Run the system.

One thing we’ve put a lot of work into at Machine is systems.

We have systems for how we run marketing. Systems for tracking sticker orders. Systems for creating and posting content. If we didn’t, things would fall apart pretty fast.

The systems don’t make the work easy, but they make it clear. You just run the process.

Lately I’ve been thinking I should treat my personal life more like that.

Right now my main system is the Power List: five critical tasks per day. It’s great for knowing what to do, but I’ve been thinking more about building systems around how and when I do the harder stuff.

Because if every day you’re waking up and trying to “feel like it,” or trying to think through the perfect time and way to do everything, it drains you. All that decision-making eats into the energy you could be using to actually move.

Systems can feel restrictive, but they usually end up freeing up time. Less debating, less negotiating with yourself, more doing. Run the system instead of waiting for motivation.

I’m working on building more of that into my own life this year. Might be worth looking at where you could do the same.

— Bus