Breadcrumbs · Free practice series

Improve My Workflow

You know the work. Start with one part that could be simpler.

These exercises help you keep useful context, check a result, and leave a clearer handoff. Use a text editor and the fictional examples. An AI assistant is optional.

Try the first small step

Keep it simple

Note what matters. Check it when you return.

Open the fictional inbox in the first exercise. Read M1 and M3, then write your own Remember and Check next time lines.

Point each line to its original message. Ask another reader what they would check next. If a later message changes the plan or answers the question, update the note.

Open the first exercise on GitHub

Practice with fictional material. Keep real records in the systems approved to hold them.

A way to approach the work

Embrace the Principles

  1. Keep it simple.

    Ask if there is an easier way to do this.

  2. See the steps.

    Describe how you do the work now, step by step.

  3. Automate one part.

    Pick a repeated step and improve that piece first.

  4. Keep your role.

    Decide what still needs your direct involvement.

  5. Check before growing.

    Test, confirm, repeat, and validate. Trust what you can inspect, then scale what works.

  6. Build a system.

    Connect the parts that work so the next task has a starting point.

  7. Apply and refine.

    Use it, notice what changed, and improve the next step.

Read the principles and full practice sequence in Breadcrumbs.

Choose a useful next step

Keep a result you can check and reuse.

Work through the series in order, or open the exercise that fits your current question. Review what you make before using it to direct work.

Make an inbox briefing

Turn fictional messages into a short briefing. Keep a source behind each proposed action so another person can check it.

Try Inbox to briefing

Make a number explainable

Show where a number came from, what was included, and which action it can reasonably inform.

Try the number exercise

Hand the work to someone else

Leave a one-page handoff with the next step, useful sources, and unresolved questions. Have another person try a safe first task.

Try the handoff exercise

The full sequence also covers automating one handoff and reviewing a change before release.

When you need more structure

Use a worksheet. Explore the reasoning.

Breadcrumbs includes worksheets for estimating capacity, requesting a small change, and handing over routine upkeep. Copy the one that answers your question, supply your own figures and owners, and leave unknowns visible.

Download the free workflow worksheets or plan a workflow database.

The wider kit explores how people, AI systems, and shared records can work together: finding current context, passing work clearly, checking evidence, and carrying corrections forward.

Read the Breadcrumbs approachExplore Breadcrumbs workflowsBrowse research in StaleToast

These are guides and templates you can adapt. Any connections to your accounts or automated actions need their own implementation and approval.