You collect information. Lots of it. But nothing seems to click.
You’ve heard about Obsidian. You’ve seen others using it to do incredible things—managing their ideas, using connections to unlock creative breakthroughs, and building incredible workflows that look effortless. You’ve thought to yourself:
"If I just learn this tool, everything will finally fall into place."
So, you gave it your best shot:
You downloaded Obsidian, but had trouble figuring out where to even begin.
You started capturing notes, articles, and ideas… but the overwhelm only grew.
Each new note made the old ones feel heavier, creating a mess you couldn’t keep organized, let alone use.
You tried folders, plugins, and pre-built workflows… but nothing worked.
Instead of feeling empowered, you feel stuck:
You can’t find the information you need when you need it.
Good ideas are there somewhere, buried beneath endless clutter, never to see the light of day.
You feel like you’re spending more time managing your notes than doing anything meaningful with them.
You’re not alone. This is where most people get lost. You have the tool, but don’t have a system.
And without a system, every note you take feels like one more drop in an overflowing bucket.
One more step into chaos.
It’s frustrating because you know…
You could do so much more if you could just get some clarity.
Your ideas have potential but they’re buried beneath the noise.
You need a clear path to create, think, and organize effortlessly.
Right now, every new note you take just adds to a general sense of overwhelm.
You don’t have to feel this way forever!
You have the tools, you’re just missing the right map—a clear process that can help you:
Demystify Obsidian
Turn your notes into actionable insights
Build a system that works the way you think
Free yourself to do your best creative work
This isn’t about spending more time "managing" your notes. It’s about building a custom PKM system you can trust—one that supports your work, your ideas, and your life.
Imagine this for a moment…
You sit down to work, and instead of staring at a jumbled mess of notes, you see clarity
Your best ideas are intentionally connected, ready to spark inspiration
Every note serves a purpose — creating actionable insights & creative breakthroughs
You trust your system to handle anything life throws your way
You think better. You create effortlessly. You move forward with confidence.
This is possible!
I’ve helped hundreds of people transform chaos into clarity. Their journeys all started right where you are—but it ended with systems that freed them to do their best creative work.
You’re just a simple, proven framework away from crafting a PKM system you can actually trust.
The Practical PKM Hybrid Cohort
Your proven path to clarity, creativity, and control.
A self-paced program that teaches you how to link your apps and workflows together, master Obsidian, and build a personal knowledge management system you can actually trust.
Through both pre-recorded video lessons and live Q&A calls, you'll have everything you need to transform scattered notes and ideas into your best creative work.
This cohort isn’t just about learning Obsidian; it’s about creating a system that empowers you to think clearly, act decisively, and bring your best ideas to life.
Introducing...
Obsidian is amazing, flexible, and insanely powerful... once you overcome the massive learning curve. If you are trying to learn Obsidian yourself, STOP. Stop fiddling. Stop experimenting. Mike has a better way, trust me. He is the premiere authority on Obsidian. There is just nobody who knows it better, AND knows how to explain it in a way where you really feel like you get it.
The ROI for this course is off the charts as far as I’m concerned. Both in terms of dollar value invested to take the course, and much more importantly, the attention and time invested to take the course which are immensely more important to me. Mike's Obsidian cohort gets five stars in terms of its contribution to my personal knowledge management system. I’m thankful that I chose to take the course, and I appreciate Mike Schmitz’s efforts to deliver this product not only as an general Obsidian course, but as an ongoing space for Obsidian learning and development.
Who is this hybrid cohort perfect for?
This is NOT for you if...
You’re looking for a one-size-fits-all template or a done-for-you solution
You like learning the technical details but don't care about figuring out how to apply them
You’re unwilling to dedicate time to learning and implementing the workflows
You’re not using or planning to use Obsidian as part of your person knowledge management process
You’re expecting instant results without putting in the work
You are not willing to personalize your systems and want something you can just copy and paste
This IS for you if...
You’re a knowledge worker, creator, or lifelong learner who wants to harness the full potential of Obsidian
You’ve struggled with disconnected notes and want a system to organize your ideas and spark creativity
You value alignment between your work, goals, and personal vision
You’re ready to invest time and energy into building a custom system that supports your productivity and creativity
You believe in learning by doing and want actionable guidance to shortcut the learning curve
You’re excited to join a supportive community of like-minded learners
I have used Obsidian for some time now and feel comfortable with its use. I am retired and finding I still need help in being productive. Mike's course is an excellent overview ranging from basics to detailed use cases. Even though I am knowledgeable about Obsidian, I find that I learned something from every segment. It's obviously something Mike is very passionate about and I would highly recommend joining his future cohorts.
What’s included in the Practical PMK Hybrid Cohort?
The benefits you will walk away with
Clarity and control
Finally make sense of your notes and ideas, turning scattered information into an organized, actionable system you can trust.
A tailored PKM system
Build a custom system using a framework that supports your goals and aligns with your vision and values.
Confidence with Obsidian
Master the tool, shortcut the learning curve, and create workflows that feel natural and sustainable.
Creative breakthroughs
Uncover new connections between your ideas, unlocking insights and sparking creativity like never before.
Intentional productivity
Shift from reactive note-taking to purposeful idea management, empowering you to focus on what truly matters.
A system you can rely on
Gain a trusted structure that handles everything life throws at you, freeing up mental space for meaningful work.
Mike's the one to learn Obsidian from. Of the 1,577 contacts on my phone, there is only one that I message when I have a question about Obsidian: Mike Schmitz. If you want to know the real-world ways to benefit from using this tool, he’s the one you want to learn from.
What makes this hybrid cohort different?
Hands-on, live learning
Practical PKM isn’t just a passive video course—you’ll actively build and refine your system through live feedback & custom AI agents.
Proven frameworks
Learn how to apply the PKM Stack and Creativity Flywheel frameworks, actionable models to help you think better and create effortlessly.
Personalized approach
This isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution. You’ll craft a system that fits your unique workflows, goals, and style.
Practical focus
Forget abstract theory. Every lesson & live session is geared toward implementation, so you’ll leave with a fully functional system.
Supportive community
Join a group of like-minded learners who share your goals and are there to collaborate, motivate, and grow together.
Real-world application
By the end of the program, you’ll not only understand how to manage your knowledge but also see measurable improvements in your creativity, productivity, and clarity.
Mike Schmitz excels as an instructor, simplifying complex processes and plugins for easy understanding and application, thereby transforming one's life and approach to Personal Knowledge Management (PKM) systems. Knowing what I know now about Mike's Practical PKM cohort, I would undoubtedly make the same investment again. The learning and implementation gains have been profound.
Practical PKM is…the smarter choice
Mike Schmitz, who is a brilliant Obsidian master, explains everything in detail and in-depth. From the basics to plugins to advanced working methods, there is something for everyone. It doesn't matter if you are a beginner or an advanced user. And the weekly Q&A sessions are the icing on the cake. There you can discuss everything you need to know about Obsidian in a relaxed atmosphere and you can also find out how other participants from around the world use the app.
You don’t need another app. You need a system.
REFLECTION
You don’t need another app You need a system
The perfect PKM app doesn’t exist. Yet most people think,
“If I just find the right app, everything will click”
But the truth is, apps are tools—not solutions. What you’re missing is a system—a clear framework where your information flows seamlessly, turning random notes into actionable insights and your best ideas into creative breakthroughs
That’s where the PKM Stack comes in.
What is the PKM Stack?
Think of the PKM Stack as the foundation of your knowledge management system. It helps you:
Filter out the noise: Instantly recognize and leverage what’s useful
Organize information: Make sense of everything you capture
Develop ideas: Turn raw inputs into thoughtful connections
Take action: Create workflows that drive real results
Stay aligned: Connect everything back to your vision and values
When these pieces work together, you get a system that’s tailored to how you think, how you create, and how you work best
BONUS
($197 value)
LifeHQ
Done-for-you Obsidian vault with pre-configured workflows for EVERYTHING you need to be more productive and creative
LifeHQ Reference vault with onboarding + demo content
LifeHQ Blank vault for building your custom PKM foundation on
Access to private Obsidian Publish site with all instructional materials
Complete values-based productivity curriculum (over 60,000 words!)
All Dataview, Task, and search queries preconfigured
Dashboard files, template files, settings and plugins preconfigured
Custom CSS snippets
Built-in onboarinding to help you start applying the workflows right away
The Program Agenda
Your 4-step path to …
Step
01
The PKM Stack
You'll learn the personal knowledge management stack and design your custom information workflow. We'll map how information flows through your PKM system and set up a solid foundation in Obsidian to handle anything life throws your way. Here's what we'll cover:
Diagramming how information flows into and out of your PKM system
How to choose from the essential elements as you craft your own PKM stack
How to set up Obsidian as the central hub of your bulletproof PKM system
How to connect Obsidian to the other apps in your PKM stack so information can flow
How to connect notes and ideas in ways that add real tangible value to your PKM system
Step
02
Idea Management & The Creativity Flywheel
We'll refine your information workflow and build a system to develop ideas, keeping your Creativity Flywheel spinning. We'll explore sources like RSS feeds and books, ensuring you have a system to capture and maximize inspiration. Here's what we'll cover:
How to get more value out of the books and articles that you read
How to capture and develop ideas so that they provide you with consistent future value
How to sort through complex ideas and problems by constructing your own idea maps
How to leverage the Creativity Flywheel so you can create consistently and effortlessly
How to develop your ideas using visual thinking tools like mind maps and Obsidian Canvas
step
03
Task & Project Management
We'll turn captured ideas into action and dive into task and project management. You'll explore methods for tracking projects and todos while building a productivity system that helps do more of what really matters. Here's what we'll cover:
How to set up and track habits and routines in Obsidian
Connecting your notes and ideas in Obsidian to actionable tasks and projects
How to make sure that nothing you need to take action on falls through the cracks
How to manage everything from simple checklists to complex projects in Obsidian
How to use time blocking to make consistent progress and make sure you don’t try to do too much
How to set up dashboards in Obsidian to make sure that you’re getting the important things done
step
04
Journaling & Reflection
In the last week, we'll explore the power of reflection to gain clarity and motivation for progressing on what matters. You'll learn journaling methods in Obsidian and how to conduct regular reviews to stay aligned with your vision and values. Here's what we'll cover:
How to set up and use Daily Notes as the foundation of your daily journaling workflow
How to journal using Daily Questions to track your daily intentions and chart responses over time
How to capture things to your Daily Note quickly and easily using Shortcuts and other plugins
How to use Obsidian for your personal retreat to gain clarity & momentum to achieve your goals
How to create personal dashboards to make sure that you are living in alignment with your vision & values
Practical PKM Hybrid Cohort Curriculum Outline
Welcome
10:45
Note-Taking vs. Note-Making
12:52
The PKM Stack
12:59
Jobs to Be Done
10:45
concepts & frameworks
Level 1 - Information
6:38
Connecting with Links
4:21
Atomic Notes
4:45
The Local Graph
5:32
Connecting with Tags
4:05
Rules for Tagging
5:34
Maps & MOCs
9:27
URL Schemes
5:02
workflows
[Workflow] Quick Capture with Funnel
8:29
[Workflow] Quick Capture with Drafts
8:41
[Workflow] Modifying Tags with Tag Wrangler
2:55
[Workflow] Dropzone
3:54
[Workflow] Hookmark
4:48
[Workflow] Linking to files in DEVONthink
4:59
concepts & frameworks
Level 2 - Ideas
6:20
Laws of Flywheels
5:02
4 Levels of Reading
6:26
Mind Mapping
8:03
Step 1: Capture
5:10
Step 2: Curate
7:23
Step 3: Cultivate
7:03
Step 4: Connect
4:59
Step 5: Create
5:58
Creativity Tips
8:31
workflows
[Workflow] Building an Idea Bank
4:30
[Workflow] Projects Plugin
4:45
[Workflow] Maps & Sensemaking
8:38
[Workflow] Bible Study
17:54
[Workflow] Readwise
5:39
[Workflow] Book Notes
14:15
concepts & frameworks
Level 3 - Actions
2:20
4 Types of Actions
3:35
How to Organize Actions
6:43
The Brain vs. The List
4:21
The Essential Lists
6:58
Task Metadata
9:11
Strategic Planning
6:32
Why Time Block?
4:56
How to Time Block
6:31
Time Tracking
9:18
Habits
10:30
Pros & Cons of Task Management in Obsidian
4:03
workflows
[Workflow] Task Basics
3:39
[Workflow] Dataview Tasks
4:13
[Workflow] Obsidian Tasks
7:42
[Workflow] Adding Tasks with QuickAdd
6:03
[Workflow] Task Dashboard
7:41
[Workflow] People & Projects
8:56
[Workflow] Using Checklists
2:36
[Workflow] Weekly Planning
4:18
[Workflow] Todoist & Obsidian
3:08
[Workflow] Time Blocking with Morgen
4:09
[Workflow] Habit Tracking in Obsidian
5:54
concepts & frameworks
Level 4 - Identity
5:07
What is a LifeTheme?
2:19
Step 1: Moments of Impact
2:45
Step 2: Think Bigger
3:59
Step 3: Ideal Future
6:34
Step 4: Personal Core Values
7:18
Step 5: Craft Your LifeTheme
6:37
What is a Personal Retreat?
5:25
The Personal Retreat Process
11:23
Types of Journaling
2:41
Journaling for Personal Growth
5:22
3 Pillars of Journaling for Personal Growth
4:48
Journaling Tips
3:04
Journaling Prompts
4:41
Daily Questions
6:06
workflows
[Workflow] Daily Notes
2:40
[Workflow] Journal Entries
1:41
[Workflow] The Calendar Plugin
3:32
[Workflow] Interstital Journaling
4:07
[Workflow] Daily Questions Journaling
3:22
[Workflow] Using the Daily Notes Template
7:34
[Workflow] Daily Questions Shortcut
3:19
[Workflow] QuickAdd Journal Entries
4:46
[Workflow] Journaling Queries
3:10
[Workflow] Daily Questions Data Visualization
3:30
[Workflow] An Example Personal Retreat
16:20
[Workflow] Using the Personal Retreat Template
5:06
Choose the plan that works for you
Hybrid Cohort
Lifetime access to all course videos, materials, custom AI agent, & monthly live Q&A sessions
$497
one-time cost
84 total videos
Step-by-step workflow tutorials
Lifetime access to all class materials, resources, and templates
Lifetime course updates
Live monthly Q&A calls for 1 year
Direct access to Mike for questions & support
Custom AI agent to help you quickly find and apply information from the course to your custom PKM system
Lifetime access to Obsidian 101 ($97 value)
Lifetime access to The Library Basic Tier (normally $10/month)
BONUS: Lifetime access to LifeHQ ($197 value)
BONUS: Lifetime access to LifeTheme Hybrid Cohort ($497 value)
The Library Pro Tier
Access to Practical PKM Hybrid Cohort, LifeHQ, + EVERYTHING in my private PKM community
$49/month
paid quarterly
Testimonials
Proof that Practical PKM works
My guarantee to you
I truly believe the Practical PKM Hybrid Cohort will change the way you think, work, and create. I know what it’s like to feel overwhelmed and unsure about investing in yourself—that’s why I want to make this decision as easy as possible for you.
Here’s my promise: If you show up, follow the steps, and put in the work, but still feel like you haven’t gained the clarity, creativity, or productivity improvements you were looking for, just let me know within 30 days of completing the cohort material. I’ll either work with you to make it right or refund your investment.
Your success means everything to me, and I’ll be with you every step of the way to help you get there.
FAQs
You have questions, I have answers
Still there? Let's chat...
I get it—investing in yourself and your growth can feel like a big step. But think about this:
How much time have you already spent trying to figure out a system that works?
How often do you feel stuck, overwhelmed, or unsure how to make sense of your notes and ideas?
What’s the ongoing cost of continuing to struggle with scattered thoughts and missed opportunities?
The Practical PKM Hybrid Cohort is designed to take you from chaos to clarity as quickly as possible. You’ll walk away with:
A system you can trust to handle everything life throws at you
The confidence to use Obsidian effectively and creatively
A clear framework to organize, connect, and act on your ideas
This isn’t just another course. And it's not a live cohort where you have to put your entire life on pause to get through it. It’s a proven path to unlock your creative potential and start living with intention.
Take the leap. You’ll be glad you did.
– Mike
