While my original vision with this trial was to create far more automated processes, I think it’s served better as a reflection on what systems are working and which are not. Getting some automation in place is definitely a plus, but the higher level thinking is where I’m seeing benefits.
The Step Before Automating
The first road I went down was getting my email better managed. For a couple of weeks, I was deleting so much crap I wasn’t even opening, aI started to let it out of hand. While I eventually took the time to set up rules and a simple script to keep my inbox clear, the place I really started was by unsubscribing from a bunch of newsletters I hardly ever read. I even blocked some emails that I couldn’t unsunscribe from.
Nearly all of the rules I created were set up to just delete emails from senders I couldn’t really do so, like my banks and credit cards. I still wanted some emails from them, just not every reminder for automatic payments or statement notifications. I manage nearly all my finances through apps anyway, so the emails are just extra clicks to delete.
While I’ve only applied this to email throughout this trial, I think it’s important to not waste time setting up automations for tasks that are better of being eliminated.
Tying to the Theme Foundation
For this final post of this trial, I wanted to reflect on how this connects to the yearly theme of foundation. When getting this started, I didn’t exactly have foundation in mind, but I think it fits well.
For one, I set up the base of home automation with getting Home Assistant installed and running. Setting up some smart home tech has been a desire of mine for a long time.
Through this practice of looking for optimizations, I’ve made a better effort to create templates and systems for getting things done. For example, these posts have long been blank pages in Google Docs that slowly filled up as I wrote. Now, I’ve set up a template with a focus on outlining and building out the text from there. It even includes some space for thinking about the photo to use, something that tends to be a last minute scroll through my available pictures.
The DnD planning template is one I started expanding on, and have some big ideas for changes in the long run. Changes were even made to my most frequently used template, the weekly review. Adding a simple checklist for other actions I started with, like tidying up my desk and getting any loose notes written permanently into Notion, my notes app of choice.
Overall, I’ve really expanded on what I want to get out of Notion, to use it more as just a place to keep notes and some templates. I’ve been reading and watching a lot about this whole “second brain” idea, and even managed to catch a brief “live webinar” just this week. I found it fit really well with the overall improvement to systems that I was looking for in this trial.
Where Do I Go From Here?
A major takeaway from the last few weeks is that if something feels tedious, it’s probably prime for some method of improvement or removal. Regularly checking in on the tasks I do for candidates is something I hope to do for the rest of my life.
Home automation is also something I’m looking forward to expanding. With more lights, sensors, and programming I can create some interesting processes throughout the house, or at least my room. The technology isn’t limited to lights of course, but without messing around with my friend’s house, I don’t expect major changes until I find a place of my own.
With this trial at a close, I’ll actually be taking a brief break. For the next couple of weeks, I’ll be on a trip and to avoid practicing some weird habit while out with friends, I’ll instead be sharing a few non-trial posts for a couple weeks.
Trying Out Before Buying In 