The “Productivity Workflow 2026” video by jvscholz is a personal deep dive into the systems he uses to manage a demanding, multi-focused life. He shares how he’s growing a software startup, training for a marathon, studying for the Japanese language proficiency exam, and pursuing acting, all while living in a van.
He explains how a balance of digital and analog tools creates custom solutions that keep him mentally clear, physically active, and spiritually fulfilled.
The workflow blends digital and paper-based tools to build habits that support clarity, fitness, and steady growth.
It’s a practical setup that feels adaptable for anyone balancing multiple goals without burning out. Below are the key points we took from the “Productivity Workflow 2026” video.
Key takeaways of Productivity Workflow:
- Start with Daily Journaling: Start each day with a 750-word brain-dump journal to clear your mind and boost clarity.
- Morning Focus Session: The most critical tasks are tackled early in the day in a focused work session without distractions. Schedule an early deep work session for top-priority goals.
- Hybrid To-Do Lists: Use a digital list (Google Calendar) for flexibility and access which can be used in across devices, and pair it with a small paper checklist for the satisfaction of crossing things off.
- Task Prioritization: Treat energy like “100 soldiers,” but send only 2–3 into big battles at a time. Rotate priorities as milestones are reached.
- Hybrid Note-Taking and Habit Tracking: Use analog tools for habit tracking and digital tools for complex knowledge. Doom Emacs with Org Mode (and Orrome) serves as a “second brain” with linked notes, similar to Obsidian.
- Analog Tracking for Motivation: Paper trackers keep progress visible and help prevent overcommitting.
- Consistent Routines for Fitness and Learning:
- Follow a structured running plan (from Runner’s World).
- Study Japanese with Anki and sentence mining, using targets and heatmaps as guides rather than chasing streaks.
- Minimalist Digital Environment:
- MacBook with open-source dotfiles
- Keyboard-first tools (Vim/Neovim) to reduce mouse use
- Firefox with Sideberry for tab management
- Discord for inspiration and idea capture
- Hidden Bar to keep the menu bar tidy
- Device and Tool Recommendations:
- Choose cross-platform tools and keep control over files (Emacs/Obsidian over online-only Notion)
- Select stationery that fits your analog flow (fountain pens, mechanical pencils, reliable notebooks)
- Use health/fitness tools like a Garmin watch, Wyze smart scale, and Apple Health
- Integrate Physical and Spiritual Health: See mental and physical health as linked. Keep routines tied to a clear sense of purpose.
Other Useful and Relevant Insights from the Video
- Zen Planner: The 2025 version is announced with improvements based on feedback. It now includes hyperlinks, cleaner layouts, and a cheat sheet of notes from productivity books, with a sample available online.
- Custom Stationery and Equipment: Reviews and recommends pens, pencils, notebooks, and watches chosen for motivation and sentimental value.
- Avoiding Burnout and Streak Obsessions: After losing a 700-day Anki streak, productivity dipped. Visual analog progress tracking is preferred over streak chasing.
- Community and Openness: Viewer feedback and criticism are welcomed. The message is that adaptability and continuous learning matter when building a personal workflow.
Extra Tips to Boost Focus and Follow-Through with free tools
- Try Trello or Notion to visually organize projects and combine lists, notes, and boards.
- Use Habitica to gamify tasks and make habit-building fun.
- Add Focusmate for virtual coworking sprints and accountability.
- Install RescueTime or StayFocusd to break digital habits and reveal time-wasting patterns.
- Track working hours with Toggl Track to see where time goes and improve planning.
Final Take
This hybrid system works because it stays simple, intentional, and flexible. It blends deep work, smart tools, and purpose-driven routines, so a busy, multi-track life can run smoothly without burnout. If balance is the goal, “Productivity Workflow 2026” offers a clear path to try, test, and tailor.