# I Learned a system for accomplishing anything  ## Introduction [(00:00:00)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8LC-C7aeLQ0&t=0s) - A simple system can be used to accomplish anything, and it doesn't require fancy apps or complicated frameworks, starting with a broad overview of objectives and breaking them down into smaller, manageable metrics [(00:00:07)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8LC-C7aeLQ0&t=7s). - The system involves listing reasons why each step is important and having a guide for actions towards the goal, similar to systems used by successful people like Ral, St kovi, and [[David Allen (author) | David Allen]] [(00:00:28)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8LC-C7aeLQ0&t=28s). - The system is a three-part approach to managing life, which doesn't require learning new notions or using trendy productivity tools, but rather revolves around using a simple notebook or A4 paper [(00:00:53)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8LC-C7aeLQ0&t=53s). - Journaling can be an effective way to document progress, manage projects, and achieve goals, and it's a method that has been used by the author for years [(00:01:06)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8LC-C7aeLQ0&t=66s). - The system was inspired by high-performing people met during the author's career as a Management Consultant, who were super organized and always on track with their projects [(00:01:33)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8LC-C7aeLQ0&t=93s). - A senior consultant shared a similar system with the author, which involved using a small notebook to write down tasks, ideas, and inspirational quotes in simple and clear [[English language | English]] [(00:02:06)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8LC-C7aeLQ0&t=126s). - The system involves writing down every single thing that comes up during the day in precise and short bullet points, and reviewing them at the end of the day [(00:02:21)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8LC-C7aeLQ0&t=141s). ## Writing everything down [(00:02:38)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8LC-C7aeLQ0&t=158s) - A system for managing tasks involves using symbols to indicate the urgency of tasks, such as a circle for tasks to be done at the end of the day, and a heart symbol for non-urgent items [(00:02:39)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8LC-C7aeLQ0&t=159s). - At the end of the day, a quick review is done to ensure everything is in order, and any remaining tasks are revisited before leaving the office [(00:03:01)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8LC-C7aeLQ0&t=181s). - The system uses two notebooks: a small "capture system" for gathering chaotic bits of information, and a larger "blueprint" notebook for strategizing and visualizing progress [(00:03:13)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8LC-C7aeLQ0&t=193s). - The capture system is used to gather information from the world and put it in a chaotic, unorganized way, which is later revisited and organized into the blueprint notebook [(00:03:49)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8LC-C7aeLQ0&t=229s). - The blueprint notebook is used to visualize progress, track progress, and stick to the plan during execution [(00:04:11)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8LC-C7aeLQ0&t=251s). - The system is a simple three-part process: capturing information, internalizing and strategizing, and executing the plan [(00:04:18)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8LC-C7aeLQ0&t=258s). - This system is similar to David Allen's "[[Getting Things Done]]" method, which is a well-known productivity system [(00:04:32)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8LC-C7aeLQ0&t=272s). ## The three part system [(00:04:34)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8LC-C7aeLQ0&t=274s) - The brain is meant for having ideas, not holding them, and trying to remember everything can make things worse, especially in today's digital age where people are exposed to a large amount of information daily [(00:04:34)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8LC-C7aeLQ0&t=274s). - According to a study by the [[University of California]], the average person is exposed to about 34 gigabytes of information on a daily basis, leading to information overload, impaired decision-making, and stress [(00:04:48)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8LC-C7aeLQ0&t=288s). - Capturing information is not enough; it needs to be accompanied by clarity and focus, which involves being intentional and focused on one thing at a time [(00:05:11)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8LC-C7aeLQ0&t=311s). - Using a capture system can help give the mind permission to focus on other tasks, effectively clearing the mind and allowing the brain to comfortably forget about something and move on to other tasks [(00:05:48)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8LC-C7aeLQ0&t=348s). - Having multiple projects can be managed by using multiple notebooks, one for each project, to keep things organized and make it easier to periodically clean things up [(00:06:07)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8LC-C7aeLQ0&t=367s). - A simple and effective way to organize captures is to have a notebook with two parts: one for daily chores and tasks, and the other for learning, conversations, and interesting bits and pieces related to ongoing projects [(00:06:22)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8LC-C7aeLQ0&t=382s). - Writing things down in a notebook can be more effective for remembering information than using digital apps [(00:06:46)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8LC-C7aeLQ0&t=406s). - All captures need to have a place to be "parked" on a larger blueprint, which is a series of baskets representing areas that need to be worked on, and the system's job is to help put the captures in the right baskets [(00:06:52)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8LC-C7aeLQ0&t=412s). ## The blueprint [(00:07:06)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8LC-C7aeLQ0&t=426s) - The blueprint is a system for accomplishing anything by breaking down complicated skills and projects into simple, manageable steps, as demonstrated by [[Tim Ferriss | Tim Ferris]], author of "[[The 4-Hour Workweek | The 4-Hour Work Week]]", who applied this approach to learning Japanese, dancing, cooking, and business management [(00:07:10)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8LC-C7aeLQ0&t=430s). - To create a blueprint, start by writing down three things: what you want to do, how you measure success, and why you want to do it, using a notebook or a big board to consolidate all the information in one place [(00:07:42)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8LC-C7aeLQ0&t=462s). - The goal should be specific, measurable, and time-bound, such as creating a [[YouTube]] channel and getting it monetized in three months, with specific metrics like 1,000 subscribers and 4,000 watch hours [(00:08:44)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8LC-C7aeLQ0&t=524s). - Quantifying the goal makes it easier to break it down into smaller steps, such as creating 12 videos in two months, with each video generating 100 views per day, and each view getting 0.05 average view per hour [(00:09:05)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8LC-C7aeLQ0&t=545s). - Writing down the goal and its metrics helps to focus on the intention and have a clear target in mind, eliminating potential wasted effort [(00:08:28)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8LC-C7aeLQ0&t=508s). - The "why" behind the goal is also important, as it helps to eliminate unnecessary effort and stay motivated [(00:09:36)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8LC-C7aeLQ0&t=576s). - The blueprint system can be achieved using a combine system, but writing things down on paper is still the most effective way to internalize ideas and make progress [(00:08:11)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8LC-C7aeLQ0&t=491s). ## Quantify your goal [(00:09:42)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8LC-C7aeLQ0&t=582s) - The process of achieving a goal starts with identifying the "why" behind it, which is the underlying reason or motivation for pursuing the goal, and this "why" should be specific and meaningful [(00:09:42)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8LC-C7aeLQ0&t=582s). - Once the "why" is established, the next step is to break down the goal into smaller, manageable steps, and to organize these steps into a blueprint or a plan [(00:10:27)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8LC-C7aeLQ0&t=627s). - This blueprint can be created by dividing a notebook into sections, each representing a step towards achieving the goal, and labeling each section with a sticky note [(00:10:50)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8LC-C7aeLQ0&t=650s). - Each section should have a clear objective or outcome, and should be used to capture and organize ideas, brainstorm, and research [(00:11:22)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8LC-C7aeLQ0&t=682s). - The sections can be tailored to the individual's needs, but common sections might include improvement, brainstorming, and research [(00:11:39)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8LC-C7aeLQ0&t=699s). - The improvement section is for identifying areas for improvement, such as renovating a studio or getting better lighting [(00:11:40)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8LC-C7aeLQ0&t=700s). - The brainstorming section is for generating new ideas, such as learning speed reading or finding better ways to capture video ideas [(00:11:53)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8LC-C7aeLQ0&t=713s). - The research section is for finding and evaluating information, such as finding inspirational ideas or creating effective video titles and thumbnails [(00:12:24)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8LC-C7aeLQ0&t=744s). - Throughout the process, it's essential to constantly review and refine the plan, using the blueprint as a guide [(00:12:45)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8LC-C7aeLQ0&t=765s). - By the end of the exercise, the individual should have a clear understanding of what needs to be done, why it needs to be done, and how to turn the plan into reality [(00:13:01)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8LC-C7aeLQ0&t=781s). ## Takeaways [(00:13:13)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8LC-C7aeLQ0&t=793s) - Writing down ideas and plans on paper can be a freeing experience, allowing individuals to express themselves without limitations, and offers a timeless simplicity that digital tools cannot replicate [(00:13:14)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8LC-C7aeLQ0&t=794s). - A simple system can be an effective way for anyone to accomplish anything, and it can be especially helpful for those who want to kickstart a project without needing to learn a new program [(00:13:48)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8LC-C7aeLQ0&t=828s). - The system can help individuals organize their thoughts and make progress, but it is essential to remember that no system can replace the need for taking action and putting in the work to achieve success [(00:14:09)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8LC-C7aeLQ0&t=849s). - The key to success lies in executing the plans laid out and continually working towards improvement, as no system can solve the problem of taking action for the individual [(00:14:21)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8LC-C7aeLQ0&t=861s). - The process of creating and using a system is a journey, and it is essential to be patient and persistent in order to achieve success [(00:14:47)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8LC-C7aeLQ0&t=887s).