24 Feb 2025 4 min read PKM

Mastering Productivity: The Mise-en-Place Approach with Kortex

Imagine stepping into your workspace with the same precision and readiness as a master chef entering their kitchen, every tool and ingredient perfectly in place. Discover how the culinary art of Mise-en-Place can revolutionize your productivity, transforming chaos into clarity and turning your projects into masterpieces.

This blog post is inspired by the concept of Mise-en-place, I have first read about it in the book Building a Second Brain by Tiago Forte

The concept of Mise-en-Place, traditionally a culinary term meaning “putting in place,” can be a transformative approach to productivity. It emphasizes preparation and organization, ensuring that everything you need is ready and accessible before you begin your work. This method can be seamlessly integrated into your daily routine using the Kortex app, enhancing your productivity and creativity.

Mise-en-Place in Productivity

Mise-en-Place is about more than just organizing your physical space; it’s about mental clarity and readiness. By applying this concept to your productivity practices, you can transform chaos into clarity, much like a chef prepares their kitchen before cooking. This involves setting up your workspace, gathering necessary tools, and prioritizing tasks to ensure a smooth workflow.

The goal is not merely to store information but to ensure it is usable and connected to our key projects.

Implementing Mise-en-Place with Kortex

Capture

Kortex excels in capturing ideas and information. Use its quick capture feature to jot down thoughts and inspirations as they arise. This ensures that no idea is lost and that you have a rich pool of material to draw from when you start working.

With the latest Windows app, I have started using Alt + C command to capture any fleeting idea or note from anywhere I am working.

Organize

Once captured, organize your notes and ideas using Kortex’s tagging and folder system. This aligns with the Mise-en-Place philosophy of having everything in its place. You can create categories for different projects, ideas, and resources, making it easy to find what you need when you need it.

Prepare

Before starting a writing session, review your notes and set up your workspace in Kortex. This might involve opening relevant documents, setting up templates, or arranging your notes in a way that supports your workflow. The goal is to minimize distractions and maximize focus.

Execute

With everything in place, you can focus on the task at hand. Kortex’s minimalist design and multi-pane navigation allow you to write without distractions, maintaining the flow of creativity. This is where the preparation pays off, as you can work efficiently and effectively.

The best part is ease of multi-pane view and reference of connected notes with the ‘Elements’ to support your writing workflow.

I particularly enjoys, blog writing with ‘Elements’. It gives a structure to my writing workflow.

The Benefits of Mise-en-Place with Kortex

By adopting the Mise-en-Place approach in Kortex, you create a structured environment that supports your productivity. This method not only helps in organizing your thoughts and materials but also instills a sense of readiness and control. It allows you to focus on your creative process, knowing that everything you need is at your fingertips.

In conclusion, integrating the Mise-en-Place concept with Kortex can significantly enhance your productivity. It provides a framework for organizing your work and thoughts, ensuring that you are always prepared to tackle your projects with clarity and focus. Embrace this approach to transform your productivity practices and unlock your creative potential.