Description

After clearing the digital clutter, the next question is simple: what system should I use now?

In this episode of Bring Back Focus, I talk about why most productivity systems don’t stick and how the best system isn’t the most efficient one, but the one that feels natural. I share my own experiments with digital notebooks, a friend’s custom AI setup, and the simple test I use to know if my system is right for me.

This episode is about building a focus system that feels calm, personal, and sustainable, not perfect.

Episode Highlights

00:00 – Introduction: How too many tools create noise instead of clarity.

00:31 – Why most systems don’t last: We copy methods that don’t fit how our brain works.

01:13 – My failed attempts: From Notion dashboards to color-coded calendars, nothing felt right.

01:52 – The realization: It wasn’t laziness. It was misalignment.

02:08 – Efficiency vs. fluency: Why the best system feels natural, not optimized.

02:22 – My setup today: Using a Remarkable tablet to slow down and think clearly.

03:04 – The Big Three habit: Writing three key priorities every morning before work.

03:44 – A friend’s custom system: How he used Lovable and ChatGPT to design a to-do app that fits his brain.

04:44 – The lesson: Both analog and AI tools can work if they feel natural.

05:32 – How to build your own system: Analyze your best workdays and find patterns that make you productive.

07:25 – The feel test: If your system makes you anxious, it’s not yours.

08:04 – Common mistakes: Over-designing, over-tracking, and copying influencers.

09:22 – Stick with it: Consistency matters more than the tool itself.

10:00 – Closing thoughts: A good system should calm you down and feel like second nature.

Actionable Advice

Start simple: Begin with pen and paper or a single list.

Use the feel test: If it feels heavy, simplify it.

Personalize, don’t copy: Borrow the logic, not the layout.

Reflect weekly: Notice whether your system feels easier or forced.

Stay consistent: Don’t switch tools every few days.

Favorite Quote: "A good system should calm you down and work for you, not pressurize you."

This is a public episode. To join the conversation or read more, visit bringbackfocus.substack.com.

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit bringbackfocus.substack.com