<!-- Google tag (gtag.js) --> <script async src="https://www.googletagmanager.com/gtag/js?id=G-Q2MC6HHGTH"></script> <script> window.dataLayer = window.dataLayer || []; function gtag(){dataLayer.push(arguments);} gtag('js', new Date()); gtag('config', 'G-Q2MC6HHGTH'); </script><script id="Cookiebot" src="https://consent.cookiebot.com/uc.js" data-cbid="9a575506-32c3-4ed2-8123-3527a9a1f3a7" type="text/javascript" async></script> ![[Course Banner.png]] # Introduction This is one of the few blogs that I have written entirely using a keyboard, which is way out of my current workstyle and flow of every day organization. However, I am a huge proponent of the right tool for the right job, and intentional technologies. For those reasons, this post started and will end in [Obsidian](https://obsidian.md/). About six months ago, I had an idea start to form in my head about creating a course focused on basic to intermediate organization and the various tools I use to keep all of the things in my life balanced. This was a direct result of interactions with subscribers to my [YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCdofOksT0V35qf1-zqsIXUQ/) channel. My original intention was to learn new skills as a hobby and maybe help people who were also interested in organization. Fast forward and we are closing on 2,500 subscribers, 10 channel members, and another 10 Patreon members. I thought it was time to take the leap and create the course I had been asked to. Below, I will briefly describe that journey and what the course will include. # Main Topic Alright, it is no secret that I am a little obsessed with digital organization. I have been lucky enough to be surrounded by great teams that have followed me through some fun, trying, and chaotic changes over the years. My [YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCdofOksT0V35qf1-zqsIXUQ/) channel, [[Blog]], and [Random Thoughts](https://www.patreon.com/collection/895077) newsletter have all led me to communicate as much as possible the value I find in being intentional about my use of technology to maximize productivity in an organized and effective way. I am doing this right now as I write this blog in [Obsidian](https://obsidian.md/). ## Why a Course? So, why do a formal course? Why not just keep making videos and coming up with ideas I think might be interesting to people? Well, the truth is that I plan to keep right on doing that. However, some of the people I have met along the way ask questions that a short (or sometimes even long in the case of livestreams) video really cannot do justice. Additionally, YouTube and social media allow for interaction, it is not always as structured or consistent as some would like. This is where the course comes in. It is a way for me to truly design a learning experience and community that wants to learn and share even more. It is also a way for me to expand more deeply into specific topics. ## Costs & Benefits This was actually something I struggled a lot with. As with most things, I turned to my lovely wife Melissa and we talked a lot about not only what it would cost to produce something like this, but also why it was important to set a reasonable price. Creating just YouTube content is time consuming, and even on my frugal budget, not free. We both agreed that it would be wise and worth it for someone to take the course once they understand the time commitment and structure of the course. ### What you get So, what do you get with a course that you don't get just accessing my videos on YouTube? Well, there are a lot of things. A few of them are below, but remember that the course is being directly supported by those enrolled and I would never take that for granted. It will also be facilitated via Google Classroom that will aid in streamlined communication and feedback. In a snapshot, you will learn the following: - Explore different cognitive approaches to organizing information. - Identify your own current approach to organization and associated challenges. - Explore different intentional technologies to facilitate organization and productivity. - Evaluate if a second brain system is right for your individual needs. - Develop an individualized approach to organization and being more productive. While not perfect, I am a Doctor of Education, instructional technologist, instructional designer, and operations specialist by education and career path. As such, the course will be comprised or the following nine modules - Module One: Identifying Your Style - Module Two: Cognitive Mapping (Organization) - Module Three: Folders and Files (Structure) - Module Four: Technology Assessment (Tools) - Module Five: Basic Tools (Supernote) - Module Six: Advanced Tools (Supernote) - Module Seven: Basic Linking (Supernote) - Module Eight: Advanced Linking (Obsidian) - Module Nine: Combining it All Again, with this amount of information, you can expect at least one module per month, beginning on April 5, 2025. The final thing that you get throughout this process is to engage more directly with me and other learners who are exploring organization and productivity. We can take the time to have meaningful conversations. Additionally, if the course is updated, you will have access to those updates over time. ### What it Costs The cost of the course is dependent on how you engage with my work. However, remember, the user experience will be the same in the course. Additionally, as mentioned above, once you purchase the course, you will have access to future updates and be able to still engage in community discussions and chats. All of that said, there are different pricing options, as seen below: - **One Time Purchase** - The course is $120, payable through Patreon. - **Patreon Supporter** - Patreon Supporters can access the course for free, just by clicking on the item and downloading. - **Patreon & YouTube Insiders** - Members in this tier can get 20 percent off of the full price of the course by reaching out via message and requesting a special discount code. - **Organizational Discounts** - If you see value in this for your team, business or other groups, please reach out to me directly and we can have a conversation about pricing. For more information, please visit my [Shop](https://www.patreon.com/OrganizingforChange/shop/introduction-to-organization-second-1402547?utm_medium=clipboard_copy&utm_source=copyLink&utm_campaign=productshare_creator&utm_content=join_link) page on Patreon. While I know that $120 may seem like a lot of money, and trust me I know it can be. However, corporate trainings like these can be three to four time as expensive. My goal was to price this and make it as accessible as possible, while recognizing the time and effort put into creating these materials. It is my hope that you will agree. That being said, I would encourage you to look at some of the resources on this site, including my videos on the [[Supernote]] and [[Obsidian]], which will be used in the course to demonstrate various concepts. Also, check out my other pages, including [[The Things I Use]] and explore my under construction library, separated by [[OFC Website/My Library/Topics]] and [[OFC Website/My Library/Authors]]. This will give you an insight into how I approach things, and why you might want to join me in this journey. # Conclusions & Final Thoughts I know this is a little longer post than usual but I wanted to give you the backstory, as well as encourage you that this can be a beneficial and enlightening course, not only for you but me as well. We all have our own journey, make our own choices, and find the path that is right for us. If anyone knows that, I do. I am not here to tell you that my way is the absolute "right way." However, I will tell you that after over 30 years in multiple sectors, it has served me well and helped to be make me successful at what I do. If you invest in me, yourself, and others who are out to keep on learning, I think you will get tremendous benefit from this course. Until next time, keep moving forward. **| [YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCdofOksT0V35qf1-zqsIXUQ/) | [Patreon](https://patreon.com/OrganizingforChange?utm_medium=unknown&utm_source=join_link&utm_campaign=creatorshare_creator&utm_content=copyLink) | [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/edward.w.finn/) | [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/changeagent1820/) | [Threads](https://www.threads.net/@changeagent1820) | [Bluesky](https://bsky.app/profile/change1820.bsky.social) | [X](https://x.com/EdFinnIII) | | [Spotify](https://open.spotify.com/show/6Tvle14n3fjG8mn0DGfO1G?si=k4B3ocohTI2EuNoFWos1GA) | [iHeart Radio](https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-change-chat-274015995/) | [Apple Podcasts](https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/change-chat/id1812220268) |**