How I set up my productivity system in my Hobonichi Cousin

In this video, I describe my productivity system and how I set it up in my Hobonichi Cousin.
I use the Minimal Zen to Done system developed by Leo Babauta. The Full Zen to Done system comprises the following 10 habits:
1. Collect: Have reliable tools to collect incoming information
2. Process: Make decisions quickly on each piece of information
3. Plan: Set the Most Important Tasks for the week & day
4. Do: Do task one at a time no distractions
5. Simple trusted system: Have a simple, trusted system
6. Organize: Have a place for everything and everything in its place
7. Review: Conduct a Weekly Review
8. Simplify: Simplify your goals & commitments to the most essential ones
9. Routine: Set up routines
10. Find your passion
The Minimal Zen to Done system comprises the first four habits (i.e., Collect, Process, Plan, and Do).
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EXTERNAL LINKS
1. Hobonichi English Website: www.1101.com/st...
2. Zen to Done overview: zenhabits.net/...
3. Minimal Zen to Done: zenhabits.net/...
4. Zen to Done e-book: zenhabits.net/...
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FOLLOW ME
Instagram: / yukikosakamura

[@londonblack9304]

Hi, I just stumbled across your channel and have found all of these videos so helpful in breaking down ways to use planners in productive ways. Your videos are excellent! Thank you so much for making these. I wish I’d known about your channel before now, but better late than never!

[@mrsp5713]

Wishing you’d get back into video making. You’re so sweet in sharing your weaknesses too…it shows how human we are and that you can relate. You’re an inspiration. I too have some of the struggles you share. Wow, I never thought of the time limits to be ‘goals’ that would help me ‘trust myself’ Thank You!

[@emilyvbr1878]

I love the idea of writing about your session and writing self encouragement

[@tootsfour956]

I so appreciate the way you teach the subject of your video. You break it down for us, making it easy and you motivate me! Thank you! ,

[@crowcore_]

I only recently found your channel, and I love it! Your tips have been really helpful for me, especially with my executive dysfunction/ADHD-- I love what you said about building up trust in yourself.

[@yukikosakamura6498]

Thank you so much for watching my videos! So glad to hear that they have been helpful!

[@thatwendygirl68]

so glad to know i'm not the only one who struggles so much with these types of issues! thanks for sharing so openly.

[@yukikosakamura6498]

Nope, you're definitely not the only one who struggles with these types of issues. If you were, we wouldn't have so many books that tout the next big productivity hack. I was watching a YT video one day in which the person said that actually we all already know what we need to do to be productive. We just need to do it. And do it consistently. I agree with that but it's so hard! (Just my two cents!)

[@Worldtinkerer]

I only recently discovered your channel and I just want to say I really like your approach to these videos. The practical focus mixed with realistic expectations and honest examples from your own life is really refreshing compared to may YT channels that focus a lot on looks and theory but not on implementation.

[@cecirimi]

All your videos on bullet journaling in a Hobonichi Cousin have been so helpful. I have taken many of them into account since I returned to Hobonichi after a good part of the year in a Leuchturrm, which I enjoyed but my time is limited for all the set up. I have better use this time around and lets not even mention the Tomoe River paper I so adore. I have moments I minimally watercolor and pages I don't. So thank you for showcasing your system so organized and easy to follow.

[@yukikosakamura6498]

Hi! I'm so very glad to hear that you have better use of your Cousin =) It has fast become my favorite planner because there are just so many possibilities

[@Organisedvicar]

I think I need to watch every one of your videos! I have a crazy workload, am hopeless at sticking to schedules I try to set for myself and not disciplined in any way. I waste too much time and subsequently am under enormous pressure to make deadlines. This video was helpful in identifying the basic questions to ask with projects & tasks. I take too much on and don't delegate enough. I often 'think' the time it takes me to 'teach' the person and follow them up is not worth the effort. I may have to rethink this. Thank you so much!

[@yukikosakamura6498]

Reading your comment makes me want to reach out and give you a hug. *virtual hug!* It is very possible that you're not sticking to schedules because they are too exacting, not because you're ill-disciplined. I used to fail (and still fail!) to meet my own schedules because they were just ridiculous. They didn't include rest or anything that a human needs. So naturally, I would fail! I also think that "wasting time" is somehow a signal from you to yourself that you're too overwhelmed by all the things that you have to do and may be burning out. May I suggest that you perhaps think about re-evaluating all your commitments and think about what is absolutely necessary, what you can let go, and what you can get others to do? *hugs!*

[@tamikojohnson5399]

Very helpful to see bullet journaling, using the Hobonichi, an overview of Zen to Done, and a clear explanation of the Pomodoro technique. Your content, no matter how old it is, is excellent. Thank you for sharing.

[@m.i.n.9000]

this is my fav yt channel about journaling ❤

[@caroldavis-wilkie3716]

Great video. Many thanks. Totally agree with starting small with 15 minutes. I also add stars (merit stars like for school children, even though I'm 57!! ) for each 15 minute block of focussed work I did.

[@clange1059]

Thanks for mentioning ZTD! I am reading it now. I always learn something new when watching your videos.

[@yukikosakamura6498]

I love Leo Babauta and ZTD and am so glad you were interested enough to read up on it. =) I hope you gleaned some insights and tips from his work. Leo is such an inspiration!

[@yngridfuentes9524]

Yukiko, thank you for your awesome videos!

[@ruchikachauhan9697]

This was an awesome video thank you .

[@sonjaangus4468]

Thank you so much! You simplify everything so it's easy to implement! Your explanation is very clear!

[@annanicholson6925]

Great system. I hope to implement something similar when my new Hobonichi arrives. Thanks for the very helpful ideas.

[@yukikosakamura6498]

Glad to know the ideas are helpful =) I'd love to know if they work for you... I'm always interested in how other people tweak their system to suit their personality or their needs. Keep me updated on how it goes with your new hobonichi! =D

[@AnastasiaR]

What a great video! I love that you focus on functionality and share such useful tips. I love the planner community but sometimes it seems like people are more focused on stickers than planning haha (not trying to be rude). Anyway I love your channel!!!

[@yukikosakamura6498]

Thanks for the kind words, Anastasia! =) I love the planner community too!

[@Serenityafterall]

I only use stickers when journaling on the daily page . Everything else is serious ❗❗ 😉

[@shawilliams1209]

I love love love your videos. Thank you so much.

[@carprincess]

This is a great video, I love how you spoke about your process from the beginning all the way down towards the end. It's so hard sometimes when you have so many tasks to do that you get stuck with decision fatigue or decision paralysis. I'll definitely come back to watch this video whenever I feel "stuck"

[@yukikosakamura6498]

I'm so glad to hear that you found this video useful!

[@skorkes]

Another helpful video! Thank you for sharing. My first Hobonichi Cousin arrived today and so far I think it will be very helpful. The paper is divine. I am used to the higher weighted Tomoe River paper but I like this weight even more.

[@yukikosakamura6498]

YAY! =) Glad to hear your Cousin arrived safe and sound. Now you can start thinking about how you want to set up the Cousin. As a planner addict, I find setting up to be the most fun part of it all! =p

[@rgb1215]

I am familiar with GTD but I have not ever heard about Zen to Done. I will take a closer look. Thank for useful video! I like that you share your experience about your dissertation.

[@yukikosakamura6498]

Sorry for the late response! I hope you managed to look up Zen to Done! =) I like that it's a simplified system! Are you doing your PhD?

[@allisonmason2156]

Thank you for this video. It has been helpful in implementing a system. Great video.

[@SobiaMM]

Thanks so so much for sharing this info. I greatly benefit from your videos.

[@yukikosakamura6498]

Glad to hear that this video was helpful for you! =) I hope you give the habits in Zen to Done a try. It is a very good, minimalist system--I'm surprised not more people know about it!

[@ambiguouspieces1793]

this is a super helpful video, it's been a great inspiration for me, thank you for making it.

[@richardherbert3781]

Great videos Yukiko! I hope you continue to produce more.

[@yukikosakamura6498]

Thank you for watching! =)

[@inkyinkyzen1255]

So useful, só inspiring! I subscribed and I am looking forward to seeing all your videos and to implementing all tbe knowledge into my planning routines! Thank you!

[@giuliaplans27]

Thanks very much, this is a very well done and useful video! I'll definitely try to implement some of your ideas, thanks!

[@yukikosakamura6498]

This is actually still how I plan (generally). It's a pretty effective system for me. I hope it will work for you also! =)

[@gabzz72]

I love your IG! I’m a productivity junkie but I end up overwhelming myself with wayy too much info n just give up lol. Ur style is simple n straight forward, will definitely incorporate these tips in my routine.

[@yukikosakamura6498]

Hi gabzz72, I'm a productivity junkie also! =D But after consuming so much productivity literature in the past few years, I have realized that the advice given are actually quite similar... The ZTD system captures the different advice perfectly. That's why I love the ZTD and I hope you like it too! =) Please let me know how they work out for you! Would love to hear from you!

[@tiffanyliu9841]

I know you use dailies as notes section but it's almost an informal way to record your big ideas that you had that month/time span! Love your videos so much! I got the a6 hobo for 2018 to try it out. I had the hobo weeks for 2017 and I wanted more space. I understand the mega is coming out but I may get the mega or the A5 in 2019 if I don't like the a6. I have a halfway filled leuchtturm1917 that I can use for notes/big ideas for now. When I watch your videos, I almost wish I started with the a5 to begin with. (Sorry for rambling lol)

[@yukikosakamura6498]

Now that you mention it, it is indeed a snapshot of my thoughts (and of me) at a particular time point! Haha, I would never have survived with an A6 but I think most people find the A5 too roomy! If you think an A6 is too small for you, maybe sometime in June 2018, you can put in an order for the Cousin AVEC, which is what I did this year. I have a Mega Weeks now! Haha, Now I have to figure out what I'm gonna do with the Mega... #planneraddictproblems =p

[@RawWrtochi19]

As always an awesome video, I wish I could buy a hobonichi just to do everything like you 💕 keep it up

[@yukikosakamura6498]

Ah, but the beauty of the bullet journal is that you can customize it however you want. I'm sure you can implement the productivity system in a bullet journal and add your own unique twist to it, Jocelyn! =) You don't have to use a Hobonichi---I will be the first to admit that it is really expensive!

[@lilianaperillo8437]

amazing! and very inspiring.

[@yukikosakamura6498]

Thank you for watching! =) I really appreciate the time you took to leave such an encouraging comment. Thank you!

[@thatwendygirl68]

just rewatched this. love the ZTD stuff! I have used an app called Forest to stay focused. I will look into pomodoro.

[@yukikosakamura6498]

I'm so so so sad to report that my trees always die :'( I'm definitely not focused. *sobs*

[@BurgessTaylor]

I really enjoy these videos. :D

[@yukikosakamura6498]

Thanks for watching, Burgess!

[@zotzulu]

Great vid!

[@yukikosakamura6498]

Hope you found the concepts presented here useful and applicable to your planning needs! =)

[@sesame.lettuce]

Thank you for the awesome video as always! I really enjoyed it. I have a question if I may.. I've been wondering how you could incorporate healthy lifestyle into your productive lifestyle. I find that I can cope (most of the time) with my work and personal plans but fail with workout and meal prep plans. Meal prep with family is quite tough for me because most of the time, we ended up getting food delivered for the whole family. While for workout, I kept procrastinating even though I know it's important. I like the feeling after a workout but starting a workout has been a challenge. I want to incorporate that system you show on your bullet journal from last year. I want to start small now! Should I put my workout plan on the KIV? If you have any suggestions or ideas, please please please tell me. Thank you very much.

[@yukikosakamura6498]

Hello! Thank you for your comment =) Hm... About meal prep... I guess I need a bit more information... Why is meal prep with family tough? Is it because you don't have enough time when you reach home at night? Or you're too tired? You know, sometimes, you don't have to be on top of everything all the time. If you're already exhausted at night, then really, you need the rest. Maybe you can look at healthier food delivery options, or have someone else take over the cooking for some days. Remember, one of the process questions is, "Do YOU have to be the one doing it? Can someone else do it?" If someone else can do it, and it frees up your time and energy, why not take that option? About working out... here are some specific suggestions for your workout. 1. Do an exercise that you enjoy because then you'll look forward to it. 2. Incorporate exercise into your already set routine. I live 15-20 minutes walk away from the train station. Every weekday, I make it a point to walk to the train station instead of taking the bus. So that's my minimum exercise done for the day. I've heard of people who do one pull-up every time they walk past the toilet door in their home. You could also do a set of squats every time you get up to drink water or something. Small actions that are done consistently will net you results in the future. 3. Make yourself accountable. For example, "If I don't do this habit for more than 2 days in a row, I will donate $10 to a charity whose cause I don't believe in." That will give you motivation to avoid failing on the habit. 4. (Optional) Give yourself a reward. A pat on your back is nice! Or a new dress once you've reached a certain target, etc. I encourage you to use your planner to brainstorm ideas =) Once you've settled on a super small exercise, make sure you do it consistently. Use this template: When I (walk past the toilet), I will (do one pull up). Hope that helps. =)

[@sesame.lettuce]

Thank you so much! Your tips are great! I really appreciate it. Thank you!

[@tiffanyliu9841]

this question and answer helps me also!!

[@yukikosakamura6498]

You're welcome! =) Let me know what exercise you chose and how it works for you!

[@yukikosakamura6498]

Glad to hear that it's helpful for you too, redpanda girlie!

[@colleen5236]

I love functional planning! Which size is your Hobonichi Cousin?

[@thatwendygirl68]

what is the best way to sell the last half of my 2018 techo cousin Avec?

[@yukikosakamura6498]

To be honest, I have no idea because I've never tried to do that! Perhaps... Join a Hobonichi Facebook Group and see if you can sell it that way?

[@freedom-japan]

Hi Yukiko, What type of pen do you use to write with?

[@yukikosakamura6498]

Hi Adrian, in my Hobonichi Cousin, I use a pilot metropolitan, with a pilot kakuno fine nib, inked with Noodler's Heart of Darkness.

[@freedom-japan]

Thanks for sharing! The ink lines look really nice and consistent.

[@yukikosakamura6498]

No problem! Pilot kakuno nibs don't pair so well with more watery inks like the Parker Quink, but they work beautifully with more viscous inks like the Heart of darkness! I've recommended this combination to other viewers also and they say that it works for them as well. If you try it, let me know how it goes for you! =)