Boosting productivity with the FUI framework

Overwhelmed with tasks that keep piling up? Whether it's the never-ending to-do list or the fear of missing out on life's ambitions, it's time to take control.

Let me introduce you to a powerful tool to help you knock down your task list. It’s called the FUI (pronounced as 'phew') framework.

Imagine the relief and satisfaction when you conquer your tasks and say, "Phew, I did it!"

Let’s dive in.

⚒️ Set it up

Create a table with five columns. You can do it digitally or on paper.

Label the columns as What, Why, F, U, and I (more on this in a bit).

🧠 → 📄 Download from your mind to doc

It's time to unload the tasks cluttering your mind onto the table you just created.

For every task, write the ‘What’ followed by a short ‘Why’ to clarify its importance.

Make sure your task starts with a verb to make it action-oriented. e.g., Write an article, design a screen, go to the gym, email 10 prospects.

⌛️ Each task should be manageable within an hour. If a task requires more time, break it into smaller chunks and focus on the first part.

Writing down the reason behind each task brings clarity and helps you discern its true significance. For example, you may realize that finding the matching pair of socks isn’t particularly as crucial as you initially thought.

FUI Framework with whats and whys.

☑️☑️☑️ Mark your FUIs

The last three columns stand for ‘F’ (feasible), ‘U’ (urgent), and ‘I’ (important).

Review each task and determine its feasibility. Revisiting the feasibility ensures you stay grounded and avoid wishful thinking.

Let’s say you are thinking of attending an out-of-state conference on a tight budget. While the conference may offer valuable networking opportunities and industry insights, the financial constraints and logistical challenges may make it unfeasible in the current circumstances.

If a task isn’t feasible, ignore the remaining two columns. For tasks marked as feasible, proceed to mark them as urgent and/or important.

Once you’re done marking your FUIs, it’s time to prioritize:

• Tasks not marked feasible → IGNORE (obviously).

• Tasks marked as feasible, urgent, not important → IGNORE.

• Tasks marked as feasible, important, not urgent → SCHEDULE in your calendar.

• Tasks marked as FUI (feasible, urgent, and important) → DO IT NOW!

⚡️Get going

Take up your first FUI task. Set a 1-hr timer on Forest or a timer like this to help you focus.

Dive in!

Pro Tips

1. Take a 10-minute break between each FUI task to recharge and maintain focus. Step outside for a short walk or simply gaze at natural greenery 🌱 to refresh your mind and eyes. If you can't access the outdoors, show some love to the indoor plant in your workspace or indulge in a cup of tea or playtime with your pet or child.

2. Stay hydrated! Add a lemon wedge 🍋 to your glass of water for a boost of essential minerals.

3. Celebrate your accomplishments, no matter how small, to stay motivated. Acknowledge and reward yourself for completing tasks or achieving milestones, reinforcing a positive mindset.

It's funny how the more tasks we have on our plate, the harder it becomes to pay attention to just one in spite of knowing that the inability to focus is the biggest productivity killer.

Using this framework gives me peace of mind that I’m working on what matters the most 😇

Why did the to-do list go to therapy? Because it had too many ‘issues’ to handle!