Adam Herrmann

Notes on Engineering and Life that I want to share

1 minute read

I am an avid listener of Cal Newport’s Deep Life Podcast and I have been implenenting some of his recommendations in my daily life. On his most recent episode (EP. 272 - The Essential Tools), he details 4 essential producivity tools, which after implementing, you should not need to worry about productivity again. I won’t list these here, (go listen to the episode), but one of the tools is to detail the system you have in place and follow. Cal explains the rational as being a psycology trick to make sure your brain does not think the system is an experiement or temporary plan, but something set in stone. So below I am sharing what I am following (or at least try to follow).

Obligation Status List

I keep a obligation status list detailing the various areas I have commited to, and if the next action in moving this forward is waiting on me, or something/someone else.

Startup/Shutdown Routine

At the start of the day I review the Obligation Status List, task list, and upcoming meetings to plan my day using Time Block Planning.

At the end of the day I update the Obligation Status List, move any jotted down tasks to their relevent lists, and generally make sure there are no lose ends.

Monthly/Weekly Plans

I create a monthly plan on what I want to accomplish and base a weekly plan on that monthly plan.