This guide helps you get started with creating a simple workflow for your routine in Otto. For a deeper dive into workflows, check out Otto's help guide on workflows.
What is a Good Workflow?
A good workflow is one that seamlessly fits into your routine, offers flexibility, and is tailored to your personal needs. It should help you stay organized without feeling like an additional burden. A good workflow is also intentional.
Flexible vs. Rigid Workflows
Workflows can be flexible or Rigid. That is up to you to decide how you want to set them up. But ideally, a good workflow is a structure that guides you into being more mindful rather than irritating you and making it feel like a chore.
Example: Think of schools - they are rigid and feel like prisons. Whereas a library is flexible - it lets you do many things and you can go in and out anytime you like.
Why Do You Even Need Workflows?
To understand how to build a good workflow, you need to understand the why.
- It keeps you in check
- It removes friction to start something
- They add structure to your somewhat disorganized routine
- you feel good when you accomplish something little
- you have goals, you need to accomplish them and you only need a push
A Good Workflow
-
It must be intentional: Don't just mindlessly pick a time that you think you'd want to do a task. For example
- Don't create a workflow for 9 AM - 10 AM, and then another one for 10 AM - 10:45 AM and another one for 11 AM - 12 PM. I mean you can do that, nobody is stopping you. You might really need it so who knows. But that's not the idea behind workflows. Workflows are supposed to be embedded into your routine so that they don't feel like extra things you have to do. Or feel like you're crossing something off a checklist.
-
Reflect on your routine: Reflection is a core part of understanding why you need workflows. You need to analyze your day-to-day and really see what time you do certain things. Only then you can decide what workflows will work best for you. For example
- You wake up at 7 AM, do other things, and get to work at around 9:15 AM. You can create your first workflow to trigger from 8:50 AM to 9:30 AM. The longer workflow duration allows you to account for coming in early or late. You can also set one for after lunch or after a workout at 3 PM etc.
-
Few is better than many: Having many workflows is fine, there's no rule. Ideally, it's better to set 2-3 rules per day. Each one covers the morning, after lunch, and after a workout (if you work from home)
Tip: Be sure to account for when you'll be in a good mood. Being in a sucky mood can ruin your whole day and everything will feel like a chore. You can always skip a workflow if you feel like that and just chill.
The Result of all this
Starting your workday by accomplishing a small task or completing a focus session can do wonders for your mood. It not only sets your day straight but makes you want to do more things and keep up the consistency. After all, fighting your mind is one of the hardest things you can do for the day.
