I’ve been getting more and more annoyed with excess stuff — be it clothes I don’t wear or projects that don’t really need to take priority. Also, as I read the book ‘The Artist’s Way’ I’ve been mulling over the concept of joy and how I can bring more of that into my life. In a moment of frustration I created the 'RAD' framework (named after both its components and a word I use far too often.)
This framework stands for Reduce, Automate, and Delegate, and it’s shaped by the 80/20 Rule, Tim Ferriss’s “The 4-Hour Workweek,” and plenty of other resources on productivity. To me, it’s about cutting the fluff, leaning on technology, and handing tasks off to people (or bots) who can handle them better or faster than I can.
1. Reduce
If I can offer a single starting point for productivity, it’s this: ask yourself, “Is this essential?” If the answer is no, you can probably let it go. When you get rid of non-critical tasks and focus on what truly matters, you clear both headspace and your schedule.
Key Tactics for Reduction:
- Streamline: Shorten those multi-step processes into simpler, direct workflows.
- Simplify: Whenever I’m drowning in complexity, I look for ways to clarify.
- Eliminate: Be honest about which tasks belong in the trash. If it doesn’t move you closer to your goals, ditch it.
2. Automate
Anything that’s necessary but repetitive can likely be automated. You can make AI, apps, and other tools do the heavy lifting. Think about stuff like recurring reminders, scheduling, data entry—basically anything that steals focus from more creative or impactful work.
Key Tactics for Automation:
- AI: Let machine learning handle routine tasks like email replies, chat support, or even brainstorming.
- Modern Tools: Take advantage of integrations and software that link up your calendars, generate daily reports, or manage tasks automatically.
3. Delegate
Once you’ve cut down and automated, what’s left usually needs a real human touch or specialized knowledge. That’s when you bring in others: your team, a virtual assistant, or a trusted contractor. If it doesn’t require your personal attention, consider passing it on.
Key Tactics for Delegation:
- Humans: Maybe you have an awesome colleague or freelancer who can tackle the task faster or better.
- Machines: If no human input is really needed, let bots or scripts take care of it.
Why RAD Works
I love the RAD approach because it’s not just about hustling nonstop; it’s about creating the space to do what you love—things that actually bring you joy. By reducing, automating, and delegating, you’re protecting your time and energy for the work and experiences that make life meaningful.
Try applying the RAD method to just one project or area of your life. Notice what you can cut, figure out which parts you can hand off to tech, and then see if there’s a friend, coworker, or freelancer who can tackle the rest. The ultimate goal? Spend less time buried in busywork and more time enjoying (and creating) what truly matters to you.