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’ve designed it to fit in a one day per page view (using small pocket notebook such as Field Notes or Muji).
How does it work
The Layout 📔
This is intentionally minimal. When you look at the image with layout, you’ll see that you can’t really fit more than 3 of each category. And that’s the whole point.
Date (Black)
Just pop your day and date at the top. Simple.
Mission (Red) 🎯
Your 1-2 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.
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’s a very good book btw, you can add it to your Side Quests.
Who’s 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 don’t, 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.
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 😉