had to define what the file was actually *for*, and make decisions on what did and did not belong there.
#PTPL #PlainTextPlanner #PlainText #productivity #minimalism #adhd
Medium (includes blog link) https://miscellaneplans.medium.com/finding-my-old-plain-text-files-reminded-me-that-visual-simplicity-isnt-boring-it-s-a-relief-414b2491afa6
Here is the 2026 edition of my Markdown calendars, especially for people who love to simplify their lives in industrially beautiful, completely unnecessary ways!
I've added an interactive version. (Find and replace if needed to make it conform to your preferred format)
https://ellanew.com/2025/12/30/markdown-calendars-2026
#Markdown #PlainText #PlainTextPlanner
@astrophoenix @jorgesanz
After the best part of 2 years appending to my #OBTF, I've finally got my head around prepending. And I think it's my #PlainTextPlanner that's helped my neurons accept that this is a good move.
Working with the brain cell pathways, not trying to force them into what I'm told is the 'right' path, has taught me more about productivity than pretty much anything else.
This week: @johnnydecimal task management meets plain text, plus early thoughts on the new Obsidian iOS widget feature and its limitations.
"…for people with brains like mine that simply cannot cope with locking away tasks in a non-portable …format, plain text tasks can be a valid solution. Feel free to try and change my mind. I don't think you'll be able to, but I'm willing to hear you out."
https://miscellaneplans.medium.com/the-johnny-decimal-task-management-course-is-the-missing-piece-i-didnt-know-i-needed-8e54086132ac (click for blog link)
This week I take a brief look at how my plain text productivity system has evolved this year. Also, my comments on some of @RussSharek 's plain text lifestyle thoughts.
> Having a simple interface to my world is a bit of zen meditation for me, and it helps keep me focused on my creative goals. —Russ
Link to my blog is on the first line: https://medium.com/@miscellaneplans/comments-on-russ-sharek-plain-text-lifestyle-0b8d5c27ebff
Ellane
