Productivity

Habits and systems for focus, email, notes, meetings and no-code automation.

Coffee cup, notebook and MacBook on a wooden desk seen from above — Photo: ian dooley / Unsplash

Deep Work Habits That Actually Stick

Mara EllisonNov 4, 20266 min read

Note-Taking Systems Compared: Which Should You Use?

Mara EllisonOct 31, 20265 min read

Folders, Cornell, outlines, linked notes and Zettelkasten each suit different work. Compare note-taking systems and choose a simple one you will actually use.

Productivity

How to Run a Weekly Review in 30 Minutes

Mara EllisonOct 28, 20265 min read

A weekly review keeps tasks from piling up. Use this simple four-step checklist to clear inputs, look back, review your lists and plan the week in about 30 minutes.

Productivity

An Email Triage System That Tames Your Inbox

Mara EllisonOct 25, 20265 min read

An email triage system gives every message a clear path: delete, do, delegate, defer or file. Set it up in an afternoon and check email on a schedule.

Productivity

A Better Meetings Checklist for Shorter, Useful Calls

Mara EllisonOct 21, 20265 min read

Run shorter, more useful meetings. This checklist covers whether to meet, how to set an agenda, who to invite, how to run it and how to follow up.

Productivity

Automate Repetitive Tasks Without Writing Code

Mara EllisonOct 17, 20265 min read

You can automate repetitive tasks without code. Find the right jobs, use built-in features first, and connect apps with simple trigger-and-action rules.