2 NEW Programs just announced here: ruclips.net/video/ghjHLAjvHoE/видео.html ⭐ My brand new Notion training program: www.FastTrackNotion.com 🚀 Info on the "Notion Life Design" course with PPV: www.NotionLifeDesign.com Get my NOTION TEMPLATES⚡ and join the NEWSLETTER📰 at: www.yearzero.io/notion-templates And join me on Twitter at twitter.com/augustbradley - my most frequent discussion is there.
*Video Summary* 0:00 *Intro* 1. What is systems thinking 2. Traditional Thinking 3. Emergence 4. 6 Steps To Do Systems thinking 1:00 *What is Systems Thinking* • Systems thinking will magnify your ability to create, solve problems and contribute more to any effort. • It will enable you to do just about any complex work better and will empower you to build a LOS for yourself • Crucially, systems thinking enables you to see causal relationships that others are missing and you will bring new ideas and powerful insights to any discussion • This video is an introduction, intended to provide a working understanding of systems thinking • The next video will focus on applying it more specifically to designing a productivity system for personal and small business use • Notion is the best software August has ever seen for non coders to design a personal life enhancement system and to streamline small business operations, but using Notion without a strong sense of systems thinking will limit how far you can take the platform • Systems thinking is a holistic approach to looking at the world that is often in direct contrast to the standard way people tend to look at issues. It's not the way we are taught in school or at work, it's an unconventional thought process. • Systems thinking starts with the recognition that all systems are part of larger systems and every system is defined by its function in the larger system. • A car is not defined by its components (engine, tyres, doors, seats etc.) but by what it does within the larger transportation system. i.e. it gets you from point A to point B with a certain speed, comfort level, carrying capacity etc. • A car is compared with other systems (bus, train, airplane) by how they each fit into the transportation system. 3:14 *Traditional Thinking* • A system divided into its component parts cannot function; its worthwhile properties (functions) derive from the interactions of its parts • Analytical or deconstructionist thinking is the more common approach in our society. • In analytical thinking, you study the various component parts once you know each you integrate them into an understanding of how the whole works • If you apply analytics (the study of parts) to a system, the system loses its essential properties and so do its parts. You lose your understanding of its function and how it fits into a larger system. • Broken into parts the thing of interest in your system does not exist, the only way to understand a thing of any complexity is to look at it in its entirety and see how it functions within the greater systems. • Systems thinking is a way at looking at a series of ecosystems orbiting and interacting with one another over time. • With this approach you look for patterns, rather than identifying individual elements. When you see the world this way, endless new insights reveal themselves and you can better design ways in which you interact with the world. • You'll likely find similar repeating patterns at various detail levels within the system. Both micro and macro and across disciplines; essentially fractal patterns. • To clarify how rare systems thinking is in modern society we'll cover the standard approaches to problem solving. • The more common approaches go by terms such as linear thinking, analytical thinking, scientific thinking or mechanical thinking ; the unifying element among them is the application of a set of simplifying assumptions to make the issue more manageable • These reductionist approaches break everything down into parts and then extrapolate out to an understanding of the whole presuming that the functionality is the sum of the parts • These simplifying assumptions often poorly model the world leaving us with the same old obvious explanations, starting with limited frameworks, we end up with limited solutions. • The value of systems thinking is that it reveals properties and causal relationships in systems that do not exist in their components alone. It looks at the qualities of the fully functioning system beyond the sum of its parts 4:10 *Emergence* • The phenomenon of new qualities forming beyond the core properties or parts is called emergence • Emergence occurs when an entity is determined to have properties its parts do not have on their own these properties emerge only when the parts interact within a wider whole. Consciousness and life itself are examples of emergence but it happens at all levels, big and small, profound and mundane. Water is made up of Hydrogen and Oxygen parts, but neither of these components have the quality of wetness. Wetness emerges only when the two parts interact as a whole. • The ability to recognize emergence is a cornerstone element of systems thinking • Ultimately the ability to design for emergence is a superpower that will be explored in this series • Merely recognising it provides powerful insights and a starting place to better understand essential causal relationships • This is how systems thinking helps us see what others are missing and enables us to contribute important ideas to any conversation 5:18 *6 Steps To Do Systems Thinking* 1. Define the inputs, outputs and movements: • Determine what is moving around inside the system, what's entering from outside of it and ultimately exiting it. • What are the entry and exit points • What path do they take, how quickly do they move, is that pace steady or inconsistent? Are there bottlenecks? What happens to the build up at the bottlenecks? 2. Distinguish linear from circular: • Evaluate what functions in the system are linear and what parts of the process are circular • You'll find the fundamental parts of systems tend to be circular • This part helps you weed out a lot of the linear elements that are not essential and helps you determine what are the critical parts of the system. It will also help you identify patterns. 3. Look for patterns: • Patterns exist all throughout systems and are central to its function. Systems facilitate and perpetuate patterns of activity and behaviour. • Define the patterns, describe them, visualize them, write them down, map them out. Flowcharts are a great tool for this. § Whimsical and mural? Are Augusts favourite flowchart tools. • Once you notice a pattern in one area of a system, look for echo's of it in other areas of the system and related systems. Look for it in both small and large clusters of participating elements. Zoom out to a wider perspective and then zoom in tighter. Looking for the same pattern to repeat itself at varying levels • These patterns are fractals and you will find them everywhere 4. Find the feedback loops: • Can you see feedback loops in the systems patterns? • A pattern is a repeating design of some sort it could be over space or time or both • A feedback loop is a self magnifying or self diminishing pattern over time with each iteration is either increases or decreases in magnitude, perpetually and systematically. • The results of the previous cycle pour greater resources and momentum into the beginning of the next cycle • Amazons famous flywheel business model is a feedback loop • Anything with exponential growth has a feedback loop at work (it can work in reverse too) • Once you see feedback loops you will see causality everything has cause and effect and these are typically buried inside patterns and feedback loops 5. Understand the balancing properties: • Any system that sustains itself over a long duration will have balancing properties that will prevent the feedback loops and anomalies from pressuring its boundaries. • Balancing properties help to maintain equilibrium • Ask what guardrails, constraints or counter forces serve to keep things on track and how surprises are dealt with • Without balancing elements a system will likely be short lived; look for these counter measures in a system to evaluate its sustainability 6. Study your systems interaction with other systems: • All systems are part of larger systems and every system is defined by its function within a larger system • Ask what larger systems the system you are studying is a part of • Define the inputs, outputs and movements of the larger system • Look for patterns in the bigger system • Find feedback loops • Understand the balancing properties • Study its interaction with yet larger systems and apply the process again
@@cole9822 LOL 😂 Timestamps weren't available yet when this was released. If you're just starting out with PPV, you'll see more of my timestamp comments in the next videos.
"Consciousness and life itself are examples of emergence" - wow, just wow! That sentence alone was worth it's weight in gold in terms of connecting dots.
@@augustbradley We sure are. I had developed in parts most of what you teach, but your content and philosophy gave me the connectors to put them all together and build a breathtaking system. So grateful to have found your channel.
I am simply amazed. This has inspired me so much. At first, I want it all. The system, orderliness, the functionality and the look. Then, I hear the statement that this is the result of 25 plus years of work. If, I want to get my life back on track then I need to patiently work at making this into my system all the while giving credit to whom it's due and implementing the strategy that is being taught. From this, I realize that I can have simplicity and order in my life. Thank you, August! Thank you, Notion!
Hey, so I'm just finding your system and going back to the beginning after finding your video about Dashboards and I just want to thank you for sharing this! The amount of thought and time you have put into this you could obviously charge for and while I see you have a site and monetization on that end, I cannot express how appreciative I am for you simply sharing these methods and indeed your entire system to all who choose to simply click and follow... It's very commendable and you clearly want to help people get their lives rolling to their goals. Again, thank you.
I started watching your series and I just can’t believe these videos I can watch for free...thanks for sharing your knowledge and perspective with us on RUclips. What you talked about in this video is very interesting, especially as I am specialized in analytic philosophy. The limit and problem of analytic thinking you pointed out is also applicable to the methodology of analytic philosophy. Since it reduces concepts into pieces, it overlooks a holistic context and system underlying the concepts. There are some ways to incorporate these two ways of thinking, I believe, and I think analytic/logical thinking is itself a very useful skill, so hopefully I can find a way to overcome the issues!
@@augustbradley Hey August! Thank you so much for this. I'm just getting started. At the end of the videos you say there is a written version of this video available on your site. Is that still the case?
Just getting in to this video series and I am blown away by how much it makes sense. I appreciate your insight on this and your willingness to help others understand and use this concept. It's almost scary how well this bridges the gap between human consciousness and the internet. It's also intriguing that realizing the fractal patterns of the universe (no matter how far you zoom in or out) also applies to our thoughts and actions towards outcomes. Much respect, thank you!
The concept that all systems are a part of a larger system and every system is defined by its function in larger system is very correct . A very helpful video indeed . Highly inspiring .
I've never post some comment under videos, but i just discover your channel after some research about how i can make my life better with notion and organize it, i am so glad to see your work because i think this excatly what i'm need right now, cheers from france ;)
I couldn't have found this at a better time! Thanks August. Making and sharing this shows you truly do care about helping people make their lives better.
I love this, apparently I've been a systems thinker all my life! As a historian I'm often berated for preferring structuralist readings of history (they are supposed to be 'outdated') over an individualistic reading. But as I advance in life, nothing tells me I'm wrong, on the contrary: the more I see how everything is connected. This is probably why Notion vibes so well with me?
Wowww! So wie die Augen funkeln, wenn du von der Superpower sprichst, das is wirklich ansteckend! Ich hab so viel mehr begriffen über das systemische Denken, obgleich ich schon immer ein Freund davon war... nur muss ich jetzt umsteigen von analog (linear) zu digital (vernetzt) ... ich hab so lang das Wasserstoff und das Sauerstoff Atom analysiert he, nur um herauszufinden, wie das mit dem Wasser geht, anstatt einen Staudamm zu errichten und die Kraft zu nutzen... oder ein entspannendes Bad 🛁 zu nehmen... danke für deine arbeit...
This content is amazing, thank you very much! I’m very excited to continue this series! Coming from Basecamp nowadays and trying to connect everything is a mess. Notion is giving a hole new perspective. I remember trying to have a life dashboard on a Joomla admin panel a long time ago, it seems that some things are coming together now. Very excited!
Wow, that was fantastic. I'm taking over a business in the next few years and I've had a hard time explaining and codifying my thought process on what I want to change and improve. This video explained what I've been thinking much more articulately than I've ever been able to. Thanks for this!
Just in case you would like to improve the accuracy of your example for emergence, oxygen and hydrogen do both exhibit "wetness" (aka the property of a liquid), just not at standard atmospheric pressure and temperature. When they combine to produce what we call water, the new property that "emerges" is that it will be in liquid form at standard atmospheric pressure and temperature.
I would like to say that irregardless of the accuracy, it is still a good analogy. However, I am concerned that Scott will correct me by telling me that irregardless is not an accurate word. Therefore, I shall not say this....however, Scott may tell me that by my saying what I wouldn't say, I ended up saying it anyway.
Thank you so much for sharing. This is the first time I hear about the term 'system thinking'. It makes so much sense that everything affects everything else around us and every interaction/connection/relationship is not wholly linear. The process of capturing the relationship and the ability to define the causal relationship among the interactions in our daily life are very interesting!
MY goodness I am so profoundly moved because of the way you’ve introduced the topic of Consciousness into the discussion. As you were talking about recognizing the system as a whole, the patterns & the emergent force that appears once two or more things collate, my mind was already gravitating towards all that I’m familiar with on the topics of sacred geometry, the patterns of life, & consciousness. Then you really dove into it... cause & effect, fractals, etc. Such a philosophical breakdown, very well done. I must ask, have you heard of the book, “The Man Who Tapped The Secrets of the Universe” by Clark Glenn? It’s about Walter Russel. Your perceptions of the world utilizing Systems Thinking, very much compels me to believe that you are like the few men described in this book, who have this kind of cosmic awareness about our universal laws & the “spiritual cause of all effect” as it’s put. You teaching this in this way, will help to awaken many, many more.
I know, it's super profound isn't it. I did not know that book, but just added it to my list :) Sounds fascinating. Agree with you on all those topics -- here are some of my previous explorations on my other YT channel on Fractals (ruclips.net/video/bUp7IK7XcdM/видео.html ), Consciousness (ruclips.net/video/NsvEKyzRXdY/видео.html ), and more at ruclips.net/user/MindAndMachine
Astounding, Truly. THIS is the type of content I search for & you just happened to provide so much between these two channels alone that will keep me satiated with learning material worthy of replays no doubt. Grateful to have come across your content due to our shared love of Notion. Happy to stick around for both this channel as well as Mind & Machine. Subscribed & Notified! 🙏🏾🙌🏾✨
Do you have a book list that includes systems thinking recommendations which you'd be willing to share and/or make public? I've been thinking about diving into the subject for a long time. The only resources I know of are Fritjof Capra's books and course, and Donella Meadows's Thinking in Systems. Some other related books I have are Ken Wilber's post 90s books and Spiral Dynamics, but these are models I want to study rather than specific systems thinking instructive content. Any recommendation would be highly appreciated. Thanks!
You've named the two big ones I know of. I've participated in courses and conversations about the topic, but a good source of info and insight on the it are the Russell Ackoff videos on RUclips. Fascinating topic for sure!
I'm currently reading The Goal: A Process of Ongoing Improvement by Eliyahu M. Goldratt. Rather a dull cover, but highly recommended for any systems thinker!!
@@augustbradley He named a few books and authors, which are the ones you would suggest? And what do you think about Niklas Luhmann who invented system theory of society? I am very familiar with his approaches. Is there still much to be gained from the other approaches? And thanks for your videos!
Wonderful video. If you do explore this topic further in future videos, is it possible for you to include discussion on where Systems Thinking and neurodiversity overlaps? In particular, Autism Spectrum Disorder and to some extent ADHD. People with ASD particularly are known to have exceptional pattern recognition skills. It's often stereotyped as being naturally inclined towards developing skills in analytical and the numbers side of data-related tasks, but I feel that systems thinking is the predominant way of seeing the world. The interconnectedness and fractal nature of everything. Where it becomes disabling is that attempting to make sense of irrational and unpredictable things like humans, or make sense of situations where incomplete data is available to assess the system, leads to intense anxiety and inability to make a decision or choose the correct action or response. There's also an element of obsessive thinking and compulsive behaviours where a need to act or collect data on one particular point in the system is so powerful that you see either rigid thinking and topic insistence (both typical in ASD) or immersion in activities and projects that are not aligned with goals and priorities (ADHD). Attempting to suppress these needs and mask ND behaviours and interests, as well as dealing with sensory overwhelm from trying to filter out the information that neurotypical people filter or don't perceive, leads to autistic burnout. I'm on a personal quest to find the best way to balance these competing goals and to advocate for neurodiversity and encourage adaptive design to become a greater priority for service designers and business analysts working on systems that determine employee experience and customer experience.
Fascinating area of exploration and definitely outside of my knowledge zone. I can see how there would be a lot to learn here. Thanks for bringing this field of study to my attention!
OMG! Seriously, I thought I was the only one who thought this way. This is how I view the world. Although, I also include probability and game theory, particularly when humans are involved. I also incorporate this way of thinking into a the wider context of bayesian analysis, meaning I alter my thinking as new information is obtained. I also think this is a contributing factor to having no friends. ☹️
Not sure where to ask this question. I have been wanted for a long time to minimize the number of apps that I have been using, want to simplify my data, documents, and tasks as much as I can. I am thankful for your videos. One place I am hung up on is document storage and retrieval. I use Notion/Evernote for drafts, ideas, web clips and some pdf's (instructions, receipts, health ins docs, etc.) Google Drive is where I store a lot of this same info. How are you handling document storage?
I store all much of that in the Vaults in my Notion system (Vaults in my system = info storage databases). I have vaults that hold articles and links to videos of interest. My past writing, anything that I might want to retrieve later that needs a good organizational system to fine. I do use Dropbox for files saved by apps such as MS Office and Scrivener, but final drafts of Newsletters and Blog posts I will save in my Notion Vaults. Have a disciplined system and be consistent. Hope that helps. I will introduce how I use many of my "Vaults" in future videos.
Thanks Ahmed! Awesome to hear this was helpful. Lots more to come, working on some cool new things for the channel and the community growing around it. Glad you've joined us.
This looks great! I'm always trying to optimize things for my life and ADHD and I wonder if I'll ever get a system going AND be able to stick with it, but I think this could be a good start! I think I've come to the realization that trying to do everything from scratch myself is a huge impediment and that it's worth it to at least get a head start when someone such as you has already done so much work to set something up! I find the majority of current systems out there to be just like you said: too simplistic, or certain apps and products being too narrow in scope, and I just have too many ideas and thoughts that I want to be able to hold on to preventing me from trusting systems that are too simple. On the other hand, while I love so much of what's in GTD etc which would solve that part, not having an easily workable system has prevented me from being able to truly utilize it. Crossing my fingers....
Exceptional content!. It comes to my life in a moment in wich I am shaping a data area on an exceptional startup, and I think the whole idea makes sense in terms of optimizing the operation and driving high value outputs aligned with the objectives we want to achieve as a team. Really thanks for this
Thanks Ron. I'd suggest starting by watching the RUclips videos of Russell Ackoff speaking about systems thinking. He's The Godfather of it. ST is fascinating stuff!
The book I started with is "The Systems View of Life: A Unifying Vision" by Fritjof Capra and Pier Luigi Luisi. I definitely recommend that book if you want a deep dive overview of it's origins to how we could use it in today's world.
Hi August: first of all, not enough words to thank you for your content. I have been using some kind of productivity tool for the past few years and nothing really clicked with me. PPV really does, and so does Notion. It is exciting to know that Notion will keep improving along too. I would be very interested in how you organize your files in cloud storage to be able to navigate them easily: are you mirroring the structure of your Notion system in any way? I have tons of stuffs in there and assume (maybe wrongly) that it would clutter my Notion system (Invoices, copies of IDs, tax declarations and so on)
Good questions Ncolas, I should do a video on that. I don't use iCloud, but I do use Dropbox. Though frankly I use it less and less over time as my other cloud-based systems evolve (like Notion). But for some things where a software application created functional files (e.g., Excel, Scrivener, etc...) you need that syncing file directory. Essentially those are a form of Vaults and I treat them as Vaults in my weekly and monthly reviews. I have one for Personal then one for each company or organizational entity I'm a part of. Inside each I have a consistent setup with a folder for Admin, Graphics/Visuals, Marketing, Content and whatever other type of activity there is. I keep the directory setup consistent across each organization. Personal has some additional ones. But as cloud SaaS platforms get more capability, I'm less reliant on desktop software that generates those kinds of files to store. Hope that helps!
@@augustbradley Thanks a lot for the answer! I also use Dropbox only and structure it more or less the same. I am thinking of using pillars to build the directory tree, but did not reach a conclusion on whether this would cover all my files yet. I guess I need to give it a little more thoughts. Can't wait for your next video (and Newsletter to which I also recently suscribed). Cheers and take care
@@NicoLargi You could totally use the Pillars for that. In fact, you got me thinking. I am going to consider that as well. You wouldn't need to use all of them, just the once that would have local-software files. Great thought!
Hi, you mention a link to your blog for the written version of this series, however I clicked al the links in the description and cannot seem to reach any blog. Can you please share the direct link to your blog? I find your series really interesting, but prefer to read over watching video’s. Much appreciated! Thanks.
besides these two tools, I feel the notes on systems thinking(e.g. many related concepts and examples) that you once showed in a video posted on Keep Productive Chanel are really informing and inspiring. is it public anywhere? if so, I would love to read it through and add them into my knowledge box @August Bradley
Really interresting !! The System Thinking approch is what I was searching for a long time and trying to implement in my field (Hardware ingeneerg). You put it very simple. Good Job ! I've got a question : I have to much project in mind... How do you manage/classify non-projects activities ? I have "Buying" (to manage a State of the Art system including "Wish List" -> "delevering" -> "In stock" ) I also have "Family", "Soccer", "Home" projects with tasks, steps, daily tracking... so I manage it like a Project because it has the same parameters. But since it has no end, it's no project. You don't look to have personnal stuff or this kind of project. I supposed you define it like "Pillars". Any advices to manage it and how to link it please ?
@@davidscott9697 hi, I'm getting closer and still implementing a solution on my new projets, but it's looks great. It's hard at first because each field has it's complexity.. at the end it has nothing in common with contents production August B. discribes. I still have gobal "actions DB" like August B for general purposes. But I don't want to manage here complexes and dependents projects 's actions creating thousands of desordered tasks. So I created a "Cycle DB" or "Steps DB" (specs, design, prod, test, benchmark...etc..) with usefull templates and trackings. So a project can have different types of cycle (agile, benchmarks, V...) and I get a progress by cycle vs time/cycle.actions and cycle.outcomes. A lot of great interactions with templates, issues tracking.. I'm probably not clear because I'm still on it. I need 2/3 projets to juge this approach and get enough feedback... But honestly, for now, the BIG game changer in my R&D projects was the combination of Contacts and Knowledge/Master database. Each input/output is tracked (affected to a contact/compagnie/Knowledge DB/project). After searching informations abouts few topics (main parts of the job) my knowledge/Master database becomes alive with a list of compagnies, contacts conversations, issues. So maybe I should focus more on this.
Thanks Aaron, Coda is a very capable platform as well. The system is what matters, more than the platform. Coda is the one other that I think had the versatility to pull this off.
Recommended Systems Thinking books: - "Thinking in Systems" by Donella Meadows - "Work the System" by Sam Carpenter - "The Systems View of Life: A Unifying Vision" by Fritjof Capra and Pier Luigi Luisi
I am sure you have taken psicadelics. Patterns are all over everything the Universe contains. Even Caos. Love the way you are putting out your content. Much Love to you :::)
Thanks! Awesome to hear this was helpful. Lots more to come, working on some cool new things for the channel and the community growing around it. Glad you've joined us!
Are you familiar with sacred geometry? Some of what you are saying reminds me of this. Separate from that though, this system thinking is how I've thought most of my life. I didn't understand what was happening exactly. I've also had difficulty explaining that to others (since it was so natural to myself), and therefore, it was hard to break down the progression, because my mind would see the patterns and possible problems arise before I could consciously recognize even my own line of thinking (if that makes sense). I key in on those and either plan / prepare or in some way deal with those beforehand. In fact, I struggle with moving forward until I know how I'm going to deal with each of those - at least those possible trajectories. Later, I also learned to troubleshoot systems from another vantage point, and found out also that this thinking worked really good in the disaster response field. Problems arose after graduate school and I had too much information in my head to deal with. I needed a system and hadn't developed one through all this time, because up until that point, my previous systems worked. It's been nearly two years and I've jumped from system to system trying to hone what I need so I can finally start moving forward. I feel like I'm almost there. Still have a few kinks to work out. But getting closer. Thank you!
I should clarify, I don't have clarity in thought very often in my general systems. I just know naturally where to look at times. If I'm taught how to think about a system, it comes fairly naturally. (For some reason this comes less so in the tech world, despite my love of it). But I generally see life actions in this systematic way, as well as some other subjects - mind, body, spirit type things. Right now, I am reorienting my life - perfect time to do this. I've begun reading Deep Work recently, as my intention is to be much more intentional in all areas of my life. Just excited, cause I see the potential here at many levels. (Indulge me, as I feel like I'm on the verge of some major personal breakthroughs).
@@amandad8899 Amazing to hear this Amanda! A natural tendency toward systems thinking is a gift -- run with it! :) I am not familiar with sacred geometry, but sounds intriguing.
I've actually gotten in trouble when I first started working as a teenager because I saw systems in place in my workplace. I tried to do something about the negative outcomes I foresaw (not clairvoyant just could see that it was gonna happen lmao), had I been able to communicate what I saw better I probably would have been more successful.
Thanks Mateusz! Suggestions: RUclips videos of Russell Ackoff, "The Systems View of Life: A Unifying Vision" by Fritjof Capra and Pier Luigi Luisi, and Donella Meadows' "Thinking in Systems"
I am a beginner trying to use this vvp thing on notion. Do you guys Think its possibile? I am a dentist trying to apply these concepts on my life And work
I have been struggling to find the time to listen to this videos very carefully, I am taking notes, and writing everything down on notion. I have no words to describe the way this series of videos are making me think about my whole life Roman special on the way i work. I have dental Office, it's really been a challenge to me to find out whats the best way to gather information, make decisions. I am very happy i had the opportunity to find this channel. I hope with effort I can understand it all and apply in my life !!
step1: inputs, outputs and paths step2: are the process linear or circular? step3: look for patterns FOCUS ZONES step4: find the feedback loops step 5: understand the balancing process step6: study our system's interaction with other systems
Sorry that was on my blog which has been taken down while in the process of moving to the new blog which will eventually appear at www.YearZero.io -- sorry for this transitional period without an active link.
I know it is not easy, but to Improve your videos try to add some visuals into your Videos, Like some Images showing Systems/subsystems as boxes etc. I started reading your article as well on this video. Adding those images in article will make the article's quality better too. As this is not a simple topic for some people, I felt the need of some images to understand it better. Currently it is a lot of text to consume.
Thanks Abdullah, you make a great point and I agree that would be better. These first three videos were all quick, short introductions -- everything following these short initial three videos ihahas extensive screenshares demonstrating the system. You're certainly right that these initial three would have benefited form graphics, I just didn't want to delay getting to the demonstration videos, Always trade-offs between more time on one video or getting additional videos out sooner. Thanks a lot for the feedback, will factor it in for future concept videos.
@@augustbradley I totally get the trade-off. As those were your first videos in the series, There was a chance that in order to achieve perfection by adding visuals etc. you might delay creating these videos. As they say "Perfection is the enemy of progress."
If I could respectfully chime in here. I think most people to whom this type of content appeals to, are not the type to need visuals for a 10-minute video. In theory, it might sound helpful, but in practice, I don't think it's necessary. Think about those videos where there's only a person telling a story for 20-, 30-, or 50-minutes and it has people on the edge of their seats. August speaks very clearly, almost like telling a story about the topic, and at a pace where nothing gets lost in the process. I say this with total respect, but if someone needs visuals for a 10-minute video, I'm more inclined to believe they need to work on the discipline surrounding their attention span, rather than adding visuals. In the end, it's okay to disagree. One thing is for certain: we could use more content like this, and less fail videos.
2 NEW Programs just announced here: ruclips.net/video/ghjHLAjvHoE/видео.html
⭐ My brand new Notion training program: www.FastTrackNotion.com
🚀 Info on the "Notion Life Design" course with PPV: www.NotionLifeDesign.com
Get my NOTION TEMPLATES⚡ and join the NEWSLETTER📰 at: www.yearzero.io/notion-templates
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*Video Summary*
0:00 *Intro*
1. What is systems thinking
2. Traditional Thinking
3. Emergence
4. 6 Steps To Do Systems thinking
1:00 *What is Systems Thinking*
• Systems thinking will magnify your ability to create, solve problems and contribute more to any effort.
• It will enable you to do just about any complex work better and will empower you to build a LOS for yourself
• Crucially, systems thinking enables you to see causal relationships that others are missing and you will bring new ideas and powerful insights to any discussion
• This video is an introduction, intended to provide a working understanding of systems thinking
• The next video will focus on applying it more specifically to designing a productivity system for personal and small business use
• Notion is the best software August has ever seen for non coders to design a personal life enhancement system and to streamline small business operations, but using Notion without a strong sense of systems thinking will limit how far you can take the platform
• Systems thinking is a holistic approach to looking at the world that is often in direct contrast to the standard way people tend to look at issues. It's not the way we are taught in school or at work, it's an unconventional thought process.
• Systems thinking starts with the recognition that all systems are part of larger systems and every system is defined by its function in the larger system.
• A car is not defined by its components (engine, tyres, doors, seats etc.) but by what it does within the larger transportation system. i.e. it gets you from point A to point B with a certain speed, comfort level, carrying capacity etc.
• A car is compared with other systems (bus, train, airplane) by how they each fit into the transportation system.
3:14 *Traditional Thinking*
• A system divided into its component parts cannot function; its worthwhile properties (functions) derive from the interactions of its parts
• Analytical or deconstructionist thinking is the more common approach in our society.
• In analytical thinking, you study the various component parts once you know each you integrate them into an understanding of how the whole works
• If you apply analytics (the study of parts) to a system, the system loses its essential properties and so do its parts. You lose your understanding of its function and how it fits into a larger system.
• Broken into parts the thing of interest in your system does not exist, the only way to understand a thing of any complexity is to look at it in its entirety and see how it functions within the greater systems.
• Systems thinking is a way at looking at a series of ecosystems orbiting and interacting with one another over time.
• With this approach you look for patterns, rather than identifying individual elements. When you see the world this way, endless new insights reveal themselves and you can better design ways in which you interact with the world.
• You'll likely find similar repeating patterns at various detail levels within the system. Both micro and macro and across disciplines; essentially fractal patterns.
• To clarify how rare systems thinking is in modern society we'll cover the standard approaches to problem solving.
• The more common approaches go by terms such as linear thinking, analytical thinking, scientific thinking or mechanical thinking ; the unifying element among them is the application of a set of simplifying assumptions to make the issue more manageable
• These reductionist approaches break everything down into parts and then extrapolate out to an understanding of the whole presuming that the functionality is the sum of the parts
• These simplifying assumptions often poorly model the world leaving us with the same old obvious explanations, starting with limited frameworks, we end up with limited solutions.
• The value of systems thinking is that it reveals properties and causal relationships in systems that do not exist in their components alone. It looks at the qualities of the fully functioning system beyond the sum of its parts
4:10 *Emergence*
• The phenomenon of new qualities forming beyond the core properties or parts is called emergence
• Emergence occurs when an entity is determined to have properties its parts do not have on their own these properties emerge only when the parts interact within a wider whole. Consciousness and life itself are examples of emergence but it happens at all levels, big and small, profound and mundane. Water is made up of Hydrogen and Oxygen parts, but neither of these components have the quality of wetness. Wetness emerges only when the two parts interact as a whole.
• The ability to recognize emergence is a cornerstone element of systems thinking
• Ultimately the ability to design for emergence is a superpower that will be explored in this series
• Merely recognising it provides powerful insights and a starting place to better understand essential causal relationships
• This is how systems thinking helps us see what others are missing and enables us to contribute important ideas to any conversation
5:18 *6 Steps To Do Systems Thinking*
1. Define the inputs, outputs and movements:
• Determine what is moving around inside the system, what's entering from outside of it and ultimately exiting it.
• What are the entry and exit points
• What path do they take, how quickly do they move, is that pace steady or inconsistent? Are there bottlenecks? What happens to the build up at the bottlenecks?
2. Distinguish linear from circular:
• Evaluate what functions in the system are linear and what parts of the process are circular
• You'll find the fundamental parts of systems tend to be circular
• This part helps you weed out a lot of the linear elements that are not essential and helps you determine what are the critical parts of the system. It will also help you identify patterns.
3. Look for patterns:
• Patterns exist all throughout systems and are central to its function. Systems facilitate and perpetuate patterns of activity and behaviour.
• Define the patterns, describe them, visualize them, write them down, map them out. Flowcharts are a great tool for this.
§ Whimsical and mural? Are Augusts favourite flowchart tools.
• Once you notice a pattern in one area of a system, look for echo's of it in other areas of the system and related systems. Look for it in both small and large clusters of participating elements. Zoom out to a wider perspective and then zoom in tighter. Looking for the same pattern to repeat itself at varying levels
• These patterns are fractals and you will find them everywhere
4. Find the feedback loops:
• Can you see feedback loops in the systems patterns?
• A pattern is a repeating design of some sort it could be over space or time or both
• A feedback loop is a self magnifying or self diminishing pattern over time with each iteration is either increases or decreases in magnitude, perpetually and systematically.
• The results of the previous cycle pour greater resources and momentum into the beginning of the next cycle
• Amazons famous flywheel business model is a feedback loop
• Anything with exponential growth has a feedback loop at work (it can work in reverse too)
• Once you see feedback loops you will see causality everything has cause and effect and these are typically buried inside patterns and feedback loops
5. Understand the balancing properties:
• Any system that sustains itself over a long duration will have balancing properties that will prevent the feedback loops and anomalies from pressuring its boundaries.
• Balancing properties help to maintain equilibrium
• Ask what guardrails, constraints or counter forces serve to keep things on track and how surprises are dealt with
• Without balancing elements a system will likely be short lived; look for these counter measures in a system to evaluate its sustainability
6. Study your systems interaction with other systems:
• All systems are part of larger systems and every system is defined by its function within a larger system
• Ask what larger systems the system you are studying is a part of
• Define the inputs, outputs and movements of the larger system
• Look for patterns in the bigger system
• Find feedback loops
• Understand the balancing properties
• Study its interaction with yet larger systems and apply the process again
Awesome Marc! Thank you 🙏
@@augustbradley Thank YOU!
Whimsical and Miro
you're an angel!
Timestamps Index
0:00 Intro
1:00 What is Systems Thinking
3:14 Traditional Thinking
4:10 Emergence
5:18 6 Steps To Do Systems Thinking
You just copied this out of the description.
@@cole9822 LOL 😂
Timestamps weren't available yet when this was released. If you're just starting out with PPV, you'll see more of my timestamp comments in the next videos.
Legend
"Consciousness and life itself are examples of emergence" - wow, just wow! That sentence alone was worth it's weight in gold in terms of connecting dots.
I'm glad to hear that resonated with you! It struck me as a profound thought as well. Keep diving in - we're on the same wavelength.
@@augustbradley We sure are. I had developed in parts most of what you teach, but your content and philosophy gave me the connectors to put them all together and build a breathtaking system. So grateful to have found your channel.
I am simply amazed. This has inspired me so much. At first, I want it all. The system, orderliness, the functionality and the look. Then, I hear the statement that this is the result of 25 plus years of work. If, I want to get my life back on track then I need to patiently work at making this into my system all the while giving credit to whom it's due and implementing the strategy that is being taught. From this, I realize that I can have simplicity and order in my life. Thank you, August! Thank you, Notion!
This YT playlist is a goldmine; one for the vaults. Thanks August.
@@anutuyi Hello Anu! Nice to see that you've started the productivity course. We should share ideas sometime.
If I'm going to listen to anybody teach me about systems thinking to better my life, I'm sure glad Professor X is giving the lesson.
Hey, so I'm just finding your system and going back to the beginning after finding your video about Dashboards and I just want to thank you for sharing this! The amount of thought and time you have put into this you could obviously charge for and while I see you have a site and monetization on that end, I cannot express how appreciative I am for you simply sharing these methods and indeed your entire system to all who choose to simply click and follow... It's very commendable and you clearly want to help people get their lives rolling to their goals. Again, thank you.
Where has this video been all my life?!
Oh God. Looks like this video is the most valuable of all the videos in this course, such a confession for myself. Thanks a lot August!
I started watching your series and I just can’t believe these videos I can watch for free...thanks for sharing your knowledge and perspective with us on RUclips. What you talked about in this video is very interesting, especially as I am specialized in analytic philosophy. The limit and problem of analytic thinking you pointed out is also applicable to the methodology of analytic philosophy. Since it reduces concepts into pieces, it overlooks a holistic context and system underlying the concepts. There are some ways to incorporate these two ways of thinking, I believe, and I think analytic/logical thinking is itself a very useful skill, so hopefully I can find a way to overcome the issues!
The same concepts are applied in “Thinking in Systems” by Donella Meadows. Shopify’s CEO lists this as one of his most favorite books.
Absolutely Lindsey!
@@augustbradley Hey August! Thank you so much for this. I'm just getting started. At the end of the videos you say there is a written version of this video available on your site. Is that still the case?
@@JasonHanna01 There was in the blog on my old website, it will be back when I launch the new blog in 2021. Sorry about that!
@@augustbradley No worries! I appreciate the quick reply and everything you're doing. Looking forward to the new site!
Thanks for the recommendation!
Just getting in to this video series and I am blown away by how much it makes sense. I appreciate your insight on this and your willingness to help others understand and use this concept.
It's almost scary how well this bridges the gap between human consciousness and the internet. It's also intriguing that realizing the fractal patterns of the universe (no matter how far you zoom in or out) also applies to our thoughts and actions towards outcomes.
Much respect, thank you!
The concept that all systems are a part of a larger system and every system is defined by its function in larger system is very correct . A very helpful video indeed . Highly inspiring .
I've never post some comment under videos, but i just discover your channel after some research about how i can make my life better with notion and organize it, i am so glad to see your work because i think this excatly what i'm need right now, cheers from france ;)
Fellow systems thinker here
I couldn't have found this at a better time! Thanks August. Making and sharing this shows you truly do care about helping people make their lives better.
Thanks James! Means a lot to me to hear this. Very happy that it's been valuable to you. Lots more to come!
Wow, I have a whole new take on life and learning. Thank you!
I love this, apparently I've been a systems thinker all my life! As a historian I'm often berated for preferring structuralist readings of history (they are supposed to be 'outdated') over an individualistic reading. But as I advance in life, nothing tells me I'm wrong, on the contrary: the more I see how everything is connected.
This is probably why Notion vibes so well with me?
I think like this semi intuitively and have really struggled to implement it in Notion without making a huge mess. This help is much appreciated.
Great to hear this was helpful Ira. Thanks for the feedback!
Wowww! So wie die Augen funkeln, wenn du von der Superpower sprichst, das is wirklich ansteckend! Ich hab so viel mehr begriffen über das systemische Denken, obgleich ich schon immer ein Freund davon war... nur muss ich jetzt umsteigen von analog (linear) zu digital (vernetzt) ... ich hab so lang das Wasserstoff und das Sauerstoff Atom analysiert he, nur um herauszufinden, wie das mit dem Wasser geht, anstatt einen Staudamm zu errichten und die Kraft zu nutzen... oder ein entspannendes Bad 🛁 zu nehmen... danke für deine arbeit...
Brilliant. Most things drizzle away. Hope springs as I dig in deeper...
Keep up the great work, Floren!
Hi, would you mind giving an example of a system and its inputs, outputs and movements? Not sure if I grasp this concept just yet
the concentration of quality information in such a short period of time reminds me of kurzgesagt - thanks for sharing!
Wow, that's an amazing compliment -- thank you Paolo 🙏. I love the kurzgesagt videos. Lots more to come!
love them too -- connecting dots :D
The 5th discipline by Peter Senge is another great book about system thinking.
This content is amazing, thank you very much! I’m very excited to continue this series! Coming from Basecamp nowadays and trying to connect everything is a mess. Notion is giving a hole new perspective. I remember trying to have a life dashboard on a Joomla admin panel a long time ago, it seems that some things are coming together now. Very excited!
Thank you Daniel! Really appreciate it. Notion is truly next-generation. Lots more to come.
@@augustbradley can't wait!
Wow, that was fantastic. I'm taking over a business in the next few years and I've had a hard time explaining and codifying my thought process on what I want to change and improve. This video explained what I've been thinking much more articulately than I've ever been able to. Thanks for this!
Awesome Luca, this approach is great for re-framing and thinking from different angles. Will reveal ideas and perspectives most overlook.
I look forward to seeing Systems Thinking in action through Notion.
Just in case you would like to improve the accuracy of your example for emergence, oxygen and hydrogen do both exhibit "wetness" (aka the property of a liquid), just not at standard atmospheric pressure and temperature. When they combine to produce what we call water, the new property that "emerges" is that it will be in liquid form at standard atmospheric pressure and temperature.
I stand corrected! Will look for better examples. The principle still stands aside form the particular example.
Yes, you're right. I really liked your example - even the way you gave it - it really made me think!
I would like to say that irregardless of the accuracy, it is still a good analogy. However, I am concerned that Scott will correct me by telling me that irregardless is not an accurate word. Therefore, I shall not say this....however, Scott may tell me that by my saying what I wouldn't say, I ended up saying it anyway.
Ok.... mind blown...! This is brilliant.
Excellent! Great to hear it was impactful 💥
Hi August! You have changed the way I see the world- - thank you. What are the most influential books in your life?
Thank you so much for sharing. This is the first time I hear about the term 'system thinking'. It makes so much sense that everything affects everything else around us and every interaction/connection/relationship is not wholly linear. The process of capturing the relationship and the ability to define the causal relationship among the interactions in our daily life are very interesting!
MY goodness I am so profoundly moved because of the way you’ve introduced the topic of Consciousness into the discussion. As you were talking about recognizing the system as a whole, the patterns & the emergent force that appears once two or more things collate, my mind was already gravitating towards all that I’m familiar with on the topics of sacred geometry, the patterns of life, & consciousness. Then you really dove into it... cause & effect, fractals, etc. Such a philosophical breakdown, very well done. I must ask, have you heard of the book, “The Man Who Tapped The Secrets of the Universe” by Clark Glenn? It’s about Walter Russel. Your perceptions of the world utilizing Systems Thinking, very much compels me to believe that you are like the few men described in this book, who have this kind of cosmic awareness about our universal laws & the “spiritual cause of all effect” as it’s put. You teaching this in this way, will help to awaken many, many more.
I know, it's super profound isn't it. I did not know that book, but just added it to my list :) Sounds fascinating. Agree with you on all those topics -- here are some of my previous explorations on my other YT channel on Fractals (ruclips.net/video/bUp7IK7XcdM/видео.html ), Consciousness (ruclips.net/video/NsvEKyzRXdY/видео.html ), and more at ruclips.net/user/MindAndMachine
Astounding, Truly. THIS is the type of content I search for & you just happened to provide so much between these two channels alone that will keep me satiated with learning material worthy of replays no doubt. Grateful to have come across your content due to our shared love of Notion. Happy to stick around for both this channel as well as Mind & Machine. Subscribed & Notified! 🙏🏾🙌🏾✨
@@Wildenfree Awesome, sounds like you and I have think alike and have similar interests!
Quite so indeed August, my new friend! Haha 🙏🏾 Looking forward to learning more from you & sharing insights along the way!
Do you have a book list that includes systems thinking recommendations which you'd be willing to share and/or make public? I've been thinking about diving into the subject for a long time. The only resources I know of are Fritjof Capra's books and course, and Donella Meadows's Thinking in Systems. Some other related books I have are Ken Wilber's post 90s books and Spiral Dynamics, but these are models I want to study rather than specific systems thinking instructive content. Any recommendation would be highly appreciated. Thanks!
You've named the two big ones I know of. I've participated in courses and conversations about the topic, but a good source of info and insight on the it are the Russell Ackoff videos on RUclips. Fascinating topic for sure!
@@augustbradley Thanks!
I'm currently reading The Goal: A Process of Ongoing Improvement by Eliyahu M. Goldratt. Rather a dull cover, but highly recommended for any systems thinker!!
@@augustbradley He named a few books and authors, which are the ones you would suggest?
And what do you think about Niklas Luhmann who invented system theory of society? I am very familiar with his approaches. Is there still much to be gained from the other approaches?
And thanks for your videos!
@@MikeKarst HI Mika, Fritjof Capra's book is good., Haven;t read Luhmann. Thanks for your support here!
I am in for a fun, profound and enlightening journey into knowledge! Already on my first assignment.
Wonderful video. If you do explore this topic further in future videos, is it possible for you to include discussion on where Systems Thinking and neurodiversity overlaps? In particular, Autism Spectrum Disorder and to some extent ADHD. People with ASD particularly are known to have exceptional pattern recognition skills. It's often stereotyped as being naturally inclined towards developing skills in analytical and the numbers side of data-related tasks, but I feel that systems thinking is the predominant way of seeing the world. The interconnectedness and fractal nature of everything.
Where it becomes disabling is that attempting to make sense of irrational and unpredictable things like humans, or make sense of situations where incomplete data is available to assess the system, leads to intense anxiety and inability to make a decision or choose the correct action or response. There's also an element of obsessive thinking and compulsive behaviours where a need to act or collect data on one particular point in the system is so powerful that you see either rigid thinking and topic insistence (both typical in ASD) or immersion in activities and projects that are not aligned with goals and priorities (ADHD). Attempting to suppress these needs and mask ND behaviours and interests, as well as dealing with sensory overwhelm from trying to filter out the information that neurotypical people filter or don't perceive, leads to autistic burnout. I'm on a personal quest to find the best way to balance these competing goals and to advocate for neurodiversity and encourage adaptive design to become a greater priority for service designers and business analysts working on systems that determine employee experience and customer experience.
Fascinating area of exploration and definitely outside of my knowledge zone. I can see how there would be a lot to learn here. Thanks for bringing this field of study to my attention!
I don't understand the difference between Systems Thinking and Operating systems. Can you help me, please? Btw, thank you for this amazing course.
Wow, that was profound and enlightening. Thank you very much for that video!
Thanks Roman, I found this mind-blowing too when I first encountered it. Changed the way I viewed the world. Lots more to come!
OMG! Seriously, I thought I was the only one who thought this way. This is how I view the world. Although, I also include probability and game theory, particularly when humans are involved.
I also incorporate this way of thinking into a the wider context of bayesian analysis, meaning I alter my thinking as new information is obtained.
I also think this is a contributing factor to having no friends. ☹️
Not sure where to ask this question. I have been wanted for a long time to minimize the number of apps that I have been using, want to simplify my data, documents, and tasks as much as I can. I am thankful for your videos. One place I am hung up on is document storage and retrieval. I use Notion/Evernote for drafts, ideas, web clips and some pdf's (instructions, receipts, health ins docs, etc.) Google Drive is where I store a lot of this same info. How are you handling document storage?
I store all much of that in the Vaults in my Notion system (Vaults in my system = info storage databases). I have vaults that hold articles and links to videos of interest. My past writing, anything that I might want to retrieve later that needs a good organizational system to fine. I do use Dropbox for files saved by apps such as MS Office and Scrivener, but final drafts of Newsletters and Blog posts I will save in my Notion Vaults. Have a disciplined system and be consistent. Hope that helps. I will introduce how I use many of my "Vaults" in future videos.
Amazing, thank you so much!
I was opening video to see a notion tutorial but WOW this approach of thinking and the way you elaborated it made me interested, Subscribed.
Thanks Ahmed! Awesome to hear this was helpful. Lots more to come, working on some cool new things for the channel and the community growing around it. Glad you've joined us.
This looks great! I'm always trying to optimize things for my life and ADHD and I wonder if I'll ever get a system going AND be able to stick with it, but I think this could be a good start!
I think I've come to the realization that trying to do everything from scratch myself is a huge impediment and that it's worth it to at least get a head start when someone such as you has already done so much work to set something up!
I find the majority of current systems out there to be just like you said: too simplistic, or certain apps and products being too narrow in scope, and I just have too many ideas and thoughts that I want to be able to hold on to preventing me from trusting systems that are too simple. On the other hand, while I love so much of what's in GTD etc which would solve that part, not having an easily workable system has prevented me from being able to truly utilize it. Crossing my fingers....
Same here! Looking to put my brain into "paper" to counter my ADHD
Super interesting! And I'm definitely getting a Matrix vibe from August's content and aesthetic.
Exceptional content!. It comes to my life in a moment in wich I am shaping a data area on an exceptional startup, and I think the whole idea makes sense in terms of optimizing the operation and driving high value outputs aligned with the objectives we want to achieve as a team. Really thanks for this
Priceless, Highly Valuable information. Thank you for this series- Life changing information!
Glad it was helpful! Really appreciate the feedback Stephanie.
Loved it! I didn't want you to stop! Looking forward to listening to your other videos on systems thinking.
This is a super powerful masterclass in systems thinking. Thank you for sharing this August.
Beautifully explained! Thank you!
Thank you Sue! Greatly appreciate your feedback here.
Amazing!! It remembered me to your podcast with Donald Hoffman, absolutely great content
The Donald Hoffman episode was crazy, right!? 🙂
Hey August, great information.
What's the best overview book you've seen to go deeper into systems thinking?
Thanks, Ron
Thanks Ron. I'd suggest starting by watching the RUclips videos of Russell Ackoff speaking about systems thinking. He's The Godfather of it. ST is fascinating stuff!
The book I started with is "The Systems View of Life: A Unifying Vision" by Fritjof Capra and Pier Luigi Luisi. I definitely recommend that book if you want a deep dive overview of it's origins to how we could use it in today's world.
@@laurensdesmet70 : Great tip Laurens, I'm looking forward to checking that out too.
@@laurensdesmet70 Capra has an online course - costs about $500 and is approx. 12 episodes - really worthwhile. Also a lot of free spin offs...
Capra's Tao of physics too
Great! shoutout for all the same shirts with different colors in every videos x)
Hi August: first of all, not enough words to thank you for your content. I have been using some kind of productivity tool for the past few years and nothing really clicked with me. PPV really does, and so does Notion. It is exciting to know that Notion will keep improving along too. I would be very interested in how you organize your files in cloud storage to be able to navigate them easily: are you mirroring the structure of your Notion system in any way? I have tons of stuffs in there and assume (maybe wrongly) that it would clutter my Notion system (Invoices, copies of IDs, tax declarations and so on)
Good questions Ncolas, I should do a video on that. I don't use iCloud, but I do use Dropbox. Though frankly I use it less and less over time as my other cloud-based systems evolve (like Notion). But for some things where a software application created functional files (e.g., Excel, Scrivener, etc...) you need that syncing file directory. Essentially those are a form of Vaults and I treat them as Vaults in my weekly and monthly reviews. I have one for Personal then one for each company or organizational entity I'm a part of. Inside each I have a consistent setup with a folder for Admin, Graphics/Visuals, Marketing, Content and whatever other type of activity there is. I keep the directory setup consistent across each organization. Personal has some additional ones. But as cloud SaaS platforms get more capability, I'm less reliant on desktop software that generates those kinds of files to store. Hope that helps!
@@augustbradley Thanks a lot for the answer! I also use Dropbox only and structure it more or less the same. I am thinking of using pillars to build the directory tree, but did not reach a conclusion on whether this would cover all my files yet. I guess I need to give it a little more thoughts. Can't wait for your next video (and Newsletter to which I also recently suscribed). Cheers and take care
@@NicoLargi You could totally use the Pillars for that. In fact, you got me thinking. I am going to consider that as well. You wouldn't need to use all of them, just the once that would
have local-software files. Great thought!
@@NicoLargi Did you end up organizing your files under any pillars or have you kept them in Dropbox?
@@augustbradley How have you kept your "admin" files in vaults or have you moved them to pillars? Or used Evernote or Dropbox instead for "paperwork"?
Better course I saw from notion
Hi, you mention a link to your blog for the written version of this series, however I clicked al the links in the description and cannot seem to reach any blog. Can you please share the direct link to your blog? I find your series really interesting, but prefer to read over watching video’s. Much appreciated! Thanks.
Sorry, the old blog on the old website is gone, and haven't launched the new blog yet. It will return with the new blog in a few months. Apologies!
besides these two tools, I feel the notes on systems thinking(e.g. many related concepts and examples) that you once showed in a video posted on Keep Productive Chanel are really informing and inspiring. is it public anywhere? if so, I would love to read it through and add them into my knowledge box @August Bradley
Really interresting !!
The System Thinking approch is what I was searching for a long time and trying to implement in my field (Hardware ingeneerg).
You put it very simple. Good Job !
I've got a question :
I have to much project in mind... How do you manage/classify non-projects activities ?
I have "Buying" (to manage a State of the Art system including "Wish List" -> "delevering" -> "In stock" )
I also have "Family", "Soccer", "Home" projects with tasks, steps, daily tracking... so I manage it like a Project because it has the same parameters.
But since it has no end, it's no project.
You don't look to have personnal stuff or this kind of project. I supposed you define it like "Pillars". Any advices to manage it and how to link it please ?
Have you found a solution that works for these types of "projects"?
@@davidscott9697 hi, I'm getting closer and still implementing a solution on my new projets, but it's looks great. It's hard at first because each field has it's complexity.. at the end it has nothing in common with contents production August B. discribes.
I still have gobal "actions DB" like August B for general purposes. But I don't want to manage here complexes and dependents projects 's actions creating thousands of desordered tasks.
So I created a "Cycle DB" or "Steps DB" (specs, design, prod, test, benchmark...etc..) with usefull templates and trackings. So a project can have different types of cycle (agile, benchmarks, V...) and I get a progress by cycle vs time/cycle.actions and cycle.outcomes.
A lot of great interactions with templates, issues tracking..
I'm probably not clear because I'm still on it. I need 2/3 projets to juge this approach and get enough feedback...
But honestly, for now, the BIG game changer in my R&D projects was the combination of Contacts and Knowledge/Master database.
Each input/output is tracked (affected to a contact/compagnie/Knowledge DB/project).
After searching informations abouts few topics (main parts of the job) my knowledge/Master database becomes alive with a list of compagnies, contacts conversations, issues. So maybe I should focus more on this.
Excellent analysis, thank you! Nice sandtimer, I have a similar one.
I’m sold.
This is really a great way to plan, I’m gonna do it in coda though, it works so much better
Thanks Aaron, Coda is a very capable platform as well. The system is what matters, more than the platform. Coda is the one other that I think had the versatility to pull this off.
Is there a way to get the written version of this now ? can't find the link
Amazing man, thank you so much!
"They're essentially fractal patterns"
I lol'ed
But then again, everything is fractal patterns, so there's that 🙂
YOU ARE AWESOME!!!
usefull when u are intrested in market :) thanks for Your time to make this video
Glad it was helpful!
Interesting stuff! What books on system thinking do you recommend?
Recommended Systems Thinking books:
- "Thinking in Systems" by Donella Meadows
- "Work the System" by Sam Carpenter
- "The Systems View of Life: A Unifying Vision" by Fritjof Capra and Pier Luigi Luisi
I am sure you have taken psicadelics. Patterns are all over everything the Universe contains. Even Caos.
Love the way you are putting out your content. Much Love to you :::)
No psychedelics, fractal geometry is an insight into how systems work in society, nature, and everything. Thanks! Lots more to come.
Mind blown!
I don’t totally understand everything you’ve said, you’ve pretty much described my way of thinking with things and engineering etc
Awesome work!
Much appreciated!! 💛🧡
Fantastic stuff. I took lots of notes :)
Thanks! Awesome to hear this was helpful. Lots more to come, working on some cool new things for the channel and the community growing around it. Glad you've joined us!
Are you familiar with sacred geometry? Some of what you are saying reminds me of this. Separate from that though, this system thinking is how I've thought most of my life. I didn't understand what was happening exactly. I've also had difficulty explaining that to others (since it was so natural to myself), and therefore, it was hard to break down the progression, because my mind would see the patterns and possible problems arise before I could consciously recognize even my own line of thinking (if that makes sense). I key in on those and either plan / prepare or in some way deal with those beforehand. In fact, I struggle with moving forward until I know how I'm going to deal with each of those - at least those possible trajectories. Later, I also learned to troubleshoot systems from another vantage point, and found out also that this thinking worked really good in the disaster response field. Problems arose after graduate school and I had too much information in my head to deal with. I needed a system and hadn't developed one through all this time, because up until that point, my previous systems worked. It's been nearly two years and I've jumped from system to system trying to hone what I need so I can finally start moving forward. I feel like I'm almost there. Still have a few kinks to work out. But getting closer. Thank you!
I should clarify, I don't have clarity in thought very often in my general systems. I just know naturally where to look at times. If I'm taught how to think about a system, it comes fairly naturally. (For some reason this comes less so in the tech world, despite my love of it). But I generally see life actions in this systematic way, as well as some other subjects - mind, body, spirit type things. Right now, I am reorienting my life - perfect time to do this. I've begun reading Deep Work recently, as my intention is to be much more intentional in all areas of my life. Just excited, cause I see the potential here at many levels. (Indulge me, as I feel like I'm on the verge of some major personal breakthroughs).
@@amandad8899 Amazing to hear this Amanda! A natural tendency toward systems thinking is a gift -- run with it! :) I am not familiar with sacred geometry, but sounds intriguing.
I've actually gotten in trouble when I first started working as a teenager because I saw systems in place in my workplace. I tried to do something about the negative outcomes I foresaw (not clairvoyant just could see that it was gonna happen lmao), had I been able to communicate what I saw better I probably would have been more successful.
Right on Dustin, When you know what to look for, you can see things like this all over the place. These patterns repeat everywhere.
@@augustbradley Yes, and once you learn to recognize them, then it makes it easier to do something about them.
@@DustinMillerPolyInnovator Absolutely!
Powerful!
mind...blown...!
Great content August! Would you or anyone else here recommend any courses / books to learn more about systems thinking?
Thanks Mateusz!
Suggestions: RUclips videos of Russell Ackoff, "The Systems View of Life: A Unifying Vision" by Fritjof Capra and Pier Luigi Luisi, and Donella Meadows' "Thinking in Systems"
@@augustbradley Thank you very much! ;)
This guy is a damn G
I am a beginner trying to use this vvp thing on notion. Do you guys Think its possibile? I am a dentist trying to apply these concepts on my life And work
I have been struggling to find the time to listen to this videos very carefully, I am taking notes, and writing everything down on notion. I have no words to describe the way this series of videos are making me think about my whole life Roman special on the way i work. I have dental Office, it's really been a challenge to me to find out whats the best way to gather information, make decisions. I am very happy i had the opportunity to find this channel. I hope with effort I can understand it all and apply in my life !!
Mind blowing
I feel the same way about it!
Anyone know what August's blog that have written version of this video? I cant find it
Click on the 3 dots and choose "open transcript"....this may be a new feature.
step1: inputs, outputs and paths
step2: are the process linear or circular?
step3: look for patterns
FOCUS ZONES
step4: find the feedback loops
step 5: understand the balancing process
step6: study our system's interaction with other systems
thank you!
Getting Dr. Evil vibes with these shirts
Is that a copy of Tools of Titans in the background? :D
Consciousness is a system
Where can I find The written form that he talked about.
Sorry that was on my blog which has been taken down while in the process of moving to the new blog which will eventually appear at www.YearZero.io -- sorry for this transitional period without an active link.
You should be able to view the transcript by clicking on the 3 dots and choosing "open transcript". I hope that helps.
You are saying that Notion has no rivals for no coders. What about rivals for coders?
I know it is not easy, but to Improve your videos try to add some visuals into your Videos, Like some Images showing Systems/subsystems as boxes etc. I started reading your article as well on this video. Adding those images in article will make the article's quality better too.
As this is not a simple topic for some people, I felt the need of some images to understand it better. Currently it is a lot of text to consume.
Also, I would suggest explaining it with examples.
Thanks Abdullah, you make a great point and I agree that would be better. These first three videos were all quick, short introductions -- everything following these short initial three videos ihahas extensive screenshares demonstrating the system. You're certainly right that these initial three would have benefited form graphics, I just didn't want to delay getting to the demonstration videos, Always trade-offs between more time on one video or getting additional videos out sooner. Thanks a lot for the feedback, will factor it in for future concept videos.
@@augustbradley I totally get the trade-off. As those were your first videos in the series, There was a chance that in order to achieve perfection by adding visuals etc. you might delay creating these videos.
As they say "Perfection is the enemy of progress."
If I could respectfully chime in here. I think most people to whom this type of content appeals to, are not the type to need visuals for a 10-minute video. In theory, it might sound helpful, but in practice, I don't think it's necessary. Think about those videos where there's only a person telling a story for 20-, 30-, or 50-minutes and it has people on the edge of their seats. August speaks very clearly, almost like telling a story about the topic, and at a pace where nothing gets lost in the process.
I say this with total respect, but if someone needs visuals for a 10-minute video, I'm more inclined to believe they need to work on the discipline surrounding their attention span, rather than adding visuals.
In the end, it's okay to disagree. One thing is for certain: we could use more content like this, and less fail videos.
@@nathancarranza9860 Thanks a lot Nathan, helpful to hear different perspectives!
So this is what made Dr Evil a criminal genius
August for President.
We need a 'system' counter for this video
aren't systems thinking inherent to social sciences such as in economics?
It should be, but as an economics major I can say it’s not taught that way.
One Million Dollars!
🥰👌👏👏
I Dont understand anything(
I like the channel. Also you really look like bald devin nash.
10 hours value in 10 minutes.
this guy is too much pro, i can't concentrate more than 30 seconds. its really hard to understand anything
Take a shot for every time August say "System" ;-)