102 The systems top performers use to master high-stakes situations and achieve more
No. 102 – 29 Dec 2024
Welcome to the 102nd edition of the True Progress Newsletter, a weekly newsletter on cultivating inner control and resilience for high performance.
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Insights
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Most people struggle with focus not because they’re lazy, but because their minds are too cluttered. People don't need more vacations, they need more clarity.
Clarity isn’t about doing less; it’s about organizing better. When you know where your ideas and tasks live, you free up energy to execute with purpose.
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Making connections across ideas isn’t just a skill; it’s a superpower. The Smart Notes method helps you build a web of insights, turning scattered thoughts into breakthroughs. And it keeps you resilient in the face of complexity.
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"The mind is not a vessel to be filled, but a fire to be kindled."
— Plutarch
Challenge
Renowned physicist Richard Feynmann used a list of 12 problems that he believed were important and interesting to work on. He believed that by focusing on a small number of important problems, one could make significant progress in their field.
Create Your “12 Favorite Problems” List. Write down 12 open-ended problems you’d love to solve in your work or life. Keep this list visible and update it weekly.
Let everything you consume be dictated by your 12 favorite problems.
Systems
The CODE System — Capture, Organize, Distill, Express — a proven way to free up headspace.
Capture Everything. Use a “capture inbox” in Notion, Apple Notes, or Evernote for ideas, tasks, and inspirations.
Organize Smartly. Sort into Projects, Areas, Resources, and Archives (PARA) to stay focused.
Distill Essentials. Highlight key insights for quick access.
Express for Action. Turn insights into actionable steps to build clarity and momentum.
Automate it:
Step 1: Schedule a daily 10-minute “Capture and Organize” session.
Step 2: Use a tool like Notion or a simple checklist app to track your CODE steps.
Step 3: Set weekly reminders to distill and review your notes for maximum clarity and focus.
Book Recommendation
Building a Second Brain by Tiago Forte
Learn the CODE system to organize your thoughts and reduce mental overwhelm. It's the ideal book for professionals looking to turn information into actionable insights and master complex projects.
Till next week,
— Carlos & Stef
