Systems for Sustainable Creativity

Hey, how’s it going?

Today, I’ll be reviewing my creative systems with you. It will be a short one!

Here’s what we’ll cover:

• My content ecosystem overview

• The learning process for taking better notes

• Helpful resources for staying focused

Let’s dive straight in.

My Evolving Newsletter System

Two weeks ago, I had an energizing conversation with some online friends, Bianca and Will (social media is good for something).

We’re all creative knowledge workers looking to build sustainable systems.

We meet every two weeks to discuss how our systems for fulfilling work are evolving.

The feedback loop from like-minded people is super helpful.

Last week, I was asked about my newsletter process. So I thought it would be helpful to share an overview.

I use a variation of Dan Koe’s 2-Hour Writer.

My process at a high level:

1. Find an energizing idea.

2. Outline it using a template.

3. Write it using a persuasive framework like PASTOR or AIDA.

4. Then, spend time editing, adding visuals, and promoting it on X and IG.

5. Last, I schedule it every Friday 2 weeks in advance.

It’s not a perfect system, but it gives me enough structure to create urgency.

And I’m able to explore new and helpful perspectives.

Right now, I’m adapting the system to include multimedia forms like graphics, YouTube videos, podcasts, and medium-form content.

If you’re interested in this process, I can do a deeper dive.

Just reply with “CONTENT”, and I’ll create a guide with enough interest.

Better notes for better ideas

This week’s letter was supposed to be on the benefits of a notetaking system.

But I got stuck.

I don’t know enough about notetaking right now to teach about it.

So I’m spending some time learning.

Right now, my notes consist of:

• a physical notebook for journaling

• a legal pad for brainstorming

• Amplenote for quick capture

• Notion for long-term ideas

My goal is to organize my most energizing ideas better so I can recall them at a moment’s notice and to use visuals or whiteboarding to see how ideas connect.

Obsidian comes to mind but I’m not sure I want another tool to manage (more on this in a second).

Why is a notetaking habit important?

Your notes are a memory expander. A second brain if you will.

Not to replace thinking, but to become a creative assistant for idea potential.

Consider why you took notes in school.

To remember things for an exam.

Only this time, I’m assuming you’re taking notes to learn things you’re interested in.

Recently, my notes have been geared toward the newsletter and the topics around slow productivity and mental performance.

Be careful though.

It’s easy to fall into the productivity-procrastination cycle — where you spend excess time on tools and never get real work done.

I wrote more about the cycle here.

That’s all for now!

What does your notetaking system look like?

Focused Resources

Last 2 newsletters

YouTube video

Expanded discussion on Finding Your Life’s Work

X Thread

Actionable part of Finding Your Life’s Work

P.S. Please take 5 minutes for the short quiz below.

I want to help you where you need more clarity.

You can also send me a message. Just hit reply. I respond to every email.

See you next week!