Writing a simple journal every day helps me to plan my day and to record everything that I do. I would recommend it to everyone - not only has it has helped me in many ways, it's also really interesting looking back at what I did in the past.

Currently, I use Apple Notes to record my entries (I create a folder for each year, and a note for each day). I prefer a digital option because of the searchability it provides.

An Example Entry

22-06-01 Wednesday
8am - 4pm

- Review PRs for webapp
- Update timelogs

# Meeting: strategy meeting

- Clarified priorities for MobileApp
- Client will chase up vendor for updated manual

# Project: MobileApp

- Figure out how to make eslint work with object property BEM naming
  - eslint-disable-next-line for now

## Feature: Payments

- Payment history page layout
- Start on line graph for payment history

Although meetings are rare, this is what a typical day looks like in my journal.

Including the project and feature names helps with searchability, so I separate the entry into different project headings, with general tasks at the top. Sometimes I will only work on one task; other times I will have multiple project headings with a host of minor tasks checked off at the end of the day.

How I do it

These are things I do every day at work.

Plan my day

1. Create journal entry & record date and time
2. Check email and messages
3. Decide which items need to be worked on today
4. Break the work down into small goals & write them all down

Do work

1. Do any work planned, adapting as needed
2. Check off items as I complete them
3. Record any weird gotchas that happen / problems I solve

End of day

1. Move any uncompleted items to a todo list for tomorrow
2. Record finish time

I have been using a system like this for about five years, evolving from pen and paper to the current system. I am always trying to find ways to be more productive and look forward to making improvements to my processes; if you have any improvements or suggestions let me know!