Simplify your system, download my template - A personal knowledge system
The technique: finding connections via a folder
Step 1: You open a new or existing note
Step 2: You write double square brackets [[
Step 3: You start typing the folder name, for example: Resources/Productivity/
Step 4: Obsidian shows all the notes from that folder
Step 5: You choose a suitable note to link
Example 1: Linking theory with a project
I’m writing a note for the project “A video about connections in Obsidian.”
I need resources on this topic. I open the “Resources for the project” section and write:
## Resources for the project
[[Resources/Obsidian/Obsidian shows a list:
- The graph in Obsidian shows the system’s weak spots
- Plugins for automation
- MOC notes as centres of attraction
- The PARA method for organising notes
I choose the ones I need and add them to the project note.
The result: Now the project has links to all the necessary theory. And in the theory notes, backlinks to the project have appeared.
Example 2: Linking practice with theory
I have a note “Area - Health” in my life areas.
I want to find theory that will help improve my habits. I write:
## Resources for this area
[[Resources/Productivity/Obsidian shows:
- Book - Atomic Habits
- A dopamine detox helps restore motivation
- The Pareto principle
- The Pomodoro technique
I choose “Atomic Habits” and “Dopamine detox” — they’ll help build up the workouts.
The result: Practice (a life area) is linked with theory (resources).
Example 3: Linking projects with each other
I’m writing a note “Project - Obsidian course.”
I want to see which other projects might be connected. I write:
## Related projects
[[Projects/Obsidian shows:
- Project - A video about connections in Obsidian
- Project - Reach 10k subscribers
- Project - Improve the filming quality
I choose “A video about connections” — material from it can be used in the course.
The result: The projects are linked with each other. Working on one helps another.
Why this technique works
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It narrows the focus: You don’t see all 200 notes. Only the ones in the right folder
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It gives context: You immediately understand what kind of connection this is. Not just “Atomic Habits”, but “a resource from productivity for the health area.”
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It speeds up the process: You don’t need to remember note titles. You just scroll through the list.
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It creates meaningful connections: A connection via a folder = a connection via context. And context = meaning.
Backlinks: how they work
When you create a connection [[Note A]] in note B — Obsidian automatically shows the back-connection.
Open “Note A” → in the right panel you’ll see the “Backlinks” section.
There will be a list of all the notes that link to “Note A.”
Why you need backlinks
1. The context of use
You see where this note is applied. In which projects, in which life areas, with which other ideas it’s connected.
2. Unexpected connections
Sometimes you link a note with a project — and then discover that it’s also connected with 3 other topics. This generates new ideas.
3. A relevance check
If a note has no backlinks — maybe it’s not needed. No one links to it = no one uses it.
An example of using backlinks
I have a note “A dopamine detox helps restore motivation” in Resources/Productivity.
I open it → I look at the backlinks:
Backlinks:
- Area - Health (I apply the detox in my workouts)
- Project - A video about productivity (mention it in the script)
- MOC - Productivity (part of the energy-management topic)
- Procrastination as a defence mechanism (the detox helps fight it)
Conclusion: This note is actively used. It’s connected with practice (an Area), with projects, with other ideas.
If there were no backlinks — it’s a signal: either delete it, or find a use for it.
Next article: Level 2 — MOC notes