The Y.O.U. Framework: Building Systems That Work With Your Brain

Creating Digital Environments That Support Your Unique Mind

Hey there,

I'm thrilled to dive into May's theme: Mindful Automation! As someone who discovered my ADD and complex-PTSD in my late 20s, I've learned that automation creates the external structure my brain needs to thrive. This month, we'll explore how to create systems that work for Y.O.U., not against you.

This Month's Roadmap: Your Journey to Mindful Automation

Week 1 (This Week): The Y.O.U. Framework

Understanding your unique brain patterns
Learning to observe and optimize your workflow
Starting with simple, maintainable automations
Getting to know Make.com as a neurodivergent-friendly tool

Week 2 (Next Week): Energy-Aware Automation

Mapping your daily energy patterns
Creating automations that respect your boundaries
Building in rest and recovery time
Tools for tracking and optimizing your energy

Week 3: Error-Proofing Your Systems

Creating robust backup processes
Building clear documentation that works for your brain
Setting up effective error notifications
Maintaining systems without overwhelm

Week 4: Bringing It All Together

Reviewing and refining your automation strategy
Creating your personal automation playbook
Building a support system for your automated workflows
Planning your next steps in mindful automation

Important Note About Automation Tools: Before we dive in, I want to share something crucial I learned the hard way. In today's world of AI and automation, it's easy to get caught up in the latest tools and subscriptions. One tutorial could have you paying for $100 in software very quickly. That's why this month's theme focuses on the simple if/then thinking that helps you make your CURRENT tech work better for you. We're not creating brand new workflows; we're adapting your existing tools to work smarter.

A Quick Note About My Services: I'm shifting my focus this year to offer more specialized support for neurodivergent thinkers. Moving beyond general consultations, I'm now offering two focused services: a 30-minute Tech Stack Clarity Session for digital tools optimization and a 75-minute Digital Reset Session for comprehensive workflow transformation. Both are designed specifically for neurodivergent brains looking to create more intentional, efficient, and joy-bringing digital ecosystems. Book a session here.

Main Feature: The Y.O.U. Framework for Mindful Automation

When I first started exploring automation, I made the classic mistake of trying to automate everything. Sound familiar? The result? More complexity, more cognitive load, and more anxiety when systems failed. Through my own journey, I've developed the Y.O.U. framework to help create automation that truly serves us:

Y - Your Unique Brain

How does your brain naturally process information?
What tasks drain your energy vs. energize you?
Which patterns of thinking come naturally to you?

My Story: Working in the software industry, I've tried countless project management tools, always searching for the "perfect" solution. But here's what I've learned: I keep coming back to my trusty text editor and the tools I already know. Even in this AI-driven age, the real power isn't in constantly adopting new tech—it's in mindfully adapting what you already use.

O - Observe & Optimize

Notice which tasks create friction in your workflow
Identify patterns in your daily energy levels
Observe how different tools affect your cognitive load

Pro Tip: Keep a simple log for one week. Note when you feel most energized and when you feel drained. Use this insight to schedule automated tasks during your high-energy periods.

U - Uncomplicate & Understand

Start with one small automation that solves a real pain point
Build in clear error handling and backup processes
Create documentation that works with your memory patterns

My Favorite Tool: Make.com (formerly Integromat) has become my go-to automation tool because it:

Uses visual workflows that match my pattern-seeking brain
Allows for clear error handling and notifications
Provides detailed logging that helps me understand when and why things might fail

Quick Tip: The 2-Minute Y.O.U. Check-In

Before setting up any new automation, I ask myself these three questions:

Does this reduce my cognitive load? If it adds more complexity than it removes, it's not worth it.
Can I maintain this system? I consider my energy patterns and executive function capacity.
What's my backup plan? I always have a simple manual process ready in case the automation fails.

Real Example: Earlier this year, I canceled my Repurpose.io subscription, thinking I could create a more cost-effective solution using Make.com to repurpose my TikTok content across other platforms. After two months of trying to maintain this complex automation, I realized something important: sometimes the "more expensive" tool is actually the more mindful choice. I resubscribed to Repurpose.io because:

It's a tool I already know how to use
It handles social media account monitoring automatically
It requires minimal maintenance from me
The cost is worth the mental energy I save

Tool Spotlight: Make.com for Neurodivergent Thinkers

Make.com has become my favorite automation tool by working with my brain's natural patterns. Here's why I think it might work for you too:

For Visual Thinkers:

Drag-and-drop interface that makes workflows visible
Color-coding options for different types of tasks
Visual error handling that's easy to understand

For Pattern Seekers:

Built-in templates that can be customized
Detailed logging that helps identify patterns
Ability to create reusable modules

For Detail-Oriented Minds:

Granular control over every step
Comprehensive error handling options
Detailed documentation capabilities

Community Corner: Your Automation Journey

I'd love to hear about your experiences with automation! What systems have worked for you? What challenges have you faced? Share your story by replying to this email just to me! Vent it out and let me know, maybe I can help.

Based on your responses to last month's community idea, I'm thrilled to announce that the Pythoness Network Slack Community will launch in mid-July! This will be a space where we can share automation tips, troubleshoot challenges, and support each other in creating systems that support our unique brains.

Personal Update: My Automation Evolution

This week, I've been reflecting on my own automation journey. The biggest shift came when I stopped trying to automate everything and instead focused on automating the right things—the tasks that drain my energy or create unnecessary cognitive load.

For example, I recently simplified my content creation workflow. Rather than trying to automate the entire process, I identified the specific parts that were most draining: remembering to create social media graphics and scheduling posts. By automating just these elements, I've freed up mental energy for the creative parts I actually enjoy.

Remember, mindful automation creates space for what matters most to you. Start small, observe what works, and build from there. Sometimes the most mindful choice isn't the cheapest or most complex solution—it's the one that best supports your unique brain and business needs.

Next week, we'll dive deeper into creating automation that respects your boundaries and energy patterns. Until then, I encourage you to try the 2-Minute Y.O.U. Check-In with one task in your workflow.

With digital care,

The Pythoness Programmer