The Rise of Personal Productivity: A Journey into Growth Hacking
Introducing “L’il Alex” — My Custom Task Management Tool
This article is the second installment in my exploration of harnessing AI tools to reclaim control from tech giants. In the first part, I discussed the necessity of moving beyond relying on billionaires for our tech needs. Here, I share my personal experience of creating a custom tool with no coding skills and minimal budget.
A few weeks ago, I found myself increasingly frustrated with productivity apps that failed to cater to my unique workflow. Rather than seeking millions of users or venture capital, I opted to create something just for myself. Utilizing plain English prompts with AI tools – a practice known as “vibe coding” – I successfully developed a task management system that mirrors my brain’s workings, costs virtually nothing, and is immune to the whims of unfriendly product managers.
In a tongue-in-cheek homage to the brilliant UK TV show Taskmaster, I named my app “L’il Alex,” in tribute to the show’s creator, “Little” Alex Horne, who serves as the “Taskmaster’s Assistant.” That’s precisely what I needed: a loyal assistant for my tasks!
The Challenge of Productivity
Like many, I have a deep fascination with productivity, yet I continually struggle with conventional productivity tools. After experimenting with dozens of different systems, I often relied on a flawed mental list, a chaotic mix of emails, and a plethora of browser tabs promising to be addressed eventually. This chaotic system inevitably led to tasks falling through the cracks and an uphill battle against tools that weren’t designed for my thought process.
Most task management tools suffer from a significant flaw: they are built for the so-called “average user” rather than adapting to the individual’s unique cognitive pattern. A noteworthy exception is Intend.do, which positions itself as an “intentionality” tool.
Innovating Task Management
Intend.do does an admirable job focusing on daily planning, nudging users to concentrate on tasks tied to broader goals. However, it falls short when it comes to accommodating my future task planning needs. The tool forced a specific worldview onto its users, impacting its usability for me and causing continual abandonment.
The fundamental flaw in productivity software lies in the idea that you are borrowing someone else’s vision of work processes. When that vision clashes with your own, you are left to bluntly adapt or walk away. But who wants to relinquish control?
Building “L’il Alex”
Determined to create a tool tailored to my needs, I envisioned a task manager that seamlessly integrated daily tasks with future task management, unburdened by the philosophical biases of existing software. This is where the magic of “vibe coding” took flight. I began with two AI coding tools, Bolt and Lovable. I simply articulated in plain English what I wanted, skipping technical specifications, wireframes, or user stories. Here’s the initial prompt I provided:
“I would like to create a task manager focusing on today’s tasks while also storing future tasks…”
This simple language allowed the AI to interpret my needs freely. By testing different platforms, I realized that various AI tools interpreted the same request uniquely, which is at the core of vibe coding. The goal isn’t to find the “best” tool but to discover what aligns with your cognitive style.
Refining the Results
Through my exploration, Lovable produced a version closest to my vision, aptly renamed “L’il Alex.” The development journey showcased how different AI tools can yield varying interpretations of the same request. Finding the right fit is paramount—and it becomes about personalizing software that matches your thought processes.
As I continued to develop L’il Alex, I faced challenges like database integration and external link functionality. However, all it took was refining prompts to make necessary adjustments, allowing for fluid iterations without the limitations often imposed by traditional software development cycles.
Initially, I aimed to launch the app entirely for free. But, limitations on my usage led to my decision to invest in a paid Lovable plan. This investment proved worthwhile as it provided the flexibility I needed while still allowing for up to 250 prompts a month.
Why Vibe Coding Matters
As my app evolved, I began adding features organically, including habit tracking and email integration—all merely by voicing my desires. Gone are the days of waiting for roadmaps or struggling with overly gamified productivity apps. The system adapted seamlessly to my needs, free from the burdens of other users’ demands.
The ability to manipulate my environment according to my unique workflow has been an eye-opening experience. It empowers individuals to overcome the limitations imposed by standardized software solutions and encourages innovation from within. Vibe coding allows for dynamic adjustments without needing permission from product managers whose priorities may not align with yours.
Final Thoughts: Seizing Control of Your Productivity
For those who feel overwhelmed or beholden to centralized tech solutions, options exist. You don’t simply have to beg for better software or policy changes; you can take active control of your digital experiences. Whether you’re managing personal productivity, automating workflows, or developing community projects, the tools are now accessible to help you build exactly what you need, without needing coding expertise.
In this evolving landscape of personal productivity tools, the notion of agency has never been more achievable. Sometimes, the best way to escape the control of others is to stop asking for help and take charge of your own solutions.
Filed Under: agency, autonomy, intentional software, l’il alex, personal productivity, task management, taskmaster, vibe coding
Companies: bolt, google, intend, lovable
