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In this episode of Productivity Like a Pro, Tom Solid and Paco Cantero are thrilled to announce the pre-order availability of their new book, The ICOR® Journey, on Amazon. With over 125 sales in just three days, they express immense gratitude for the trust their community has in the Paperless Movement® and the ICOR® methodology. The book is designed to offer a comprehensive look into ICOR®, making it a valuable resource for both new and seasoned members of the Paperless Movement®.
The ICOR® Journey: A Complete Guide to Productivity
The ICOR® methodology, which stands for Input, Control, Output, and Refine, is the foundation of productivity that Tom and Paco share through their courses and community. While ICOR® is thoroughly covered in the Paperless Movement® Membership, this book serves as a highly condensed guide, synthesizing key concepts, workflows, and terminology in one place. For anyone unfamiliar with ICOR®, the book offers a perfect starting point, while members can use it as a quick reference to deepen their understanding.
Balancing Note-Taking and Task Management
The hosts dive into a listener question about combining information and action items in note-taking. Many note-taking apps, such as Evernote or Heptabase, now integrate task management features, but Tom and Paco stress that note-taking apps often fall short in handling complex task management needs. They recommend separating information from action items and processing tasks in dedicated tools like Todoist. This separation helps busy professionals avoid chaos and ensures clarity in both action and information systems.
The Power of Routines
Routines are essential for processing captured information and action items efficiently. Tom and Paco emphasize creating consistent routines for managing inboxes, both in note-taking and task management apps. This ensures that action items are always processed and placed in the right system. By incorporating inbox reviews into daily routines, professionals can prevent tasks from slipping through the cracks, whether they’re managing email inboxes or their note-taking apps.
Understanding Core, Satellite, and Utility Apps
A critical component of ICOR® is distinguishing between core, satellite, and utility apps. Core apps, such as Gmail or Google Calendar, are irreplaceable tools where key information and actions are stored. Satellite apps, like Superhuman or Fantastical, enhance core apps but can be easily replaced. Utility apps, such as visualization tools, provide additional functionality but aren’t necessary for daily productivity. By understanding these categories, professionals can streamline their tool stacks and eliminate redundant subscriptions.
Streamlining Complex Workflows
When asked about managing complex procedures, Tom and Paco discuss the importance of simplifying Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs). They recommend using AI to help create these procedures by transcribing recorded explanations and converting them into easy-to-follow steps. Visual tools like Miro can also help map out workflows before drafting detailed documents, ensuring clarity and efficiency.
Elevate Your Productivity with the Paperless Movement®
For professionals ready to take their productivity systems to the next level, the Paperless Movement® Membership offers an end-to-end solution with courses on Note-Taking, Personal Knowledge Management (PKM), Task Management, and Project Management. Join the membership today and unlock your full productivity potential by visiting this link.
