Save Your Brain for the Big Stuff

Sue Bethanis hosts productivity expert, automation enthusiast, and bestselling author Aytekin Tank to discuss his new book, Automate Your Busywork: Do Less, Achieve More, and Save Your Brain for the Big Stuff.

In this talk featuring Aytekin Tank, he delves into practical strategies for optimizing time and enhancing efficiency. Tank begins by emphasizing the significance of being able to differentiate between important tasks and urgent tasks and how to shift our priorities towards what’s truly important rather than things that pop up throughout our day. He introduces a morning ritual that involves prioritizing the day’s most crucial task, providing a focused time box for handling important matters and many other strategies for increasing productivity day to day.

Some key take-aways from this talk:

• Aytekin describes his concept of an automation flywheel which outlines a three-step process: divide and conquer, design and implement, and refine and iterate. It involves dividing and conquering tasks by understanding workflows, followed by the design and implementation of automation strategies through research and education. The final crucial step is the ongoing refinement and iteration of these automated processes, creating a self-sustaining cycle of optimization. (18:39)
• He also provides his unique way of automating his own inbox by assigning labels such as level one, level two, and level three to emails to ensure that important messages are prioritized and easily accessible. This method streamlines email processing, allowing individuals to focus on high-priority communications while avoiding distractions from less critical messages. (21:50)
• Aytekin also outlines his automation-first mindset which encourages individuals to adopt a proactive approach to time management and efficiency. This mindset comprises four principles, beginning with the clarification of priorities by asking what tasks should and shouldn’t consume one’s time. Tank emphasizes the value automating repetitive tasks and underscores the need for continuous learning and research to save time in the long run. The automation mindset also promotes systems thinking, inspired by Donella Meadows’ work, encouraging an understanding of cause and effect, input and output, and leveraging feedback loops to drive positive changes in various systems. (35:44)

Aytekin’s holistic approach not only reshapes how we perceive time management but offers a transformative lens for cultivating lasting productivity and provides a roadmap for individuals to increase efficiency in their everyday life. His expertise underscores the transformative power of intentional time allocation, efficient email management, and a proactive approach to automation, ultimately leading to enhanced focus, reduced fatigue, and increased overall satisfaction in both personal and professional realms.