Think Less, Get More Done: A System That Keeps You Clear

Name: Think Less, Get More Done: A System That Keeps You Clear
Rating: 4.7 (2 reviews)

Build a lightweight productivity system that gives you clarity and confidence—fast.

Created bySteve Johnston

Last updated 7/2025

English

What you'll learn

Master Outlook, OneNote & To Do: Build a 15-Minute-a-Day Productivity System
Set up Microsoft To Do as your task engine.
Use OneNote as your second brain to organize ideas and capture context.
Connect all three tools into a frictionless daily workflow.
Prioritize your day using “My Day” and the smart suggestions feature.
Think in projects instead of scattered tasks or apps.

Course content

3 sections • 21 lectures • 1h 46m total length

Introduction to the course3:01
Welcome! In this short video, I’ll give you a quick overview of what this course is about, what kind of transformation you can expect, and how we’ll use tools like Outlook, OneNote, and Microsoft To Do to build your own productivity system. You can DOWNLOAD the slide deck here!!!
RAW Video: Steve on this Course1:21
Who am I? Steve Johnston1:20
Get to know your instructor. I’ll share a bit about my background as a business optimizer, entrepreneur, and consultant. This system wasn’t created in theory — it was forged in real life, managing clients, content, and daily chaos.
Course content1:46
Let’s walk through what’s inside the course. I’ll outline each major milestone, how the lessons connect, and how everything leads toward you applying this framework to one real project in your life.
Why you are here?5:53
Most of us don’t struggle with laziness — we struggle with overload. In this session, I’ll reframe how you think about time and show why the way we’ve been taught to manage it doesn’t fit business owners, creatives, or anyone juggling multiple roles.

Milestone 1 - Think in Projects, Not Apps9:35
We begin with a mindset shift. You’ll learn why managing your time through scattered apps and endless to-do lists fails, and how switching to project-based thinking helps you focus, plan, and execute with clarity.
RAW Video: Steve on Projects and Acronyms1:33
Milestone 2 - Outlook - Your Central Command Part 19:08
In this first part of Milestone 2, we begin transforming Microsoft Outlook into your personal command center. You’ll learn how to reframe Outlook beyond just email — turning it into a hub that gives you visibility, control, and structure across your week.
Milestone 2 - Outlook - Your Central Command Part 25:17
Now that your Outlook is positioned as your control center, we’ll dive into structuring your calendar. You’ll learn how to block time using Builder Blocks and focus periods that align with your energy and weekly flow.
Milestone 2 - Outlook - Your Central Command Part 38:57
We refine how to use Outlook to drive strategic decisions, not just manage appointments. Learn to visually segment time, anchor key tasks to blocks, and support your week’s momentum through calendar clarity.
Milestone 2 - Outlook - Your Central Command Part 45:51
This final part integrates Outlook with your project rhythm. You’ll learn how to defend your Builder Blocks, link your time to real priorities, and keep Outlook aligned with how you want to work and feel.
RAW Video: Steve on Outlook and EMAILS!0:58
Milestone 3 - OneNote - Your Second MEMORY10:57
In Milestone 3, we focus on OneNote as your contextual brain. You’ll learn how to capture project notes, organize thought threads, and support clarity — without mental clutter — by building a reliable second brain.
RAW Video: Steve on Brain and USB Key1:05
Milestone 4 - To Do - Your Task Engine16:32
Now we bring tasks into the system. You’ll structure Microsoft To Do by project, tag high-leverage items, and connect tasks to Builder Blocks so you always know what to do — and when to do it.
Milestone 5 - My Day Suggestions - Your Daily Compass13:17
In this milestone, we explore the power of “My Day” inside Microsoft To Do. You’ll learn how to prioritize without overwhelm and use daily suggestions as a practical way to keep momentum without overcommitting.
RAW Video: Steve MS ToDo being misused1:23

Final Step - Make it Stick3:11
You now have a working productivity system. This video helps you lock in the weekly review rhythm, protect your most valuable time, and adapt your system as you grow and scale.
RAW Video: Steve on YOU can do it!1:10
EXTRA - Cheat Sheet & Scenarios3:29
This lecture contains extra materials like printable checklists, templates, and real-life scenarios. Use these resources to customize your system and build resilience in different types of weeks.
Conclusion1:06
Congratulations — you made it! In this final session, I’ll share some parting thoughts and suggestions for where to go next. You now have the clarity and structure to own your time with confidence.

Requirements

Having a BASIC Microsoft 365 license

Description

Class Overview

Most people think they have a productivity problem—but what they actually have is a systems problem.

In this class, you’ll learn how to build a connected time management system using the Microsoft 365 tools you already have: Outlook, OneNote, and Microsoft To Do.

Whether you're overwhelmed by endless emails or struggling to stay on top of projects, this course will show you how to tame the chaos and finally get things done—without adding another app to your stack.

What You Will Learn

In this class, you’ll discover how to:

Think in projects instead of scattered tasks or apps.
Turn Outlook into your centralized command hub.
Use OneNote as your second brain to organize ideas and capture context.
Set up Microsoft To Do as your task engine.
Prioritize your day using “My Day” and the smart suggestions feature.
Connect all three tools into a frictionless daily workflow.

Why You Should Take This Class

If you're constantly reacting instead of planning, jumping between tools, or finishing the day without finishing your work—you need a system, not another productivity hack.

This course teaches a practical, repeatable framework to help you:

Spend less time managing your tools.
Focus on the right tasks at the right time.
Make room for personal time, family, and long-term goals.

I’ve built this method over years of consulting, entrepreneurship, and real-world trial and error—working across multiple projects and clients at the same time. It’s designed to work inside the tools you already use, so you can stop app-hopping and start executing.

Who This Class Is For

This class is for busy people—whether you're a professional, solopreneur, creator, or consultant—who want more clarity, efficiency, and free time in their day. No prior productivity training is needed. You’ll need access to a basic Microsoft 365 account with Outlook, OneNote, and Microsoft To Do (online or desktop).

Materials/Resources

All you need is:

A Microsoft 365 basic account (online or desktop)
The included PDF slide deck
Provided checklist, acronym system template, and planning worksheet

Who this course is for:

Busy people wanted to be more productive: Entrepreneurs, Consultants, Students, etc.

Think Less, Get More Done: A System That Keeps You Clear

What you'll learn

Explore related topics

Course content

Introduction5 lectures • 13min

Milestones 1 to 5 on MS36512 lectures • 1hr 25min

Final Steps, EXTRA and Conclusion4 lectures • 9min

Requirements

Description

Who this course is for: