## Working Memory - A [[Productivity | productivity]] mental model is based on the concept of [[Working memory | working memory]], [[Short-term memory | short-term memory]], and long-term memory, which is inspired by how the brain functions [(00:00:28)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=czs1RXKSFhU&t=28s). - The model is divided into three sections: working memory, short-term memory, and long-term memory, which helps to sort out how to engage with work in a way that makes sense [(00:00:23)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=czs1RXKSFhU&t=23s). - Working memory is focused on the day-to-day tasks, what is currently occupying attentional space, and what needs to be done right now [(00:00:45)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=czs1RXKSFhU&t=45s). - [[Paper]], specifically a bullet journal, is used for logging information in working memory, allowing for rapid logging and organization by chronology [(00:02:17)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=czs1RXKSFhU&t=137s). - Time management in working memory involves putting big rocks on the calendar and keeping alignment with meetings, rather than time blocking [(00:03:05)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=czs1RXKSFhU&t=185s). - The working memory level of the [[Task management | productivity system]] has low structure, with an emphasis on ease of use in the moment, and not worrying about where to put information [(00:03:30)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=czs1RXKSFhU&t=210s). ## Short-Term Memory - [[Short-term memory]] is the next level, which is what most people typically think of when it comes to [[Productivity | productivity]] systems [(00:03:59)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=czs1RXKSFhU&t=239s). - A personal productivity system involves task managers like [[OmniFocus]], Things, or Todoist, with the current choice being Things due to its excellent mobile-first capabilities [(00:04:07)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=czs1RXKSFhU&t=247s). - The task manager is used for active projects, notes, and reminders, serving as a dashboard to keep track of important tasks and outcomes [(00:04:42)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=czs1RXKSFhU&t=282s). - A weekly plan or outcome is also essential, which doesn't have to be detailed but should outline the goals for the week [(00:06:16)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=czs1RXKSFhU&t=376s). - A dashboard is used to keep top-of-mind information, such as yearly themes, outcomes, and recent work, with [[Obsidian]] being a great tool for this purpose due to its flexibility [(00:05:48)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=czs1RXKSFhU&t=348s). ## Long-Term Memory - Long-term memory requires a higher level of structure, with tools like Obsidian for notes and thoughts, and DevonThink for storing documents and other long-term information [(00:06:32)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=czs1RXKSFhU&t=392s). - Long-term memory includes items like checklists, household documentation, and roadmaps for projects or programs, which need to be stored in an accessible location [(00:07:06)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=czs1RXKSFhU&t=426s). - Someday maybe items can also be stored in a task manager or other long-term memory tools [(00:08:01)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=czs1RXKSFhU&t=481s). - The [[Task management | productivity system]] is divided into three main areas: task manager, weekly plan or outcome, and dashboard, with a focus on [[Working memory | working memory]] and long-term memory [(00:06:13)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=czs1RXKSFhU&t=373s). - A list of long-term tasks is maintained separately in a notebook or a tool like [[Obsidian]], allowing for easy reference and organization [(00:08:05)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=czs1RXKSFhU&t=485s). ## Productivity System Design and Philosophy - The [[Productivity | productivity]] system is designed to minimize friction and maximize the strengths of the tools used, while also considering the limitations of working memory and long-term memory [(00:08:23)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=czs1RXKSFhU&t=503s). - A combination of digital and analog tools is used, as relying solely on digital tools can become cluttered and overwhelming, while paper-based tools can help with idea generation and prioritization [(00:08:50)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=czs1RXKSFhU&t=530s). - The use of [[Paper | paper]] allows for the elimination of non-essential information and helps to focus on the most important tasks, without the need to migrate them to a task manager or note-taking app [(00:09:11)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=czs1RXKSFhU&t=551s). - The mental model presented is not a one-size-fits-all solution, but rather a personal approach that may be adapted or taken as inspiration for individual productivity systems [(00:09:30)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=czs1RXKSFhU&t=570s). - The goal of sharing this mental model is to provide a useful nugget of information that viewers can apply to their own productivity systems, with any takeaway being considered a success [(00:09:41)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=czs1RXKSFhU&t=581s). ## Sources - [website](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=czs1RXKSFhU?si=vAhfJPiL0i8p6MIB)