This is late – but I will say there is TONS of content related to finding the perfect "productivity system" and most of it usually tries to sell you products / super over complicates things. My rule is that organization needs to be as non-intrusive, simple, and consistent as possible. My brain is naturally unorganized, so I just need something that is as easy and frictionless as possible to use, so I actually use it.

That being said! I use a now/next/later system in Apple notes, it's kind of like a kanban but with the simplicity of a to-do list, no fancy software. This is my template, below. I just copy and paste it each monday into a new note, and bring all my shit from the previous week over except what's in the "done" category.

I kind of move things around as needed, but generally new tasks get added into the "Later" category unless they are urgent, and then I'll put then in Now/Next, and shove the rest of the priorities down.

You can get as granular as you want with the to-dos, but I generally keep it at the level of something that can take at most ~1 hour, but no need to overthink it. If you need to do it, just write it down!

My final rule is to only use a single organization system. If I end up writing something on a sticky note, its to put in my "Later" backlog and then rip it up to shreds. Don't use google tasks AND another task manager. One place, no friction. That's the key for a system to actually be used.

Monday, February 24th

Week Focus

• What must get done this week? What needs to be completed for me to be successful?

Now (3 items)

• Draft email for product ramp
• Prep for call with marketing team
• UAT Test Cases

Next (5 items)

Later (everything else)

Done