Low-energy days
Getting the important things done when your energy is low or uneven, without guilt about the rest.
Hi, I'm Isak
Simple systems for the week and the energy you actually have
Most productivity advice assumes you have energy to spare. I build simple systems for the weeks you don't. My systems come from my own experience of burnout.
8 articles9 podcast episodesA free book on the way
Start here
Three themes, each a small set of articles that build on each other.
Simple structure
Small systems that still work in a bad week: fewer yeses, a not-to-do list and a short weekly review.
Purpose without pressure
Finding direction with what you have now, instead of waiting for a big answer.
Latest writing
All writingHow to Be Productive With Low Energy (When You Can't Do More)
If you want to know how to be productive with low energy, here's my short answer: stop trying to do more. Pick one thing that makes the day a win, do it early, and give yourself a small, steady amount of focused work instead of the big days you used to have. Then plan for the bad days before they show up.
Why Do I Keep Abandoning Productivity Systems? (An ADHD View)
If you keep abandoning productivity systems, the system probably doesn't fit you. With ADHD, change your space and cut friction instead of switching apps.
Why do I feel guilty for resting?
Feeling guilty for resting? Why rest gets counted as failure, how to tell rest from avoidance with one question, and a small way to rest without the guilt.
How to stop procrastinating when you're overwhelmed
Procrastinating because you're overwhelmed? Name the real reason you're avoiding it, sort what's on your plate, then start with just ten minutes.
How to Make a Not-To-Do List That Protects Your Energy
A not-to-do list names the habits that drain your energy and add nothing. How to make one in five minutes, what goes on it, and how to keep it working.
How to Do a Weekly Review (the Simple Version)
A simple weekly review in four steps: empty your head, sort calendar from task list, park what you're waiting on, and ask what made the week hard.
You only have so much time, energy, and willpower. Spend it on what matters.
The free book
After the Crash: Simple Systems for the Energy You Actually Have
The free edition of After the Crash is on its way. It covers saying no, the not-to-do list and boundaries with people and tech. This is where you'll find it when it's ready.
Coming soon
Podcasts
The archivePurpose Unveiled
Solo episodes on purpose, authentic living and finding a balanced rhythm of work and rest.
Minds of Means
Conversations with makers and thinkers about what sustains creativity, focus and meaning. Nine episodes, about an hour each.
About Isak
Isak Vidinghoff builds simple systems for the week and the energy you actually have. His systems come from his own experience of burnout.