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diversemix/notes

A note taking system that helps take the load off your working memory and keeps details at your finger-tips.

Built for neovim and shell-based simplicity for engineers with executive function challenges. Get automatic task continuity, low-friction capture, and context-on-demand to reduce cognitive load.

Philosophy

This system is built on three insights:

  1. Executive function challenges are working memory challenges Solution: Externalize everything. Trust the system, not your brain.

  2. Friction kills habit formation Solution: Commands are short. Templates are automatic. Everything is fast.

  3. Continuity is more important than perfect organization Solution: Tasks carry automatically. Context is one command away. You can always find things with search.

Key Principles

  1. Write Everything Down: Your notes are your external memory
  2. Single Source of Truth: Today's note is where active work happens
  3. Automatic Continuity: Tasks carry forward without manual work
  4. Context On Demand: Run context to remember what you're doing
  5. Low Friction: Commands are short, templates handle structure

Strategy

Before you make a decision on if this note taking system is for you, here are the main problems and how its trying to solve them:

Scenario Solution Shell NViM
Distracted with another
task or thought		 Quickly record and continue
with your current task.		 inbox "distraction" <leader>ni
Lost your place Refresh your context cx -
Lost track of what's next Look at task list nt -
Starting your day you forgot
what you were doing yesterday		 Read yesterday's notes yesterday <leader>ny
Starting your day you want
to plan what to do		 Make notes for today with
tasks and a goal.		 today <leader>nt
Starting a new project or
an ongoing concern		 Make a note specific for
that area		 area slug Create a new link
to follow:[[areas/slug]]
Discover new tool or nuget of knowledge Record it not to forget wiki slug Create a new link
to follow:[[slug]]

Daily Sequence

The solution is to use folders under a main 'notes' folder and the system support maintaining markdown files within the structure. You can visualize these in use on a typical day as follows:

sequenceDiagram
   participant inbox
   participant daily
   participant wiki
   participant areas

   note left of inbox: Intrusive thoughts<br/>or worries put<br/>in inbox<br/>throughout the day.

   note left of daily: Every morning<br/>review the inbox.<br/>Yesterdays unfinished<br>tasks pulled in too.
   inbox->>daily: 

   note left of wiki: Record useful<br/> knowledge
   daily->>wiki: 

   note left of areas: Projects or<br/> ongoing concerns
   daily->>areas:

The Result

Organized Structure

  • Daily notes with automatic task carry-over
  • Wiki pages for knowledge and reference
  • Areas for tracking larger initiatives
  • Inbox for quick captures
  • Templates for consistency

The Tools

Shell Commands

Fast, memorable commands for common operations:

  • today - Your daily note (auto-carries incomplete tasks)
  • context - What you're working on RIGHT NOW
  • wiki <name> - Create/open wiki pages
  • area <name> - Create an area of concern
  • nfind <term> - Search everything
  • ntasks - See all incomplete tasks

Neovim Integration

  • Follow [[wiki-links]] with <Meta-Enter>
  • Find backlinks to current page
  • Toggle task checkboxes
  • Telescope integration for fuzzy finding
  • Quick navigation between notes

Executive Function Support

  • Automatic task carry-over: Never lose track of what you were doing
  • Context command: Instant reminder of current work
  • Low friction: Short commands for both shell and neovim with templates for consistency
  • External memory: Write everything down, remember nothing
  • Breadcrumb support: Leave notes for future you

What Makes This Different from Logseq

Feature Logseq This System
Format Proprietary/Markdown Plain Markdown
Editor Electron app Your Neovim setup
Task carry-over Manual Automatic
Speed App startup lag Instant (shell commands)
Context switching Must open app One-command context
Customization Limited Complete (it's your code)
Version control Extra setup Just git
Keyboard-first Mostly 100%

Getting Started

Ready to set up your note-taking system?

  1. Installation - Complete setup guide for kickstart.nvim users
  2. Quickstart - Get up and running in 5 minutes
  3. User Guide - Philosophy and executive function strategies
  4. Daily Workflows - Practical usage patterns and scenarios
  5. Reference - Command and keybinding quick reference

Built for engineers who need external memory, automatic continuity, and zero-friction note-taking.