My productivity app for the past 12 years has been a single .txt file (jeffhuang.com)

Article summary

The author has used a single .txt file as their productivity app for 14 years, recording todos, meeting notes, and ideas. They update the file daily, moving completed tasks and adding new ones from their calendar. The system has scaled with their growing responsibilities and provides a record of everything they've done. The author finds this simple system effective and flexible, allowing them to easily search and review their notes.

Main themes

• Simple productivity systems
• Text file-based productivity
• Note-taking and organization
• Task management and scheduling
• Habit formation and consistency
• Tool choice and flexibility
• Physical vs digital note-taking
• Version control and syncing

What commenters say

• Some users find that a simple text file or note-taking system is sufficient for their productivity needs, and that complexity can be a hindrance.
• Others prefer more structured systems, such as Emacs Org-mode or Vimwiki, which offer additional features like time tracking and agenda generation.
• The choice of tool is less important than the habit of using it consistently and regularly reviewing and updating one's notes and tasks.
• Some users have successfully transitioned from one system to another, such as from Evernote to Vimwiki or from Workflowy to Roamresearch.
• Physical note-taking systems, such as paper notebooks or sticky notes, can also be effective for some users.
• Version control systems like Git can be used to host and sync notes across devices.
• The importance of simplicity and flexibility in a productivity system is a common theme among commenters.
• Some users find that a DIY approach to productivity, using tools like scripts and cron jobs, can be powerful and extensible.