As you might be aware, I am obsessed with systems and rules, relationships, and connections as demonstrated in my previous blogs: Noting on Adrenaline, On Achieving New Year Resolutions.
I recognize the benefit of this practice. When the system is well-set-up, I can juggle so much more.
But: very usually, I overdid it.
I put more effort in setting up the system than doing the work itself.
I ignored the one thing I need to do the most.
And I always failed at doing the tasks! It was too embarrassing to admit it but that was often the bottleneck for me. Figuring out the system.
I can safely say now that I am better at balancing the system and the tasks. It feels great to be honest as I am a person that can’t do one and ignore the other.
The trick that I enabled me to reach the balance is: KISS-Keep It Simple, Stupid!
This is a motto that my EAP instructor reminded me all the times when I first came to Canada, it is a fond memory of him for me.
Now, I employ free and simple tools whenever I can to set up my system. I focus on the task and how to remove clutters and bottlenecks from the task. I learn and observe the flow to optimize the flow for less repetition, errors, and frustration. I also focus on user experience, acknowledging that the users are not always me.
Below are some examples of my SETUPS and PRINCIPLES accompanied with free tools that you can apply to your own needs:
FOR COOKING:
- Cook with just one ingredients
- Don’t need fancy cooking books
FOR READING:
- A book in the backpack during transit
- Some post-it flags
FOR BLOGGING:
- Pen, Paper, Post-it Notes: for journalling, brainstorming, tracking, writing down ideas
- Notion: for drafting, editing, organizing, and posting blogs. It is clean, minimalist, and integrated with WordPress for scheduling and posting blogs
- Canva: for designing feature images
FOR RESEARCHING:
- Margin Notes: This costs $60/perpetual license but saves me a lot of time
FOR TAKING NOTES IN CLASS:
- RemNote: best for non-linear learners, great replacement for Word
FOR FOCUSING:
- Pomodoro.ai: for setting up 25-minute studying/focusing intervals
- Declutter desks and tabs
FOR TRACKING HABITS/SPENDING:
- Pen and Paper
FOR SELF-MARKETING AND NETWORKING:
- Email: for cold emails and thank-you messages
- WordPress: for blogs and news updates
- LinkedIn: for articles and short posts
- Excel: for tracking networks and people you meets
Best,
ThaoNB
#Day16 #30DayWritingChallenge