Pick one system and stick with it
I have been watching, reading, and following productivity gurus for over five years. And I have come to realise something: none of them follow their own advice. Many of them just push out the latest “best thing” or study to back up their claims. Very few of them are actual products outside of making content on productivity.
They say: "Don't trust a chief who is thin." I would say: "Don't trust a productivity guru, full stop." Why is this? Didn’t you just say that you have been following them for over five years?
Let me give you my reason.
If you want to become a better swimmer, would you read a book about it, or would you get in the water? If you wanted to get faster at swimming, would you watch a video about it, or would you get a coach?
Reading is reading.
Researching is just procrastination and perfection paralysis.
Practice is doing.
Want to become a better writer? Then do this:
Write
Edit
Review
Feedback
Repeat
That is the process for pretty much anything. Do the thing, refine the thing, review it, ask for feedback—e.g., a coach, teacher, or colleague. Take that feedback into consideration and move on to the next one.
They say if you want to learn how to write a book, then write a book, and you will learn. If you want to learn how to walk, start moving your legs one at a time. Want to learn a new language? Then start talking to people in the language.
I'm not saying it's easy—far from it. Learning something new is hard, frustrating, time-consuming, and difficult. But that is the process of learning. It’s only once you master it that it becomes easier. Not easy, just easier.
Which brings me back to my point: if you want to get good at something—anything—you have to pick a system that works for you and stick with it. If you want to get better at archery, for example, changing your coach or bow setup every single time something new comes out will stop you progressing. It will confuse you and make your life harder. The same goes for software, tools or any routine. If you change it, it stops being a routine your muscle memory is lost. Or at the very least you have to use more brain power to to get going again.
I think productivity is kind of a false prophet.
I also believe that amateurs care about tools, while professionals care about their craft.
So, do yourself a favour and stop procrastinating. Just pick a system or routine and use it.
Pick one system and stick with it.
