How I Work: A Glimpse Into My (Simple) System

I’ve always been fascinated by the Lifehacker How I Work series. It’s like an insider’s guide to other people’s chaos—how they organise it, tame it, or just embrace it. And while I can’t promise my approach is revolutionary, it works for me. It’s simple, intentional, and keeps me (mostly) sane.

So here’s my version of How I Work: three habits that help me stay productive without losing my mind.

Inbox Zero: My Daily Reset

For me, Inbox Zero isn’t a productivity trend—it’s a way of life. I feel an almost physical discomfort when my inbox is cluttered. Seeing a wall of unread emails makes my brain itch, like I’ve forgotten something important. So, I’ve developed a habit of clearing it daily.

Here’s how I do it: I treat emails like they’re on a conveyor belt. Each one gets dealt with as soon as possible—responded to, filed, or deleted. If it’s not actionable, it’s gone. If it’s important, it gets filed into folders I can easily search later. The goal isn’t to obsessively check email every five minutes but to prevent anything from lingering. I don’t want my inbox to become a to-do list—it’s simply a place to catch incoming work.

Clearing my inbox at the end of the day feels like resetting the table for tomorrow. It’s a small ritual, but it keeps me calm, knowing there are no hidden surprises waiting to derail me.

Paper Notes: My Memory in Motion

Despite living in a digital world, I can’t seem to give up my love of paper. I always have a notebook (or two) nearby, and I’m constantly jotting things down—ideas, reminders, meeting notes, random thoughts. But here’s the funny part: I rarely need to go back to my notes. The act of writing them down is usually enough to lock them into my memory.

There’s something about the physical process of writing that helps me process information better. Typing doesn’t have the same effect for me; it’s too fast, too mechanical. Writing by hand feels slower, more intentional, and that seems to stick in my brain.

It’s not about being resistant to technology—I love tech—but sometimes the old ways are the best. Plus, crossing things off a handwritten to-do list? There’s no digital equivalent to that satisfaction.

Digital Minimalism: Apple Notes for Everything

When it comes to digital tools, I’ve learned that simplicity is key. I’ve tried using apps for every little thing—task managers, note-taking platforms, even apps to organise other apps. But I always end up feeling overwhelmed, like I’m spending more time managing the tools than doing the actual work.

So, I’ve streamlined everything into one tool: Apple Notes. It’s not fancy, but it does exactly what I need. Whether I’m on my laptop or my phone, my notes are always there, synced and ready. Meeting notes, to-do lists, random ideas—they all go into Apple Notes.

By keeping it simple, I’ve freed up mental space. I don’t waste time deciding where to put something or searching for it later. It’s all in one place, and it just works. For me, that’s the real secret to productivity: cutting out the noise and focusing on what matters.

Why This System Works for Me

I’m not claiming my way is perfect—it’s not. But these habits have helped me manage the chaos of work without feeling overwhelmed. Inbox Zero gives me peace of mind, writing things down helps me process information, and Apple Notes keeps my digital life organised without adding complexity.

The truth is, I don’t need the fanciest tools or the latest productivity hacks. What I need is a system that feels natural, one that fits how my brain works. And this is it.

The Final Why

Productivity, for me, isn’t about cramming more into my day. It’s about working in a way that feels sustainable and sane. Inbox Zero, paper notes, and a simple digital system might sound old-fashioned, but they work for me. And ultimately, that’s what matters: finding a system that fits your life, your brain, and your chaos.

So, what about you? Are you a digital native, a paper loyalist, or something in between? Whatever your system, here’s the key: make it yours. And don’t be afraid to ignore the trends if they don’t work for you.