Over the years, I’ve tried countless productivity tools—apps, planners, templates—you name it. But the system that’s stuck with me the longest? It’s something I call The TNX System. It’s simple, portable, and inspired by the bullet journal method. The twist? It lives entirely in plain text.
At its core, TNX is a digital bullet journal. Instead of relying on fancy apps or feature-packed software, it uses nothing more than text—just letters, really. Here’s how it works:
That’s the core of it. But I also use optional markers like:
Each item is written on a single line, starting with one of these capital letters. No checkboxes, no coding—just fast, frictionless writing.
What I love most about the TNX system is that it’s more than just a format—it’s a way of writing and thinking. It’s not tied to any one platform or tool. You can use it:
In fact, I even built my own text editor specifically to support the TNX system. It’s been my go-to across multiple devices for years—and it’s held up incredibly well.
Using TNX is refreshingly simple:
Tab (or just add spaces if you’re on mobile).Why capital letters instead of symbols like “-” or “*”? Because it’s faster. You don’t need to press modifier keys, and it feels more direct. Just one keystroke, and you’re ready to go.
The TNX system has become second nature to me. It’s minimal, flexible, and entirely in my control. If you’re tired of overcomplicated productivity systems and just want something you can use—without thinking too much about it—give TNX a try.
Sometimes, the best tools are the ones we invent ourselves.