You know that feeling when you’re expecting guests?

You tidy up, but you don’t go overboard. You make sure there’s no underwear on the coffee table, but you don’t alphabetize your spice rack.

That’s exactly how I want you to think about productivity.

After years of teaching people how to get more of the right stuff done, I’ve noticed something interesting: There’s a sweet spot between chaos and over-organization.

I call it your “minimum viable organization”.

Some structure is good. Having a few well-chosen apps, a folder system that makes sense, even some color-coding (unless you’re color blind like me) can be incredibly helpful.

But—and this is the key—only if it’s actually helping you get stuff done.

The trick is to find that Goldilocks zone: not too much, not too little, but just right.

I’ve seen students transform their productivity with a simple folder structure and a couple of apps. But I’ve also seen people get so bogged down in creating the “perfect” system that they never actually use it.

So here’s my challenge to you this week: Take a look at your productivity setup. Ask yourself:

• Is each part of my system actually helping me get things done?
• Is there anything I’ve set up that I never actually use?
• Is there a simpler way to achieve the same result?

The goal isn’t to have the most intricate system—it’s to have one that works for you and keeps you moving forward.

Stay productive (in just the right amount),

— Peter

P.S. Want to dive deeper into finding your productivity sweet spot? Check out Productivity 101, if you haven’t already.