How a Simple .txt File Became a 14-Year Productivity System
By
simonebrunozzi
A baker's-dozen of insight crammed into one ring.
Summary
The article describes the author's 14-year journey using a simple .txt file as a productivity system instead of complex todo apps. After struggling with various productivity tools that became overwhelming, the author found that a plain text file with minimal formatting (just dates and tasks) provided the perfect balance of simplicity and functionality. The system evolved to include a single file with years of todos, meeting notes, and ideas, demonstrating how low-tech solutions can sometimes outperform sophisticated apps for personal organization.
Key quotes
· 5 pulledThe biggest transition for me when I started college was learning to get organized. There was a point when I couldn't just remember everything in my head.
I tried various forms of todo lists, task trackers, and productivity apps. They were all discouraging because the things to do kept getting longer.
The .txt file is the simplest possible format. It's just text. No formatting, no structure, no nothing.
Fourteen years later, I'm still using the same .txt file. It's grown to over 150,000 words, but it's still just a .txt file.
The beauty of the .txt file is that it's always there, always accessible, and never gets in the way.
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