What automation tricks do you use to boost your personal efficiency?

Hey folks!

I’ve been thinking about ways to make my life easier with automation tools. You know, stuff like Make or Zapier. I’m super curious about how you guys use them.

Have you set up any cool automations that really changed the game for you? Maybe you’ve got some tricks for:

  • Cutting down on boring repeat tasks
  • Keeping an eye on your projects or goals
  • Connecting all your everyday apps
  • Getting helpful reminders

I’d love to hear about any clever or out-of-the-box ways you’re using these tools. Whether it’s for work stuff, hobbies, or just getting your life in order, I’m all ears! What’s your secret sauce for making things run smoother?

Share your best tips and experiences. I’m ready to learn from you all!

One automation that’s been a game-changer for me is using Zapier to streamline my email management. I set up a zap that automatically sorts incoming emails based on keywords and sender info, then files them into specific folders or tags in my email client. It’s cut down my inbox clutter dramatically.

Another trick I’ve found super useful is using IFTTT to track my work hours by logging when I connect to my home office Wi-Fi. It’s similar to what AdventurousHiker17 mentioned, but I’ve added a twist - it also logs the data to a spreadsheet, giving me a clear overview of my work patterns over time.

For personal productivity, I’ve set up a series of voice-activated routines with my smart home devices. When I say ‘start work day,’ it adjusts my office lighting, starts my work playlist, and sends a summary of my calendar to my phone. It really helps me get into work mode quickly.

i use a simple ifttt applet to track my work hours. it logs when i connect/disconnect from office wifi. saves me the hassle of manual time tracking. not fancy but super helpful for billing clients accurately. anyone else use somethin similar?

I’ve found great success with a calendar-based automation setup. It syncs my various calendars (work, personal, family) and automatically blocks out time for important tasks. For instance, it reserves an hour each morning for focused work, schedules breaks throughout the day, and even reminds me to start winding down in the evening. This has significantly improved my time management and reduced decision fatigue. The key was to experiment with different time blocks until I found a rhythm that works for me. It took some tweaking, but now it feels like having a personal assistant managing my day.