Tracking Progress: A Year of Experiments with Productivity Systems

As 2024 ends, I'm reflecting on my yearlong experiment with different productivity tracking methods. Like many creators juggling multiple projects—in my case, writing and programming—finding the right system to maintain motivation and track progress has been a journey of trial and error.

My experiment revolves around three distinct tracking methods: a Basecamp weekly Check-In, a wall calendar using a variant of the "Seinfeld Method," and a Field Notes journal. Each system serves a different purpose and comes with its own strengths. I didn't really commit to experimenting between all three until late February.

The backbone of my accountability system has been Basecamp's automated weekly check-ins. Every week since November 2021, I receive an email prompt asking about my accomplishments. These reports go to Cathy Wilson, providing external accountability that has proven remarkably effective—I've only missed two or three check-ins out of 161 weeks. It helps that we use Basecamp for family activities.

I started using a wall calendar inspired by Jerry Seinfeld's "don't break the chain" method. In February, I shifted from a simple mark of what I was working on to a short snippet of detail. In October, I opted to continue with the calendar since NeuYear offered a two-year (front & back) calendar. I have a variant of this at work based on the Fiscal Year.

The visual impact of marking progress has been compelling, with only about 12 missed weeks since I started (I didn't count). The calendar didn't come into play until February 3rd, when I began comparing its effectiveness with the notebook method.

The Field Notes experiment—a 6x9-inch notebook next to my keyboard—has had mixed results. Despite its convenient placement, I've only maintained entries about 50-60 percent of the time. One 80-page notebook has lasted from February until now, filled with more detailed daily progress notes on both writing and programming.

Interestingly, the gaps in my tracking coincide with periods of intense work or travel, particularly notable in August and September. Recent headaches have also impacted my ability to maintain consistent tracking, highlighting how external factors can affect even the best-laid productivity plans.

The most effective element has been automated accountability. Basecamp's scheduled check-ins, combined with having someone expecting my responses, has created a nearly unbroken chain of progress updates. The wall calendar provides a satisfying visual representation of progress, while the notebook offers deeper insight into daily activities—when I remember to use it.

What will I do in 2025? I can't make a conclusion on one try. The Calendar and Notebooks will resume on 1 January. The Check-In is automated, so I'll get pinged on 30 December.