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The True Power of Templates, Checklists, and SOPs
Have you ever read a great book, watched a brilliant video, or attended a workshop, only to forget the key takeaways when you needed them most?The problem isn’t your memory—it’s the way you capture and store what you learn.
Benjamin Knight
December 12, 2024
Why Templates, Checklists, and SOPs Matter
Instead of just taking notes, start creating templates, checklists, and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).
These tools turn ideas into repeatable actions, saving you time and mental energy in the future.
Think of them as recipes: once created, you can use them again and again without starting from scratch.
When you don’t need to reread or relearn, you free up energy to refine and improve your methods.
How These Tools Work
Templates make complex tasks simpler by providing a pre-built structure to follow.
Checklists ensure you never miss a step, whether you’re launching a project or packing for a trip.
SOPs help teams work consistently, efficiently, and at a higher standard.
The best part? You can improve these tools over time based on experience and new insights.
How to Get Started
Here’s how to start: when you learn something valuable, turn it into an actionable framework.
Extract the steps, organize them into a checklist, and refine it as you use it.
For example, after reading a book on productivity, create a weekly planning template.
Include blocks for focused work, batch similar tasks, and schedule time for reviews.
Build Your Personal Knowledge Library
Imagine building a personal library of tools for everything you do.
It’s like having a shortcut to your best ideas and systems whenever you need them.
Don’t just consume information—turn it into action!
What’s the first template, checklist, or SOP you can create today and use forever?
Start now. Your future self will thank you.
P.S.: I know you like examples for inspiration so here’s a freebie for all my precious newsletter subscribers. A template I use before any negotiation based on the book Never Split the Difference: Negotiating As If Your Life Depended On It.