Kill Chaos, Build a System

Modern apps enable you to build a filing system for thoughts, ideas, tasks, deadlines, and projects in one unified space, eliminating guesswork and forgotten tasks.

The key is to design a system that works for you specifically. Everyone's brain works differently, so your workflow should reflect your personal needs and preferences.

Once you have a system in place, you'll notice that your work becomes more predictable and less stressful. You'll know exactly what to do next, and you won't waste mental energy trying to remember what you were supposed to be working on.

I developed a systematic approach to create blog posts consistently by identifying obstacles and implementing solutions. Let me share what I learned.

The Distractors I Identified:

1. Multiple screens - External monitor, laptop, and phone created visual chaos
2. Wrong music selection - Lyrical music disrupted my focus
3. Device notifications - Constant interruptions from messages and alerts
4. No time constraints - Unlimited work periods reduced urgency

My daily blogging routine now involves these steps:

• Disabling the secondary monitor
• Enabling flight mode on phone
• Running Alfred workflow automation
• Accessing 3 subreddits for topic inspiration
• Using Focus To-Do for Pomodoro timing
• Playing ambient music
• Creating a new Notion page
• Working in full-screen mode

This routine has become second nature. I don't have to think about it anymore—I just execute the steps and get into flow state much faster than before.

The results of implementing this system have been significant:

• ✅ Defined time limits for task completion
• ✅ Clear mental signals for focused work
• ✅ Reduced distractions and notifications
• ✅ Contextual continuity maintained

Each of these benefits compounds over time. The more I use the system, the more natural it becomes, and the less mental energy I spend on setup and context-switching.

Investing 4 hours designing workflows yields significant returns through:

1. Substantial time savings exceeding initial investment
2. Greater motivation to complete tasks when automation handles routine setup

This is why I'm truly a lover of building workflow systems. The upfront investment pays dividends every single day.

Think about it: if you spend 4 hours building a system that saves you 15 minutes per day, you'll break even in just 16 days. After that, it's pure profit. And most systems last for months or even years.

The key is to start small. Pick one area of your work that feels chaotic and design a simple system for it. Once you see the benefits, you'll be motivated to systematize other areas as well.