Episode Summary
In this episode of Bring Back Focus, I talk about why most systems fail. It’s not because we’re lazy but because they weren’t built for us.
I share how I stopped chasing “perfect” productivity systems and built one that feels natural. I also talk about a friend who created his own AI-powered to-do app that fits the way his brain works, proving that there’s no single right way to stay organized.
This episode is about designing a system for focus that feels calm, simple, and natural.
Timestamps
00:00 – Introduction
Why having too many tools leads to confusion instead of clarity.
00:31 – Why most systems don’t last
We often adopt systems that don’t match how our brains work.
01:13 – My failed attempts
Every new dashboard or tracker made me more distracted.
01:52 – The realization
I wasn’t lazy. The systems were just wrong for me.
02:08 – Efficiency vs. fluency
It’s not about doing more. It’s about what feels natural.
02:22 – My current system
Using the reMarkable tablet to write and plan without distractions.
03:04 – The Big Three rule
Writing three priorities a day to create clarity and focus.
03:44 – My friend’s custom system
He used Lovable and ChatGPT to build a workflow that fits his mind.
04:44 – What matters most
Any system can work if it feels intuitive and personal.
05:32 – How to build your own
Reflect on your best workdays and find the patterns behind them.
07:25 – The feel test
If opening your system makes you tense, it’s time to change it.
08:04 – Three common mistakes
Over-designing workflows.
Tracking everything.
Copying influencers instead of learning from them.
09:22 – Consistency over perfection
Stop switching systems every week. Give one approach time to work.
10:00 – Closing reflection
Your system should calm you down, not weigh you down.
Key Insights
The best system is the one that feels natural, not the one that looks efficient.
Simplicity beats complexity every time.
Your tools should adapt to you, not the other way around.
Calmness is the best signal that your system fits.
Consistency matters more than setup.
Actionable Takeaways
Reflect on your best days:
Write about a day that felt great and see what made it flow.Run the feel test:
If your system feels heavy or forced, simplify it.Start small:
Use a notebook or basic task list before adding complexity.Customize, don’t copy:
Build around your own habits and energy.Stay consistent:
Give every system at least two months before changing it.
Favorite Quote
A good system should calm you down and work for you, not pressurize you.
