Simplicity Unleashed: From Notion to Checklists – A Productivity Journey”
Hey Friends.
This past week I am putting more of my time to learning and progressing in my website building. So to help me track my progress I have been using checklist system to help me track the task at hand, from which video tutorial that I need to watch to ideas on how to design and to what to actually write.
It struck me, as how simple this approach is and relative to my old approach of productivity system or some call it as Second Brain.
My current approach is I have 7-10 different pages for each areas or project that is important in my life and input task I needed to do in each dedicated pages.
On daily basis I review which task at hand that is urgent and what I needed and want to do and arrange it in my daily checklist column.
Realizing this takes me back to 2020 where I am just learning about productivity habits and tools. It was the time where I am quite overwhelmed and stuck with challenges in managing information flows and various aspect in my life using physical book or journal.
I dive deep learning as much as I could to improve this aspect of my life – I learned about Second Brain listening to Tiago Forte, learning about Kan-Ban Board and Just in Time Methodology, learning about Objective Key Result Method and many more productivity concepts.
So when I found Notion apps (web based, cross platform productivity tools) I was hooked. If I recall correctly it was Ali Abdal video that convince me to dive in deep and learn how to use it
Hours were spent devouring YouTube tutorials, fascinated by creators sharing their digital workplace setups and journaling techniques. Yet, amidst the pursuit of perfection, I found myself trapped in a cycle of productivity without progress. I was obsessing over refining my Digital Workplace/Second Brain, I wasn’t actually accomplishing more. At one point, I even attempted to implement Strategic Planning and OKRs (Objective Key Results) across various facets of my life – from broad areas like family and relationships to specific projects like my YouTube channel.
Over the years, I refine and simplify my Second Brain use it not much different that using a Physical Journal or Book. I get more done with less stress to track so many moving parts.
In hindsight, I was overcomplicating the use of my Second Brain. I came to understand that simplicity suffices – the ability to neatly organize tasks within their respective categories: a grocery list under Home Management, work-related matters under Work, and so forth.
This realization prompted introspection into other areas of my life. Whether it was Biomimetic Restorative Dentistry, Intermittent Fasting, Resistance Training, or Photography I recognized that each pursuit was merely a tool. Each tool served its purpose within its specific context, dispelling the notion that any one was the ultimate solution.
Key Pattern
Learn or Obtain a New Tools / Toy – Excited to use it
Try to Implement or Use the Tools / Toy as frequently as possible in as many context or uses cases as possible
Fixated on the tools – Endless Optimization to the point well beyond the level of diminishing return.
To break this cycle one must understand that Real Mastery
Is not about fixation of the “Tools” but the actual “Doing”
Is not about forcing one tools to do everything that is needed, but having multiple tools under their arsenals and use each effectively and efficiently as needed.
Dental Insights: Reflecting on My Biomimetic Restorative Dentistry Journey – Embracing ‘It Is What It Is’ & 5C Strategies for Stress-Free Practice”
Continuing with our discussion, I can vividly recall my excitement after successfully managing a few cases of Cuspal Coverage using Biomimetic Restorative Dentistry (BRD) techniques like Onlay, Inlay, Overlay, and Deep Class 2 with Deep Marginal Elevation. I became more adventurous, pushing myself beyond my comfort zone as I saw more teeth that could be saved using the Biomimetic Concept. There was a point where BRD became my default prescription, and Conventional Crown was no longer part of my repertoire.
However, this honeymoon phase came to an abrupt halt when I encountered a series of crack and decay cases where BRD was not an option due to the depth or extent of damage. Managing these cases became extremely challenging, and I found myself questioning my abilities, beating myself up over why I couldn’t achieve the desired results, even after meticulous efforts.
In the aftermath of these difficult cases, I spent days reflecting on how I could improve, blaming myself for my perceived inadequacies. Then, it dawned on me – IT IS WHAT IT IS!!. It’s not my fault that the decay or the crack was deep; it’s simply the nature of the situation.
This realization brought a sense of liberation, coupled with a newfound understanding. I had been too exuberant in implementing BRD without considering proper case selection. Here, I share my revised workflow, emphasizing the importance of case selection, upfront communication, and a methodical approach to treatment: (5C) Case Selection, Communicate – It is What it is & Ownership, Camera, Caries Removal before Rubber Dam, Communicate – Update n Decide!.
Case Selection
Assess if BRD is suitable for the case – Is it more minimally invasive or conservative?
Communicate – It is What it is & Ownership
Communicate upfront about the unpredictable nature of caries or disease progression – “It is what it is.”
It is also important to communicate about the sense of Ownership to the patient – basically its about saying “the result and outcome we get is the sum of our choices and action”. How to reframe this I leave it to you how best to communicate this; or not to communicate this
Capture
Pre-op photos for documentation, I find this at times an invaluable back up especially if I was not able to articulate it clearly to patient the gravity of the situation
Caries Removal before Rubber Dam
Why start Caries Removal first? Because it
Saves time & Material – If we jump immediately to Rubber Dam Isolation. If we need to stop midway to communicate the finding. It is troublesome to communicate effectively with patient. Ending up most likely need to remove the rubber dam.
Reduces psychological strain – this is perhaps the biggest realization for me, because even though logically thinking ok at most I will be spending extra 2-5 minutes to remove, communicate and re-rubber dam. Which is not much but the reduce psychological strain allows me to focus better, be in the zone for longer and finally deliver better result more effectively.
Communicate & Decide
Determine the complexity of the case, especially in Class 2 scenarios, and pre-emptively discuss the need for surgery or alternative approaches.
By following these steps, I’ve minimized headache and heartache, no longer internalizing undue responsibility for cases that don’t fit the BRD framework. It’s a lesson learned, and this refined approach has brought clarity and peace of mind to my practice.
Intra-Oral Camera is an efficient tool to use to help Capture and Communicate. It is more preferable than bringing on the whole Mirrorless/DSLR Setup with Full Light System which will be daunting especially for patient who are still in the Rapport Building Stage.
You can imagine the general unease having a massive setup in front of your face like this. Lol…
Non-Dental Insight : Exploring Photography
After acquiring the Sony 90mm F2.8 Macro Lens for my dental photography, I was blown away by the results and found myself itching to explore photography in a broader context. Delving into countless YouTube videos and following photography content creators, I was particularly captivated by street photography and portraits, eager to learn and perhaps master these genres.
Enthusiastically diving into practice, I embarked on a daily journey with my camera in tow, equipped with a newfound passion for learning and discovery. However, despite my efforts, I couldn’t help but feel disappointed with the results. Why wasn’t I achieving the desired outcomes? Why did capturing the perfect shot seem like an elusive feat?
The struggle was real. Whether walking or driving, I’d spot ideal scenes with my eyes, only to find that capturing them through the lens proved challenging. It was a frustrating cycle of adjusting and readjusting (needing to walk back significantly to get the framing I want – outdoor is a struggle, indoor simply impractical), often resulting in shots that fell short of my expectations. It wasn’t until I realized the limitations of my equipment – namely, the 135mm effective focal length due to the 1.5x crop factor – that things began to click.
Instead of fighting against the lens, I embraced its strengths. I learned to leverage its macro capabilities and excel in head-and-shoulder portraits, finding creative ways to incorporate it into street photography while acknowledging the differences in perspective. This realization taught me a valuable lesson: true mastery comes from understanding and working with the tools at hand, rather than trying to force them into unsuitable roles.
Reflecting on this journey, I recognized a common pitfall: the temptation to apply new tools universally, regardless of their intended design. Yet, by accumulating a diverse array of tools and adapting them to specific tasks, we unlock the flexibility needed for true mastery. It’s a lesson encapsulated by the timeless adage: “When you have a hammer, everything looks like a nail.”
What I’m Enjoying This Week : Family Time to the Zoo
We visited Taiping Zoo, but the scorching heat cut our visit short to just about 1.5 hours (including a 40-minute walk after hopping off the Mini Train). Consequently, I didn’t snap as many photos as I’d hoped, but I’m seeing improvement in my skills, especially since I’ve been embracing the mantra “Work with, not against” when it comes to my lens.
Despite the brevity of our trip, here are the top photo highlights from the day.
For a video montage of our adventure, check out my IG.
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