The Super Productivity Handbook

Super Productivity is a local-first deep work companion: fast capture, deliberate planning, distraction-resistant timers, and privacy-first sync. Use this handbook to configure a reliable workflow without bolting together multiple tools.

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1) Build Your Backbone

  • Create 2–4 Projects (e.g., Client A, Product, Personal). Avoid deep nesting.
  • Add Tags for context: #review, #blocked, #research, #meeting.
  • Connect integrations:
    • Jira / GitHub / GitLab for issue syncing
    • CalDAV so your calendar is visible while planning
    • WebDAV, Google Drive, or Dropbox if you want portable sync (you hold the keys)

Tip: Everything is stored as plain JSON on your device. You own the database and can script it if needed.

2) Your Daily Flow (15 Minutes)

  • Pick today’s 3–5 outcomes. Drag them into Today; split anything vague into subtasks.
  • Time box the work. Give each task a budget (45m–90m) and keep 20–30% buffer for interrupts.
  • Start a timer from the task. Timers tie directly to tasks/issues; no separate tracker to remember.
  • Leave a trail. Add a one-line note before stopping so you can restart quickly.

3) Protect Focus

  • Choose the right rhythm: Pomodoro (25/5) for admin work, Focus Blocks (50/10 or 90/15) for deep work.
  • Batch by cognitive mode (Coding, Writing, Reviews) to avoid context rebuild time.
  • Turn off pop-ups and run the app offline during focus blocks; Super Productivity doesn’t need a connection.

Related: The Anti-Context Switch Toolkit · Deep Work for Developers

4) Keep Priorities Honest

  • Use a simple Now / Next / Later ranking and re-rank daily.
  • Keep recurring checklists (Release, Demo Prep, Onboarding) as template tasks you duplicate.
  • Park distractions in a quick-capture task instead of leaving the flow.

Related: The Prioritising Scheme

5) Time Tracking That Feels Invisible

  • Start timers from Jira/GitHub/GitLab issues or local tasks – switching tasks switches the timer.
  • Tag billable vs non-billable for clean exports without extra admin.
  • Review the Worklog at day’s end to compare estimates with reality.
  • Export CSVs for invoicing or personal analytics; data stays local unless you choose to sync.

Related: Time Tracking & Work Analytics

6) Sync & Privacy (Local-First by Default)

  • Default: all data lives locally in plain JSON. No telemetry, no accounts.
  • Optional sync:
    • WebDAV (self-host or provider of your choice)
    • Filesystem sync (Dropbox, Nextcloud, Syncthing, git)
    • Encrypted backends where you hold the keys
  • Keep working offline indefinitely; syncing is additive, not required.

Related: Privacy & Productivity: Local-First Development Tools

7) Weekly Review (30–45 Minutes)

  • Review Worklog: Where did time go? Which tasks routinely overran?
  • Reconcile the backlog: Archive stale items, merge duplicates, and clarify next actions.
  • Plan the next week: Define 3 outcomes, attach tasks, and tentatively time box them.
  • Link work: Attach PRs or issue links to tasks you closed for traceability.
  • Backup: Export a JSON snapshot to your chosen sync folder.

Quick-Start Checklist

  • Install the app and pull your current issues
  • Create tags for your main modes (#code, #review, #writing)
  • Block two deep work sessions on your calendar for tomorrow
  • Time box your top three tasks and start the first timer
  • Export a test CSV to confirm reporting looks right

Build Your Deep Work System Today

Super Productivity keeps you in flow: offline-first, distraction-resistant, and integrated with the tools you already use.