HOW DO I STAY GOING? CAN IT HELP YOU?

My System for Fearless Productivity in the Face of MS

In 2020, my life was given a new, sharp focus. A diagnosis of progressive Multiple Sclerosis (MS) brought fear, uncertainty, and a host of new physical challenges. But it also gave me an incredible opportunity—an opportunity to share the systems I’ve long used to navigate my life, systems that suddenly became non-negotiable.

As the creator of Fearless Productivity, I’ve always been passionate about finding ways to be personally productive and to treasure each moment. But after my diagnosis, this wasn't just a passion; it became a necessity.

I must have a system.

That’s the first and most important lesson MS has taught me about productivity. It’s not about "hustle culture." It’s about building an external framework that supports you when your internal resources—be it memory, energy, or focus—are running low.

Here are a few ways my productivity system specifically helps me manage the realities of MS and still create impact.

1. I Built a "Second Brain" to Fight Brain Fog

MS brain fog is real. It can feel like walking through mud just to find a specific thought or a simple fact. Because of this, I am a firm believer in the "Second Brain" concept, championed by Tiago Forte. I cannot keep everything in my head. I have to capture what I need, want, and wish to do in a trusted, external place.

My system allows me to "capture what you need, want, and wish to do," not necessarily to complete everything today. It’s a "mental thought capture tool." This way, when I do have the energy and clarity to work, I’m not spending it trying to remember what I was supposed to do. The plan is already there, waiting for me.

2. I "Attack" the Day—Flexibly

The reference article I mentioned talks about using the Eisenhower Matrix to prioritize, especially based on energy levels. This is critical. On a high-energy day, my priorities look very different than on a low-energy or "flare-up" day.

This is where my C.A.M.P. framework comes in. The "A" in C.A.M.P. stands for Attack: identifying and focusing on the most important task for the day.

• On a good day: "Attack" might mean making significant progress on a new play I’m writing in Scrivener or outlining a new podcast episode.

• On an MS flare-up day: "Attack" is scaled way back. It might simply be "answer the one email that's causing a bottleneck" or "pay that one important bill."

The goal is to achieve a sense of progress and peace, no matter my physical state. This flexibility is the only way to remain productive without burning out.

3. I Use My Task Manager for People, Not Just Tasks

This is perhaps the most important part of my system. My productivity isn't just about my career or my creative projects. As I always say, people and creativity are the foundation for our lives.

When you're managing a chronic illness, it's easy to become isolated. When you feel unwell, you cancel plans. You disappear. But the "P" in my C.A.M.P. framework stands for Partner. It’s a reminder to avoid isolation, to share, to listen, and to give.

I use my primary task manager, Todoist, to manage this.

Yes, I have my projects and article deadlines in there. But I also have recurring reminders to connect with the people who are vital to my "spiritual and mental well-being." My system reminds me to check in with a friend, schedule a call with a family member, or follow up with a colleague. I’ve used it for eight years to manage these complex, vital relationships.

My system ensures that even when I’m low on energy, I don't let the most important things—the people I love—fall through the cracks. It's how I ensure I can "spend time with those we love unencumbered by routines."

4. I "Create" Every Day, No Matter How Small

The "C" in C.A.M.P. is for Create. For me, this is medicine. MS can feel like it's taking things away from you. Creating—making something new that goes beyond routine—is how I fight back. It fosters growth and reminds me of what I cando. Some days, "create" means writing for two hours in Scrivener. Other days, it just means writing one good sentence or journaling a single idea. The scale doesn't matter. The act of creation itself replenishes my spirit.

My system isn't about becoming a machine. It’s about creating a structure that allows me to be human—to manage my health, nurture my relationships, and pursue my creative goals, even with the challenge of MS. It’s how I practice being fearlessly productive.

My journey—as a fifty-plus-year-old, African American man living with a progressive disease—gives me a unique voice. My hope is that by sharing my system, I can help you find yours, no matter what challenges you may be facing.

Be well,

Winston A. Wilson

Fearless Productivity, part of Sauti Global

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