Ask HN: Share your syntax for txt only

One big org-mode file, with a hotkey to open it. I don't even use any of the fancy features of org-mode, just collapsible headings and the odd link, TODO or table. It's about 8,000 lines at the moment and gets pruned when I feel like it.

I have two bash scripts for note taking. The first one, aliased to "daily", ensures a file for the current day is created, then opens it in vim. The second, "lsdaily", opens the directory that holds the daily notes in ranger, sorted by most recently created - this way, I can easily read notes from each day in the preview

Numbers keep track of the size of the list. IP = in progress; often is something like laundry

  Thursday Dec 23
  X 1. thing 1
  X 2. thing 2
  IP 3. thing 3

  1. something else in random order
  2. something else in random order
  3. something else in random order

I use a macro that enters year-month-day hour:minute when I type date.

   date:
   - done this and that
   some code snippet
   - did that other thing
     - step 1
   #——————-  (up from here is done, below it is todo)

   - call x and y :tag:tag2:tag3:
   - research x

I like the topic idea. Personally I use markdown along with a system I call Task BATL. [0] It's a balanced, modular productivity system so you pick whatever parts work best. It was also designed to work fine on paper as well if that's more appropriate.

Example format:

    - [Ti] This is a normal work or to-do item. AD2d+ (It's been over 2 days since I've done anything on this project)
        - SSH into server (1m) (The initial "T" above is marked with an i because I've added in-depth notes on the next steps and how long they will take. This clarity can dramatically reduce procrastination)
        - Review maintenance notes from last week (2m) 
        - Outline a brief plan (5m)
    - [V_] Study combat air maneuvers and practice in a flight sim (This is a values-based item to prevent task burnout and help me see the value in my life. It could be pushing a long-term interest or goal forward. This particular item is not yet done and may need more depth of clarity, as above, so I don't procrastinate it)
    - [Fx] Turn on a favorite podcast (This is an item related to maintaining personal comfort, avoiding the issues that can arise from machine-like harsh productivity. This item is marked with an "x" as done/completed)

That's a basic syntax example. I also use lots of journaling snippets, almost 100 of them now I believe. [1] In addition to those I use tags like "+crp" to indicate my current platform or position on a topic. For example my current investing methods or other plans on a specific topic. "+lll" (log of lessons learned) will always locate my ongoing log kept about a particular topic, in its file.

These practices are derived in part from my experiences as an executive coach, and in part from overcoming severe chronic anxiety and depression years ago.

The system is meant to speak to all parts of the psychology and can use any part as an on-ramp. It even includes a module for b*tching about work, harnessing emotional energies if those are what's available.

I also developed a simple golf-like scoring system that helps to rebalance if a day is too work-productive or not work-productive enough, for example.

0. https://www.friendlyskies.net/intj/the-balance-first-approac...

1. https://youtu.be/XehGA1fYulo

I use Zim-Wiki for this. So zim-wiki syntax. I find the way the text files and folders are organised intuitive even without the zim interface, I prefer separate text files for things too.

For notes/docs, markdown using vscode extension, markdown-preview-enhanced. For todos, a combination of trello and macOS notes app.

vim ~/todo.md

With a bash alias of “todo”

Markdown in bear