The Power of Automation and Cultural Change in Personal and Professional Growth

The Power of Automation and Cultural Change in Personal and Professional Growth

I finally figured out how to take notes! It all started when I discovered Apple's Shortcuts app, which allows me to automate actions between different apps on my Apple devices. One of my main requirements was the ability to tag my notes and easily search for specific information. I also wanted to be able to create action items and track my progress. Little did I know that combining Apple Shortcuts with Bear, a note-taking app, would fulfill all of these needs.

By creating a shortcut that generates a meeting note and another shortcut for daily note-taking outside of meetings, I can effortlessly jump into a meeting with my notes ready to go. Additionally, the shortcut looks into my work calendar and retrieves the most recent meeting that started within the last 30 minutes. This integration of Apple Shortcuts and Bear has revolutionized the way I take notes and stay organized.

What makes Bear stand out in my workflow is its exceptional TODO management feature. In any note, I can create a TODO, which appears as a list item with a checkbox. This functionality is similar to GitHub's TODOs. Not only do I feel more on top of things now, but I also no longer drop the ball on action items assigned to me in meetings. This improvement not only benefits me but also fosters better collaboration with my colleagues, as they don't have to chase me for updates as often.

On a broader scale, I have come to realize that cultural change always happens relatively slowly. It occurs person by person, conversation by conversation. Expectations are established, roles are defined, and systems are built. Consistency is key when it comes to driving change. Everyday people, like you and me, are the roots, the foundation, and the source of culture itself. We play a pivotal role in shaping and being shaped by culture.

In our fast-paced digital age, the internet often encourages us to focus on what happened just five minutes ago. However, true cultural change understands that what matters is what happens in five years. Focused and persistent community action is what truly drives systems change. Systems not only concretize cultural norms but also enforce them. Therefore, it is crucial to keep talking, keep acting, and stay focused on our goals. Boredom should never hinder our commitment to change.

To further enhance personal and professional growth, here are three actionable pieces of advice:

• 1. Embrace automation: Explore apps and tools that allow you to automate repetitive tasks and streamline your workflow. Apple's Shortcuts app is just one example of how automation can significantly improve productivity and organization.

• 2. Prioritize TODO management: Whether it's using a dedicated app or integrating TODO features into your note-taking routine, make it a habit to create and track action items. This practice ensures that you stay on top of your tasks and prevent important things from slipping through the cracks.

• 3. Engage in community action: Recognize the power of collective effort in driving change. Join communities, participate in discussions, and take part in initiatives related to the causes you care about. By connecting with like-minded individuals and working together, you can create a more significant and lasting impact.

In conclusion, the combination of automation through Apple Shortcuts and the versatile features of Bear has revolutionized my note-taking and organizational practices. It has also highlighted the importance of cultural change and the role we play in shaping it. By embracing automation, prioritizing TODO management, and engaging in community action, we can foster personal and professional growth while making a positive impact on the world around us.