#12 - Creating a System
Using Machine Learning to build a better lifestyle
How I Use “AI” to Effectively Manage My Time
As a solopreneur, father, and husband, I often juggle a whirlwind of tasks, obligations, research, and events. Attempting to manage everything manually was no longer working for me. Important things kept falling through the cracks, and I wasn't making enough forward progress. I know that many others had similar struggles, so I thought sharing my workflow could help others overcome their time management burdens. The tools I use are IFTTT, Reclaim.ai, Todoist, and Google Assistant, and each has tremendously aided me in improving my productivity and quality of life. So how do I utilize these tools?
Google Assistant
I use Google Assistant for capturing quick notes, ideas, and tasks. Notes and ideas are sent to Google Keep, where I can process them into Notion later (I'm looking into automating this process as well). Tasks are sent to Todoist, where I can label them. It is especially useful when I'm driving, as a simple "Hey Google" will begin capturing my request. In addition, I use Google Assistant to set reminders for important events, such as birthdays or appointments. This way, I can make sure that I don't forget about them and can plan accordingly.
IFTTT
IFTTT stands for "If This Then That," meaning that if a given trigger happens, then perform a set action. Currently, I use IFTTT mostly for social media purposes. Anytime I share a new photo on my Instagram or Mastodon, IFTTT will post links to my Discord, business Facebook page, and Twitter. It also posts on Discord and Twitter when I go live on Twitch. Additionally, when issues of Turtle's in the Sky are published, IFTTT utilizes AI to generate a social media post about the newsletter and shares it on Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn. I recently started using AI to generate outlines for this newsletter as well. Though so far, I find myself scrapping a lot of what it provides, it gives me a good structure to work from. Automating the small things has added up to huge gains in time and productivity.
Check it out yourself, here is my referral link!
Todoist
Todoist has thousands of articles already, so I’ll just share how I use it. As stated above, I capture my tasks using Google Assistant since I'm usually on the go. Once I'm able, I go into the Todoist app to add a due date, priority, estimated duration, and labels (such as “reclaim”). I'm able to mark the task complete from Todoist or Reclaim.ai, which is a nice feature as well. In addition to using Todoist for daily tasks, I also use it to plan out larger projects. By breaking down a larger project into smaller tasks and setting deadlines for each one, I'm able to manage my time more effectively and make steady progress toward my goals.
Reclaim.ai
As I wrote about last week, Reclaim.ai handles scheduling and prioritizing tasks and habits I want to do but have trouble finding the time for. I have it connected to Todoist, where I can add the "reclaim" label, and Reclaim.ai will automatically build it into my schedule using the priority and due date set. Once I mark the task complete, Reclaim.ai will utilize any remaining time, if there is enough available. Another great feature of Reclaim.ai is the ability to block off time for specific tasks or projects. By setting aside dedicated time to work on a specific task, I'm able to eliminate distractions and make more progress than I would if I was trying to fit it in whenever I had a spare moment. Overall, Reclaim.ai has been a game-changer for me in terms of time management and productivity.
By using AI tools like Google Assistant, IFTTT, Todoist, and Reclaim.ai, I've been able to effectively manage my time and make progress toward both my personal and professional goals. While it may take some time to set up and get used to, the benefits of using these tools far outweigh any initial learning curve. I hope that sharing my workflow can help others overcome their own time management struggles and achieve their desired outcomes.
If you want to check out Reclaim.ai, here is my referral link!
A Week With Turtle
It was a productive week for both Turtle Drones and myself. I completed a home project that had been on my to-do list for some time and spent quality time with my children. I also attended a survey equipment expo in Dublin, CA, and worked on building my rapport with a local drone services business. The only thing I wish I could have also done was fly and shoot. I promise I’ll have new photos to share next week!
The cat "rooms" were finished just a few days before the kittens were born. As of now, we have seven kittens with more on the way. Our plan is to give them away when they are between 8-10 weeks old. For the time being, the children will have the opportunity to observe life growing, which is something I'm eager to witness. The way they view the world is truly amazing, and I wish I could recapture just a bit of that imagination. I know it may sound cheesy, but my kids really do inspire me.
Last Wednesday, I attended a survey equipment expo in Dublin, CA, where several companies showcased their latest products. I had the chance to network with experts in large-scale printers, ground-penetrating scanners, and high-accuracy GPS equipment. The information I gathered is already proving valuable, and I look forward to sharing with you in the coming weeks what I'm working on.
I visited the local drone shop again and had a pleasant discussion with the owner. We talked about the advantages and disadvantages of using multirotor vs. fixed-wing aircraft, which was a new concept for me. I will be creating a dedicated post on this topic soon. We also discussed possible upcoming work opportunities, including filming at a racetrack! I have been granted permission to co-work in his shop, which is beneficial for both of us. I will have a quiet place to conduct my research, and he will have someone to help generate business and benefit from my research. Additionally, I will be taking on small projects around the shop, repairing drones and other equipment. I'm excited to have this opportunity.