If you’re reading this, chances are you’ve hit a point where life feels a bit too full—emails stacking up, chores never-ending, calendar double-booked. You’re not alone. At some point, most of us start to wonder if there’s a better way to handle the day-to-day. That’s where automation steps in.
Automation isn’t just for businesses or hardcore productivity nerds. It’s for parents, professionals, and anyone who wants to spend less time managing life and more time living it. In my book Life by Design, I break down how everyday people are using simple tools and systems to reclaim time, focus on what matters most, and still get everything done.
So how do you know when it’s time to start automating? Here are five clear signs—and how to get started without needing a PhD in computer science.
1. You’re constantly overwhelmed by recurring tasks
If you find yourself paying the same bills every month, writing the same types of emails, or checking the same 10 websites each morning, that’s a red flag. You’re using time and mental energy on things that can run on autopilot.
Start with one task you do at least weekly—like reviewing your to-do list or sending meeting reminders—and look for tools to help. Something as simple as setting up a recurring task in a to-do app or creating a calendar automation can save you minutes every day, which adds up fast.
2. You forget things more than you used to
We all drop the ball now and then. But if reminders, notes, and post-its aren’t cutting it, it’s time to let automation handle the memory load. Life isn’t a test of how much you can juggle mentally—it’s about designing systems that support you.
Smart reminders, automated checklists, and digital note tools with built-in AI (like Notion AI or Google Keep with Assistant) can act as your second brain. I personally use AI prompts to remind me to check in on projects, follow up on emails, and even send birthday messages.
3. You’re always “busy,” but not productive
Being busy doesn’t always mean you’re making progress. If you’re bouncing from one task to the next without gaining traction on your goals, automation can help clear the clutter.
Look at your calendar. Are there blocks of time where you’re reacting instead of creating? Consider automating appointment scheduling with a tool like TidyCal or Calendly. Use email filters to sort out the noise. Automate your morning routine with a smart home setup that adjusts lights, starts coffee, and gives you the news—freeing up energy for your bigger goals.
4. Your energy is maxed out by decision fatigue
When you’re making dozens of small decisions daily—from what to eat to which email to answer first—your brain runs out of steam quickly. Automation removes unnecessary choices, giving you more brainpower for things that matter.
Start by automating low-stakes decisions. Have groceries delivered on a schedule. Use a weekly meal plan app. Buy and use a robot vacuum. Let smart routines handle your home lighting and temperature. The fewer micro-decisions you make, the more bandwidth you’ll have to tackle creative or strategic work.
Editor’s Note: If you’d like to learn how to apply some automation techniques to your health and fitness to give yourself more energy, check out how I did it in my health and fitness journey.
5. You’ve said “there’s got to be a better way” at least three times this week
That little voice in your head? Listen to it. If you’re repeatedly frustrated by inefficiency, you’re ready for automation. You don’t need to go full robot-mode. Just begin by asking: “What small part of this could I automate?”
In Life by Design, I walk readers through identifying their biggest time drains and creating a personalized automation plan. You don’t have to overhaul your whole life—just one system at a time. Start with your calendar. Then your email. Then your smart home. Before long, you’ll notice you’re spending more time doing the things you enjoy—and fewer hours stuck in the grind.
Getting Started: A Simple Plan
If any of these signs hit home, it’s time to act. Start by picking one area of your life that causes daily friction. Then, explore these beginner-friendly tools:
- To-do/task management: Todoist, TickTick, or Microsoft To Do
- Scheduling: TidyCal or Calendly
- Email cleanup: Gmail filters, Unroll.me
- Smart home automation: Alexa, Home Assistant, or Google Home routines
- AI assistance: ChatGPT for emails, social media content, or quick research
You don’t need to be tech-savvy to start automating. You just need a willingness to experiment. Start small, build confidence, and soon you’ll find you’ve created space in your life—not by working harder, but by working smarter.
If you’re ready to go deeper, grab a copy of Life by Design—I’ve packed it with tools, tips, and real-world examples of how automation can help you live a more intentional, less hectic life. It’s available in audiobook, paperback, hardcover, and e-book formats in bookstores everywhere.
