Right, another productivity system post 🙄 But wait!

Meet Mission Critical, my dead simple system that actually works 💪

Why I Created This 📝

I have designed this system with the aim to help people who struggle with getting things done. This is a system for those who are just starting with productivity or want to simplify. I have designed it to fit in a one day per page view (using small pocket notebook such as Field Notes or Muji).

Mission Critical – minimalist productivity system by Inbound Tom

How does it work

The Layout 📔

This is intentionally minimal. When you look at the image with layout, you will see that you can not really fit more than 3 of each category. And that is the whole point.

Date (Black)

Just pop your day and date at the top. Simple.

Mission (Red) 🎯

Your 1 or 2 most critical tasks. If these get done, your day’s a win.

Side Quest (Blue) 🗺️

Your 2nd tier objectives. Good to do, but not mission critical.

Fun (Black) 🎮

One or two items that you actually want to do. Your hobbies, interests, whatever makes you tick.

mission critical productivity system layout

Why It Works ⚡

This is intentional, as one of the golden rules of productivity, and best practice for to do lists is to do less, focus on what really matters. A bit like in the book Essentialism, The Disciplined Pursuit of Less by Greg McKeown. It is a very good book btw, you can add it to your Side Quests.

Who is This For? 👱

This is a system for those who are just starting with productivity or want to simplify. That’s it. No complex workflows, no productivity gurus or GTD power users , just the essentials that actually work. (not that the other systems do not, but this oen has it’s specific place and purpose). I think this could be a perfect productivity system for knowledge workers, creatives, SEO experts etc.

muji pen and field notes notebook as tools for mission critical productivity system by inbound tom

Tools You Need ✏️

  • Pocket notebook (I quite like Field Notes or Muji)
  • Three coloured pens/pencils (black, red, blue) or one multicolured like the classic Bic or Muji.
  • That’s it. Seriously.

No fancy apps needed (though you can use digital if you must). No subscriptions. No nonsense.

Now stop reading about productivity and go get something done 😉

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