I Underestimated Project Lists
A project list is a list of all current projects you are working on. This list reduces stress, simplifies planning, provides mental clarity and keeps you focused.
Here are my articles on productivity, wellbeing, knowledge management, and philosophy that are read by thousands of people! I combine personal stories with scientific insights and lessons.
I publish a new article every Sunday!
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Over the next weeks I will be redesigning my website, rewriting its code and revising articles. Therefore, no new articles will be published for the time being. As soon as the work is completed, I will inform you here.
2024
March 2024
My Weekly System Maintenance
System maintenance tidies up your working environment so that it is up and running for the next week. Lucas Brenner presents his maintenance routine in this article.
The Four Types of Overwhelm
There are four different types of overwhelm. Fortunately, there are specific coping strategies for each of these types, which Lucas Brenner presents in this article.
What Good Feedback Looks Like
Good feedback has to fulfill 3 dimensions, so that you can learn as much as possible from the criticism. Lucas Brenner presents these characteristics in this article.
February 2024
How I Write My Literature Notes
In this article, Lucas Brenner presents a step-by-step guide on how he creates his literature notes. He also shares the Obsidian template he uses to write good notes.
The Seasons of Habits
Habits depend on a long-term fluctuation of motivation and productivity. In this article, Lucas Brenner explains how one can use this natural rhythm for one's habits.
Why I No Longer Use Time Blocking
Lucas Brenner no longer uses the time blocking system to plan his days in his calendar. Instead, he uses a more robust system, which he explains in this article.
How to Organize Your Finances in a Relationship
Finances are important in a relationship, but many couples don't talk enough about money. In this article, Lucas Brenner presents his system for couples' finances.
January 2024
The Most Important Rules for Screen Work
Many people today work for hours on end at screens for their professional and private lives. In this article, Lucas Brenner shares tips to make screen work healthier.
Why I Publish Articles
Lucas Brenner started writing articles in 2021. In this article, he gives an insight into where the information in his articles comes from and why he publishes them.
My Obsidian Workflow
My workflow for creating notes in Obsidian consists of various different techniques and systems. This article provides an overview of my digital note-taking system.
Enjoy Life, Because It's Not Fair
We humans assign meaning to the events in our lives and evaluate them. In this article, Lucas Brenner explains why and how we can enjoy life despite its unfairness.
2023
52 new articles / 11,950 unique website visitors / 15,619 website views / 38,571 pages viewed
December 2023
The Three Easy Principles of Stoicism
Stoicism contains three basic principles for a better life, which Lucas Brenner presents in this article: the dichotomy of control, virtue and harmony with nature.
My Semester Abroad at UCL
In this article, Lucas Brenner reflects on the experiences he had during his semester abroad at University College London and how this time changed his personality.
How to Create an Efficient File System
A file system must be efficient in order to save time in the long run. In this article, Lucas Brenner presents his organization system for digital files and folders.
How to Switch Quickly between Projects
Switching between projects always leads to high opportunity costs. In this article, Lucas Brenner presents three techniques to make switching between projects easier.
The Journey Is the Destination
Life is like a race without a finish line and your troubles won't suddenly disappear. In this article, Lucas Brenner explains how you can still enjoy your life.
November 2023
The Misuse of Digital Devices
Digital devices are becoming general-purpose tools. According to Lucas Brenner, the conscious use of technology can prevent it from mutating into an end in itself.
How to Stay Balanced despite Change
The Kaizen process describes that change is necessary to stay in balance. This process is a cycle of improvement to achieve the goals that we have set for ourselves.
Good Books Should Be Read Several Times
You should read good books several times, as Lucas Brenner explains in this article, because you learn new things, deepen your knowledge and gain a new perspective.
Character Traits Are Not Good or Bad
With the so-called value square, the relationships of values can be illustrated. This makes it possible to determine the development potential of your own character.
October 2023
How to Get To Know Yourself Abroad
You can discover and get to know yourself better abroad. Lucas Brenner explains why a different culture is helpful and what to keep in mind during your time abroad.
Being Alone Is Not Bad
Being alone is not as bad as it is portrayed by society. In this article, Lucas Brenner shows why being alone is important and how we can enjoy the time in solitude.
The Ideal Learning Space
There is no ideal learning space for everyone, as this decision is individual. In this article, Lucas Brenner describes a scale of learning places for ranking yourself.
Tips for Combating Homesickness
Homesickness is a normal feeling that is nothing to be ashamed of. In this article, Lucas Brenner presents some tips that you can use to overcome your homesickness.
The Benefits of Good Design
Good design has the advantage of being aesthetically pleasing and professional. According to Lucas Brenner, it also makes the work more attractive and more motivating.
September 2023
My 3 Minute Diary
In this article, Lucas Brenner introduces his 3-minute diary system that allows you to easily and quickly write daily meaningful diary entries to remember your life.
How to Really Enjoy Your Vacation
With the points presented in this article by Lucas Brenner, you can improve your vacation and keep the resulting feeling of relaxation after the trip for longer.
The Ultimate Financial System
The best financial system consists of a checking and a savings account, the stock portfolio and a credit card. In this article Lucas Brenner explains this system.
The Question That Can Conquer Your Fear
Will this still count in 10 days / months / years? With this question, we can overcome almost all our fears and worries, because we look at our feelings rationally.
August 2023
Your Productivity System Is Too Complex
Many productivity systems are too complex. According to Lucas Brenner, they should instead be individually tailored, simple and robust so that they really work.
What Makes a Good Relationship
Values, trust, tolerance and closeness are the building blocks of social relationships. In this article, Lucas Brenner explains how to have positive relationships.
Why We Doubt Our Decisions
It's normal to doubt our decisions. In this article, Lucas Brenner describes how we could be (more) satisfied with our decisions and why there are no bad decisions.
Why Budget Plans Have Disadvantages
Budget plans are helpful financial tools, but you have to use them correctly, so they don't cause stress, greed or worry. They are only meant to provide an overview.
July 2023
How to Turn Setbacks into Thrust
We all have setbacks to deal with, no matter how hard we try. In this article, Lucas Brenner describes how to deal with mistakes and make sure you're still happy.
Writing Good Literature Notes
Literature notes have great potential if you write and edit them correctly. In this article, Lucas Brenner describes how best to go about creating and using them.
How to Increase Your Self-Esteem
It's normal to feel like you're not good enough sometimes. With the steps presented by Lucas Brenner here, you can prevent yourself from doubting yourself too often.
You Have Everything You Need
You have all the information and ideas you need to start a new project. According to Lucas Brenner, a Second Brain can help you escape this illusion by collecting ideas.
You Can Learn Anything with This Method
There are learning methods that have been scientifically proven to be better. In this article Lucas Brenner presents his own learning system based on these results.
June 2023
Speed Counts for Quick Notes
When it comes to creating quick notes, speed is paramount. Lucas Brenner explains why quick notes are important and shows you the best way to create them digitally.
What Not to Do When Stressed
Stress is just an emotional reaction generated by our thoughts in our heads. In this article, Lucas Brenner explains what you should NOT do in stressful situations.
Letting Go or Holding On?
Every decision about new opportunities means weighing the known against the unknown. We have to find a middle ground that fits our goals and priorities for our lives.
We Have Many Identities
We have many identities, between which we often switch. In this article, Lucas Brenner explains where these identities come from and how they influence our habits.
May 2023
How to Recover Properly
We need more and better rest than we think. This includes more than just sleep. In this article, Lucas Brenner explains how to recover properly and stay productive.
How to Find Your Passion
Choosing what you want to study is the first big decision young people have to make. Lucas Brenner explains how to make such important life decisions in this article.
Social Media Do Not Force Us into Loneliness
We are NOT getting lonelier today. Loneliness is a subjective emotion and the data is very limited. Furthermore, feelings of loneliness fluctuate throughout life.
Do Ideas Need Chaos or Order?
Do ideas need chaos or order to emerge? In this article, Lucas Brenner describes why both opposites are necessary to have ideas. You can use chaos within your structure.
April 2023
How I Plan My Life
In this article, Lucas Brenner describes his life planning, which serves as a guideline to orientate himself and points him in the right direction like a compass.
Some Projects Have to Be Cancelled
Sometimes it is necessary to terminate or leave a project you are working on prematurely. In this article, Lucas Brenner explains which aspects should be considered.
The Only Financial Rule You Need
The 50/30/20 rule is the only financial rule you need to manage your income and personal finances. In this article, Lucas Brenner explains what this principle means.
Feelings Are Only Triggered by Thoughts
All feelings are triggered only by thoughts. In this article, Lucas Brenner introduces several techniques to positively influence your thoughts and therefore emotions.
Listening to Your Own Body
Our own body constantly sends signals that we must interpret correctly and act upon in order to live in harmony. Lucas Brenner explains how to achieve this goal.
March 2023
Don't Just Be Yourself
Lucas Brenner criticizes the Be Yourself movement as static and limiting. Realize your potential and instead don't just be yourself, but always evolve.
Facing Your Fear
Lucas Brenner, like everyone, sometimes feels afraid. In this article, he shows how best to deal with your fear or anxiety. You can even use your fear and overcome it.
Reading Self-Help Books Correctly
With the techniques presented by Lucas Brenner in this article, you can get more out of self-help books and you better integrate their lessons into your own life.
1,440 Minutes per Day
In this article Lucas Brenner explains the meaning of the number 1,440, because that's how many minutes every day has. Days should be used in the best possible way.
February 2023
Perseverance Is the Key to Success
In this article, Lucas Brenner explains why perseverance is the key to success and that there is no overnight success. You have to invest energy to be successful.
Actions Have Consequences
In this article, Lucas Brenner explains that you are responsible for all the consequences of your own actions. This means that you can live up to your full potential.
Emails Should Be No Longer than 5 Sentences
Lucas Brenner wants to stop sending emails longer than 5 sentences to communicate efficiently. In this article, he explains why he published this goal as a manifesto.
My Obsidian Templates for My Diary
In this article, Lucas Brenner shares the Markdown templates of his daily, weekly, and yearly overview for Obsidian. He uses them regularly in his private diary.
January 2023
Pondering Does Not Always Help
Lucas Brenner thinks too often about problems or decisions that have already been made. In this article, he presents techniques to prevent overthinking and worrying.
How to Find a Work Balance
A good balance is important in life according to Lucas Brenner, even though he sometimes works too much himself. In this article he shares the experience he has gained.
Organizing Your Finances Is Easy!
Lucas Brenner shows in this article that personal financial organization can be simple, although it requires acquiring your own knowledge instead of financial advice.
Advantages of Analog Planning in the Digital Age
Even in the digital age, analog planning has advantages over digital planning: one avoids digital media, has a better overview, and it feels better to write on paper.
2022
47 new articles / 5,070 unique website visitors / 7,173 website views / 23,997 pages viewed
December 2022
Live a Quiet Life
Living a calm life takes lifelong practice, according to Lucas Brenner. Focus on what you can change, interpret events positively and breathe, smile, act consciously.
When Success Throws You off Track
Success can have a paralyzing effect just like defeats. However, we must not confuse success with satisfaction, because it can keep us from our work in three ways.
Exercise Is Not a Source of Energy
Exercise is not a source of energy that makes you more alert and energetic in the short term for everyone. Each person should use exercise individually for themselves.
Rules Do Not Have to Restrict You
Rules can be used to shape your life and steer it in the right direction. They should create the stable foundation for your life based on your values and beliefs.
November 2022
Show Presence
Positive presence is helpful in work and everyday life and can improve relationships. Presence includes fulfilling your role without being egotistical or arrogant.
How I Want to Revolutionize My Relationship with Technology
Lucas Brenner offers tips on how to achieve less screen time and significantly limit your technology use, which has unfortunately become rampant these days.
Status Plays a Role Everywhere
The world is based on status. You should know the 3 status games in order to better understand human actions and become truly satisfied and happy using introspection.
October 2022
The Education System Fails at the End of the School Career
Lucas Brenner is committed to improving students' preparation for their lives, because this is the only way to compensate for the weaknesses of the education system.
Templates for All Cases
Lucas Brenner uses templates in many areas to improve and speed up his work. Templates make work easier, avoid mistakes and free up time for more important tasks.
Nothing Works without Sleep
Lucas Brenner explains why sleep is so significant and indispensable as the foundation for the three pillars of life: health, relationships and professional career.
Stop Reflecting!
Reflection and action are inseparable, but must not limit each other. Thinking is an important tool, but innovation requires hard work and productive initiative.
Patience Pays Off
Patience is essential to a successful, satisfied life. There are 2 challenges that make patience difficult, but it still pays off if you follow through with your work.
September 2022
3 Phases of Progress
There are three stages of progression: Acquisition of Tools, Conceptual Learning and Conscious Application. But only in the last stage do you really learn something.
5 Habits against Aging
In this article, Lucas Brenner writes about the five most important habits that can help you achieve a long life in which you feel good, and stay healthy.
My €3,000 Mistake I'm Not Responsible For
In this article, Lucas Brenner writes about the three lessons he learned from his €3,000 mistake that was not his fault and that you are responsible for everything.
My Journey to the Other End of the World
My excursion to Kyrgyzstan is one of the most influential experiences of my life. The trip was a great experience and I was able to grow academically and personally.
August 2022
Each Project Needs Its Own Folder
In this article, Lucas Brenner explains why each project needs its own folder. This provides more order, mental peace and enables creative connections between projects.
July 2022
3 Steps to a Better Newsletter
In this article, Lucas Brenner writes about three simple ways to improve an email newsletter: no false promises, decluttering, and building relationships with readers.
Handle Projects like Your Homework
In this article, Lucas Brenner explains why you should handle projects like homework and complete them as quickly as possible as long as you're in the right mindset.
The Most Common Second Brain Mistakes
In this article, Lucas Brenner writes about the five most common Second Brain misconceptions and the solutions to these mistakes to improve your own Second Brain.
Self-Help Seminars Are Pointess
In this article, Lucas Brenner explains why self-help seminars are pointless and a waste of money. Change takes perseverance, diligence and work and not just listening.
Breathing as a Cure for Stress
In this article, Lucas Brenner writes about five important breathing techniques you can use to improve your productivity. It can also counteract stress symptoms.
June 2022
Give and Receive Better Gifts
In this article, Lucas Brenner writes about how to give and receive better gifts. Immaterial gifts are often better. Gifts don't always have to be part of a party.
Code Generators Are Harmful
In this article, Lucas Brenner explains why he finds code generators harmful: They cause more work, create unnecessary clutter and prevent you from learning.
Improve Your Bad Days
In this article, Lucas Brenner writes about working on your bad days instead of your good days. You can't let them destroy your hard-earned progress on your goals.
The Eternal Student
In this article, Lucas Brenner writes about why you should remain a student forever and learn new things instead of being convinced that you already know everything.
May 2022
Memento Mori
In this article, Lucas Brenner writes about the Roman, timeless proverb Memento Mori, which translates to Be aware of your own mortality, and is still relevant today.
What You Can Learn about Habits from Children
In this article, Lucas Brenner writes about what children instinctively know about habits. Your routines have to be fun if you want to keep them up in the long run.
Bravely Standing Out from the Crowd
In this article, Lucas Brenner explains how to confidently and boldly stand out from the crowd and how to overcome the inner resistance to be the first to volunteer.
Every Project Needs a Checklist
In this article, Lucas Brenner writes about how checklists are useful for any project. Checklists help you work in a more organized, focused and goal-oriented way.
The Zeigarnik Effect Can Destroy Productivity
In this article, Lucas Brenner writes about the pros and cons of the Zeigarnik effect and which techniques can be used to productively integrate it into everyday life.
April 2022
The Only Productivity Trick That Really Works
In this article, Lucas Brenner introduces the Rule of Three, the only productivity trick that can improve your productivity and your workflow with little effort.
Read More and Better with 5 Tips
In this article, Lucas Brenner gives you 5 tips to help you read more. Classics, different types of books, a formula and much more will help you achieve your goal.
The Return of the Budget Plans
In this article, Lucas Brenner writes about his Excel budget plan for managing your finances with ease and why everyone should keep one in today's consumer society.
March 2022
Why Handwriting Is Better than Typing
In this article, Lucas Brenner writes about why handwriting is better than typing digitally on a computer or smartphone. Handwriting has advantages when brainstorming.
Brainstorming Properly
In this article, Lucas Brenner writes about the three steps of brainstorming and the principles of collecting ideas in groups to make it as productive as possible.
Philosophy of Technology Use
In this article, Lucas Brenner writes about how to to start with digital minimalism to fight your media addiction, so you don't spend too much time in front of screens.
My Fight against Perfectionism
In this personal article, Lucas Brenner shares his experience with perfectionism and his three-point strategy for winning the battle against his quest for perfection.
February 2022
Maintaining Your Toolbox
In this article, Lucas Brenner explains the concept of the digital toolbox, the requirement for efficient work and focus, and explains how you can maintain it.
Gratitude Is the Way to Happiness
In this article, Lucas Brenner writes about how gratitude is the scientifically proven path to happiness. Happy people show gratitude and have a positive perspective.
Why My Articles Are Not Perfect
In this article, Lucas Brenner explains why perfectionism is bad. In the beginning, it's about quantity to improve your skills. Quality develops slowly over time.
The Best Programs for the Digital Everyday Life
In this article, Lucas Brenner presents some apps that make everyday digital life easier and faster. If you use these programs, you can save a lot of time during work!
January 2022
How I Organize My Notes
In this article, Lucas Brenner explains the folder structure he uses to organize his digital notes. Organizing your digital life is becoming increasingly important.
How to Let Go
In this article, Lucas Brenner writes about the steps necessary to let go of loved ones, possessions, or outdated mindsets. Letting go is important to be happy.
How I Plan to Improve the Quality of My Sleep
In this article, Lucas Brenner writes about his sleep routines and how he wants to improve his sleep quality. Sleep is very important for a healthy, fulfilling life!
Book Summaries Are Not Always Useful
In this article, Lucas Brenner explains the four types of nonfiction books and how to distinguish between them easily. Book summaries are not useful for every book.
Why Productivity Should Not Be the Goal
In this article, Lucas Brenner writes about why living a fulfilled, satisfied life with mindfulness is worth more than just being efficient and productive at work.
2021
28 new articles / 2,819 unique website visitors / 3.672 website views / 9.674 pages viewed
December 2021
The Impossible List
In this article, Lucas Brenner explains what an Impossible list is. Lucas Brenner also explains the differences between an Impossible List and a Bucket List.
The Benefits of Regular Cleaning
In this article, Lucas Brenner writes about the many surprising benefits of cleaning up. Regular cleaning leads to a clear mind, more discipline and simplification.
Guiding Principles for a Better Life
In this article, Lucas Brenner shares his life vows and explains why you should write down your own moral guiding principles to grow. You need to know your values.
How I Organize My E-books
In this article, Lucas Brenner explains how he organizes his e-books into collections on his Kindle. The folders allow him to access his books quickly.
November 2021
Dealing with Stress Healthily
In this article, Lucas Brenner writes about methods for lowering your stress levels. Dealing with stress in a healthy way is possible if you follow these easy steps.
Creating a Knowledge Library
In this article, Lucas Brenner explains his system of knowledge libraries, through which you can read and retain books more effectively with the help of summaries.
The Power of Checklists
In this article, Lucas Brenner writes about the advantages of checklists. With digital templates, they structure the day, improve processes and facilitate planning.
Plus Minus Equal
In this article, Lucas Brenner explains Frank Shamrock's plus-minus-equal formula, which every person needs to be successful and to develop helpful skills.
October 2021
Avoiding Overwhelm
In this article, Lucas Brenner explains his strategies for mitigating stress and anxiety: a plan, a system, a tidy environment, a task inbox, and many more techniques.
Why Geography Defines the World
In this article Lucas Brenner writes about the great importance of geography in today's world. Geography can be applied almost everywhere and explain many processes.
Viral Routines Are Too Complex
In this article, Lucas Brenner describes the key components of a simple morning and evening routine. Viral routines are too complex. Good habits have to be simple.
The Opposite of Pleasure Is Depression
In this article, Lucas Brenner explains why work should mean joy. Your own job does not have to be a duty, it should be fun and meaningful: this article is the solution.
The Opportunities beyond the Comfort Zone
In this article, Lucas Brenner writes about the three zones of comfort, comfort zone, expansion zone and panic zone, that enable long-term, sustainable growth.
September 2021
Goals vs. Systems
In this article, Lucas Brenner writes about the conflict between goals and systems. In addition, Lucas Brenner explains that you need goals and systems to succeed.
My Text Playlist
In this article, Lucas Brenner explains what a text playlist is and why you should create one yourself. He shares articles and essays that have inspired him himself, too.
Limits of Control
In this article, Lucas Brenner writes about two central principles of Stoicism. With these key concepts, you are balanced, calm and relaxed, no matter what is happening.
How to Use Attention Better
Attention is a scarce resource, according to Lucas Brenner. This article shows how you can make better use of your attention by consuming higher-quality information.
August 2021
Planning the Day
In this article, Lucas Brenner explains how he plans his day and his appointments. It's about calendars, to-do lists and reflection that lead to higher productivity.
How to Improve Your Habits
Changing your habits is closely related to your psyche. Lucas Brenner presents various techniques for developing positive habits for everyone in this article.
3 Types of Fun
In this article, Lucas Brenner writes about the three types or kinds of fun: no fun, delayed fun, and pure fun. This makes it easier to maintain new habits.
Why My Website Is Minimalistic
In this article, Lucas Brenner explains why his website is minimalist. The simple design makes the website fast, focused, and future-proof. There are no distractions.
What I Learned from My First Speech
In this article, Lucas Brenner shares the lessons he learned from his first public speech. He writes about what to keep in mind during a speech and how to give a great speech.
July 2021
How to Remember Your Life
In this article, Lucas Brenner writes about how to remember your life. Daily highlights, contacts, intentional photography and life milestones are important for this.
Review Your Own Life
In this article Lucas Brenner writes about his diary routine and why everyone should keep a diary. Through this practice, one is more mindful, attentive and reflective.
Progress Is Better Than Perfection
In this article, Lucas Brenner writes about the urge to over-plan. Perfectionism is not helpful, because it prevents progress. You should simply start and improve along the way.
Why Everyone Should Have a Personal Website
In this article, Lucas Brenner explains why everyone should have a website. A website is like a business card that can help with job applications and finding your voice.
Programming Without Previous Knowledge
In this article Lucas Brenner explains how he programmed his website himself without any previous knowledge. He writes about his approach, techniques and resources.
Personal Podcast
In this personal podcast, Lucas Brenner introduces himself and you have the opportunity to get to know him better. Each episode is about one to three minutes long.