Ugmonk is “a design studio in Downingtown, PA, creating and curating products that combine form and function”, founded by Jeff Sheldon.
The website describes Analog as “the easiest way to get things done. Analog is a physical tool that helps you focus on your most important work.”
But what is it?
For lack of a better description, the starter kit consists of a tiny wooden box accompanied by index cards.
The Cards.
Each card has space for ten “to-dos”. A hollow bullet point and then a line for each. In the top right corner are three little circles should you wish to code your cards. There are three variants. “Today”, “Next” and “Someday”.
The intray.
It is designed to be used backwards. The closed end should face you, and there is a slot cut in the end, allowing you to put a card in and present it at a pleasing angle. Behind the current card, lying in the tray, are the rest of your cards, with a chic metal divider if you want some separation.
The “Approved” Method.
Part GTD, part Bullet Journal. You write things you will do today on the Today card. Something that is on your horizon but not for this day - pop it into Next. Want to plan an ascent of Kilimanjaro one day? Best put that on “Someday”. Keep them in your tray - however you’d like to. Use the bullets (Task Signals) to mark tasks completed, partially completed, delegated, etc.
My method.
Naturally, I don't use the system as intended. I would argue that the real strength is the flexibility. Analog is the “last mile” of my task management workflow. It supplements my digital system in two ways.
Capture.
Above the tray divider, I have blank Next and Someday cards. Should something occur to me while I’m working, I’ll grab a card and write it down. Or, I might put it straight into my digital system—whichever feels most accessible and less disruptive. Capture cards are then migrated into the digital system during the shutdown or the weekly review. Digital is still where I hold all my tasks—always accessible and always backed up.
Day Plan.
Whenever my work day begins, I grab a Today card, write the date on it and add on any appointments. Then, I think about what I want to achieve. I will typically have completed my journal, which involves thinking about my goals and projects, so the chances are I know the top three things that I want to do. Following the “swallow the frog” approach, I put the least attractive item first. I’m a lark (a bloody big one, mind you), so I do it first to give myself the best chance of getting the tough stuff done.
Ideally, I try to add up to three tasks. I want to focus on the important stuff. Once they’re done, I’ll consider admin bits and pieces and maybe dive into my task manager to find more items. I’ll decide which is most important and add a few to the card.
At the end of the day, I will check the card, mark things off, migrate, process capture cards, etc. Then, brace yourselves; I will tear the card up and throw it into the recycling. (Ugmonk has recently launched archive boxes with dividers for those who wish to preserve their cards.)
Why does it work?
There is no more explicit way of signalling to yourself your intention than writing something down. It’s a commitment. From the many things that I could be doing, I force myself to choose a few I will do.
The products are thoughtfully designed. They are high quality and great-looking.
I'm a fan.
Ugmonk is now available at Nero’s Notes in the UK.
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