Today I had a massive epiphany.

I was cleaning two air conditioning units at home earlier so that they cool efficiently.

(Thanks to my dad who made sure I was involved in all handyman projects growing up, I'm pretty handy around the house.)

I'm proud to say I consider myself pretty good at it. Watched the repairman and YouTube, and figured it out. Over the last few years, I've refined it to a point I finish both units in 30 to 40 minutes.

Essentially, I've gotta remove the outer shell, the filters, blow the accumulated moisture into the drip tray, remove the tray, clean everything, and reassemble.

It is by no means a deep clean (I engage a professional twice a year for that), but it's something I have to do at least once every two months.

The most time-consuming thing is to blow the moisture out. The drier I get the insides, the cooler and more efficient the unit.

I've been using this small and powerful vacuum cleaner with a blower function for at least a year.

Today, I found myself wishing that I had a stronger blower, so I could work more effectively. There was still quite a bit of moisture inside, and I couldn't seem to blow it out.

At this point, I was getting frustrated.

And for some reason, I stopped work and stared at the vacuum cleaner in my hands.

Bam!

It occurred to me to remove the dust collector.

And the output increased dramatically.

I've been using the vacuum, in the same way, the entire year, and I kept complaining that I wanted a better way of cleaning.

One little change, and instantly I was getting more work done in less time.

One tiny change to an existing tool and I was instantly more effective.

I cleaned the units even faster, and now as of this writing, they're cooler than ever.

How often have we been using the same methods and tools, often unconsciously, getting the same results, and wishing for better?

I thought I was pretty good at cleaning the air conditioners. Efficient even.

All it took was for a small change to an existing tool and my effectiveness doubled.

It's not enough to be efficient, and yet still be ineffective.

Efficiency + effectiveness = peak productivity.

The lesson for me:

1. Regularly evaluate existing tools, methods, processes, systems.

2. Ask: how can this be more effective? (not efficient)

It's the same with our finances, we use many tools, often unconsciously.

Our habits are essentially the unconscious tools and methods we use daily.

What are unconscious habits that are tripping us up?

How can we hack our habits to manage our money effectively?

Opinions are welcome. :)