I’m always on the lookout for new tattoo ideas. And I was stopped dead in my tracks when I stumbled onto [this tattoo on Twitter](). Someone was so moved by James Clear’s fantastic book [Atomic Habits](), that they permanently imprinted a reminder of their own _latent potential_ on their wrists. The permanence of this tattoo can be juxtaposed against something way more ephemeral: __shiny new toy syndrome__. We’ve all been there: downloading the hottest new app (_ahem, Notion_), buying an overpriced notebook, or investing $1,000 on a new iPad (with stylus, _of course_). The intentions are noble (_be more productive! feel less stressed! earn more money!_) yet the purchase inevitably ends up in the __shiny new toy graveyard__. Now our tattooed friend doesn’t have this option. He (or she) is committed to Atomic Habits – for life. But I’m going to go out on a limb and say that when it comes to habits, they’re going to be just fine. Because as many RadReaders (myself included) know, Atomic Habits works. It provides a blueprint for a system, not a shiny new toy. __And systems always outlast shiny toys.__ ## A comprehensive survey of systems Systems can be applied to all parts of our lives: fitness, productivity, learning, leadership, finances and knowledge management. And like the _Atomic Habits_ tattoo, __systems stick.__ Some other advantages of systems include: * ___Customization:___ Easy to tweak based on your personality, industry and tendencies. * ___Combinatorial:___ Multiple systems can be combined to suit your own complex needs. * ___Internalization:___ With time, the behaviors become internalized as habits. * ___Scaleability:___ As an end state, you find your maximum point of leverage. Early in my career, I stumbled upon David Allen’s _Getting Things Done_ (“GTD”) framework and I’ve adapted (and modified) this framework for nearly two decades. Hands down, it’s been one of the most impactful books of my life. Here’s a list of other systems (most in the form of books or posts) that you can apply to your own lives and careers (and by no means is this a comprehensive list): ## Productivity and Time Management Systems: * [Getting things Done (“GTD”)](): David Allen’s method to eliminate cognitive burden (using “inboxes”) and to focus on the “important, but not urgent” (using periodic “reviews”). This system can then be applied using pen/paper or [complex apps like Omnifocus](). * [Energy management (vs. time management)](): In the _Power of Full Engagement_ , Tony Schwartz proposes that you manage your energy over our time. * [Maker’s schedule vs Manager’s schedule](): An approach to structure your day based upon the creative nature of your work. * [Deep Work](): Cal Newport’s framework on focus and eliminating distraction. Can be paired with the simple [pomodoro technique](). * [The Eisenhower matrix:]() A simple 2×2 matrix for prioritization and accomplishing long-term goals. ## Networking and Relationships * [Give or Take](): How to network with generosity. * [The 7 Principles for making marriage work:]() The ultimate guide for romantic relationships ## Note-taking and knowledge management systems: * [Building a Second Brain:]() RadReader Tiago Forte has built a world class system to organize your digital brain and all the content you consume. _(Affiliate link)_ * [Zettelkasten](): A “slip-box” approach to combining ideas across everything you read (and forming the basis of [Roam Research]()). * [The Feynman Technique](): This method focuses on distilling ideas to _childlike simplicity_ to enforce retention. ## Other Systems: * [Your Money or Your Life:]() Is your spending aligned with your values? * [YNAB for budgeting:]() I tailored this 4-rule system around [spending transparency](). * [Radical Candor:]() A framework for direct communication that is both kind, yet firm. * [Atomic Habits:]() James Clear’s masterful framework for habit formation, consisting of: __cue, craving, response, reward__. ## Your turn A recent poll of 152 RadReaders showed that the hunt for systems remains elusive.