Workflows or Apps, what is more important?

Workflows, not the apps of your choice are important.

For me.

many names but one goal:

System

Workflow

Framework

Methods

As per my knowledge, there are more than 20+ productivity methods or systems which can be useful to any individual.

To name a few:

Kanban, The Weekly Review, The Eisenhower Matrix, POMODORO, Don’t break the chain, Eat the frog, Getting things done, Time Blocking, etc.…

It is really difficult to not to influence by people who are doing extremely well with any of the above system, or the apps designed on that principle.

For me personally, basic principle for build your own system is:

1. Set clear cut objective and expectation from the framework

2. Choose the one which is an expansion of type of person you are and work you do

How? Here is an example:

• Any idea or thought I need to act on will go to my Task manager
• Any idea or thought I need to build on will go to my notes app — (with some briefs)
• Any idea, tweet or link or quick capture thought will go to my quick capture notes app
• Any task for more than 30 minutes — will go to my calendar

The workflow remains the same most of the time and it helps me to glide thru the day without much of friction. It will take some time to build and perfect your system but the investment of your time and learning will be worth, really worth.

Where should we start?

This is what I do. Still do.

I start with my main 4 requirement are:

• Task Management
• Note-taking & Knowledge Management
• Project Management
• Calendar

Understand and note-down your requirements — be honest and clear about it.

We are living in a time of information overflow, access of best of knowledge at your finger tips, makes it easy and difficult at the same time to process the information.

We can be easily influenced by a workflow, group of people who keep posting about specific app or workflow.

Be specific with your needs vs what you want.

Be clear about your requirements will give you better results and reduces decision fatigue.

Do not try to find out a perfect system from day one.

Believe me, there is no perfect system.

Be flexible and open for any workflow or app — change is the only constant and give it some time

Try not to follow any proven system without giving it a try — yourself.

Try everything for sometime and settle on the one which suits you and your personality.

Even today, I keep exploring the same apps, workflow which is already tested earlier.

The idea is not only to find but build a workflow which suits your needs and makes you more productive.

Be ready to invest some time, energy and money.

There is no free lunch — not in this world as well.

Limit your options but do try a few, spend some good time with the system, apps and if you like a little bit — invest as well.

Perfect your art, everyday bit by bit.

Building your own system requires patience and everyday working.

Initially you need to work on your system, later on system will work for you.

Do not get caught into learning everything about the app or system, instead learn few key ideas and try to implement, customize it as per your requirement.

If you do not open the app everyday, it is not for you.

This took me a while to notice but it is a sign, a sign whether you like the system or app or not.

For example:

I have set up my Daily Mem (Mem.ai) with following details:

Schedule:

Notes:

Task:

Highlight of the Day

This daily mem is serves the purpose of clearing my daily thoughts, putting clear cut priorities and also serves as a daily journal.

In a nutshell

build your own system or workflow

search for the apps that supports it with least friction and help you take better decisions while being more productive.

Thank you for reading.

Keep reading, keep posting.

Astu.